The Portugal Golden Visa program provides a diverse range of investment options tailored to suit the preferences and goals of different investors.
Portugal Golden Visa
Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program designed for non-EU citizens, offering a 5-year residence permit. In addition to granting residency in Europe, the program provides high returns on investment, access to top-tier healthcare and education, and an enhanced lifestyle. With minimal stay requirements, strong ROI potential, visa-free travel across the Schengen Area during residency, and access to 190 countries after obtaining citizenship, Portugal’s Golden Visa stands out as one of the best residency options in the EU.
Portugal Golden Visa Program History
Launched in 2012, the Portugal Golden Visa program was designed to attract foreign investment and boost the local economy. In exchange, investors gain the opportunity to contribute to the economy while receiving residency permits that can eventually lead to citizenship. Known globally as one of the most attractive residency programs, the Portugal Golden Visa provides access to a strong passport, the potential for high investment returns, and the option to include family members in the residency.
Investment
Minimum €250,000
Languages
Portuguese, English
Economy
Tourism, Service sector, Real Estate
Currency
€ Euro
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options
Non-Real Estate Scheme
A capital transfer of €500,000 or more into non-real estate collective investment schemes qualifies you for the Portugal Golden Visa.
Research Activities
A capital transfer of €500,000 or more to support research activities carried out by public or private scientific research institutions qualifies you for the Portugal Golden Visa.
Job Creation
An investment of €500,000 to create a minimum of five permanent jobs in new or existing Portuguese companies makes you eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa.
Golden Visa Funds
A capital transfer of €500,000 into government-approved investment funds qualifies you for the Portugal Golden Visa.
Cultural Activities
A capital transfer of €250,000 for investment in artistic production or the preservation of national cultural heritage also qualifies for the Portugal Golden Visa.
According to Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras, a total of 12,718 applicants had successfully obtained residency through the Portugal Golden Visa program by September 2023. Investors are allowed to liquidate their investment after five years and may apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of residency. Additionally, the program permits the inclusion of dependent family members in the application.
Portugal Golden Visa Benefits
The benefits of Portugal Golden Visa by Investment
Portugal Residency and High ROI
The Portugal Golden Visa offers a 5-year residency to investors along with their family members. The application approval process typically takes between 8 to 12 months. With the potential for high returns on investment, the Portugal Golden Visa stands out as a top-tier residency-by-investment option.
Easy Stay Requirements
The Portugal Golden Visa has minimal stay requirements, requiring just a 7-day visit per year. This allows investors to maintain their residency status by spending only a week or more annually in the country.
Low Taxes
The Portuguese government has introduced a new 10-year tax policy to encourage more people to become part of the country. Under the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) scheme, eligible foreigners earning income through employment or self-employment in Portugal benefit from a flat tax rate of 20%.
Portugal Citizenship Qualification
The Portugal Golden Visa serves as a pathway to citizenship for those who meet the necessary requirements. Applicants and their family members who maintain tax residency in Portugal for five years become eligible to apply for Portuguese nationality through naturalization.
Portugal Golden Visa Requirements
The Portugal Golden Visa has straightforward eligibility criteria, which include:
Main applicant must be at least 18 years old
No prior criminal record
Minimum stay of 7 days per year in Portugal
Physical presence in Portugal when required
Maintain the qualifying investment for at least 5 years
Must be in good health condition
Portugal Golden Visa Process
The Portugal Golden Visa process begins with an initial assessment of the main applicant. Below are the detailed steps:
Initial Assessment
The process begins with an initial assessment of the main applicant at Saad Ahsan Residency and Citizenship. During this stage, you’ll receive guidance on the Portugal Golden Visa program, explore suitable investment options, and begin preparing the necessary documentation.
Application Processing
The second step involves the Portuguese authorities processing the application, during which they verify the authenticity of the submitted documents and the investment made.
Investment and Application Submission
The third step includes making the chosen investment and submitting the application. Investment options range from donations and funding research initiatives to job creation, support for cultural activities, and capital transfers.
Approval of Golden Visa
Once the application is processed and approved by the authorities, the Golden Visa residency permit will be issued.
Portugal Golden Visa News and Statistics in 2025
Portugal FDI Performance Ranks 2nd in Western Europe for Foreign Investment Potential
According to the latest announcement by AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum), Portugal achieved a remarkable milestone by issuing 4,978 Golden Visas in 2024 to main applicants and their family members — a 72% increase compared to the previous year. The previous record stood in 2017 with 4,029 issued permits. This surge reflects the Portuguese government’s strong commitment to attracting Foreign Direct Investment through the Portugal Residency by Investment program.
The Portugal Golden Visa investment options range from €250,000 to €500,000, making it one of the most competitive and flexible programs in Europe. The growing demand has intensified further since Spain ended its Golden Visa program and several other European countries tightened their investor residency regulations.
With minimal stay requirements of just seven days per year, the eligibility for citizenship after five years, consistent real estate growth, and Portugal’s status as one of the safest countries globally, the program has become a preferred option for investors seeking a secure second residency. Additionally, Portugal’s Non-Habitual Tax Regime adds to its appeal by offering significant tax advantages, including global income exemptions and a flat 20% tax rate for residents.
According to the Greenfield FDI Performance Index 2025, Portugal has achieved remarkable progress in attracting foreign investment, securing the 2nd position in Western Europe and ranking 16th globally for its investment potential. The Greenfield FDI Index evaluates countries based on the number of new investment projects relative to the size of their economy, highlighting how effectively each nation attracts foreign investors.
Portugal’s impressive performance demonstrates its growing appeal as a prime destination for global investors. The country’s stable economy, investor-friendly policies, and promising returns have positioned it ahead of many Western European counterparts. Investment in Portugal not only ensures access to one of Europe’s most dynamic markets but also opens the door to residency, passive income opportunities, and a world-class lifestyle. Portugal’s success in the Greenfield FDI Index reinforces its reputation as a leading hub for investment and economic growth in Europe.