Portugal
Europe's most popular residence program for global investors and families.
Residence of Portugal.
Portugal's Residence Permit for Investment Activity (the Golden Visa) remains open through cultural-heritage contributions, qualifying venture-capital and private-equity fund subscriptions, scientific-research donations and qualifying job creation. The real-estate route has been closed since October 2023.
Holders receive Schengen-area mobility, the right to live and work in Portugal, and the option to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of holding the permit — without ever relocating permanently to Portugal.
A reformed regime, with planning still possible.
Portugal's well-known Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime was closed to new applicants from 2024 and replaced by a narrower incentive (the Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation, IFICI) targeted at researchers and qualifying highly-skilled professionals.
For all other new residents, Portugal applies standard worldwide taxation at progressive rates. Many investor families opt to hold Portuguese residence without becoming tax-resident, by keeping physical presence below the 183-day threshold.
Golden Visa eligibility under the post-2023 framework.
- ◆Aged 18 or above
- ◆Clean criminal record (Portuguese and home-country)
- ◆Non-EU / non-EEA / non-Swiss national
- ◆Verifiable lawful source of funds
- ◆Spouse / de facto partner
- ◆Children under 18 (and dependent children under 26 in full-time education)
- ◆Dependent parents of the principal or spouse (aged 55+ where unsupported)
- ◆EUR 500,000 into a qualifying Portuguese venture-capital or PE fund, OR cultural-heritage / scientific-research contributions, OR qualifying job creation
- ◆Only 7 days of physical presence required per year (14 days per 2-year renewal)
- ◆Citizenship eligibility after 5 years of residence
Day 0 to Portuguese residence and (year 5) citizenship.
- Day 0
Engagement & KYC
Onboarding, KYC and selection of the qualifying investment vehicle.
- Month 1 – 3
Investment & NIF
Portuguese tax number (NIF) issued; investment subscribed and confirmed by depository.
- Month 3 – 5
Pre-approval & biometrics
AIMA pre-approves the file; biometrics appointment scheduled in Portugal.
- Month 9 – 14
Residence card issuance
Initial 2-year residence card issued for the family.
- Year 5
Citizenship application
After 5 years of residence (and basic A2 Portuguese), apply for Portuguese — and EU — citizenship.
Request a confidential briefing on Portugal.
Our advisors will assess your eligibility, your existing residency footprint and your reporting exposure before recommending a structure.