What is the Portugal Golden Visa?
Portugal: Your Gateway to European Citizenship
The Portugal Golden Visa (officially known as the Residence Permit for Investment Activity) is a residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU citizens to obtain a Portuguese residence permit through qualifying investments.
Launched in 2012, it has become one of Europe’s most attractive residency programs due to its low minimum stay requirements and clear pathway to citizenship.
With a Portugal Golden Visa, you gain the right to live, work and study in Portugal, while only needing to spend an average of 7 days per year in the country. The program also grants visa-free travel across the EU Schengen Area. After five years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship, unlocking visa-free access to over 188 countries worldwide.
Recognized as one of the most flexible and rewarding investment residency programs globally, Portugal’s Golden Visa is ideal for those seeking secure investments, favourable tax benefits and a streamlined route to European citizenship.
Why Portugal?
Portugal leads with the most attractive Golden Visa program in Europe, offering dual citizenship without requiring you to renounce your original nationality
Since joining the European Union in 1986, Portugal has stood out as one of the most attractive pathways to residency and citizenship in Europe.
Becoming a Portuguese citizen means holding one of the world’s most powerful passports, with visa-free travel to over 188 countries and the freedom to live, work and study anywhere in the EU. It’s not just a legal status; it’s a gateway to global opportunities and a secure future for you and your family.
What Makes Portugal Exceptional?
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World-Class Healthcare & Education: Enjoy access to world-class healthcare services and leading universities at very affordable prices.
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Safety & Stability: Portugal is consistently ranked among the safest and most peaceful countries in the world, in 2025, it earned the position of the 7th safest country globally.
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Tax Benefits: No tax on foreign-sourced income and highly attractive programs like Non-Habitual Resident 2.0 (NHR 2.0).
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Unmatched Quality of Life: Over 300 days of sunshine, breathtaking coastlines, rich culture, and exceptional gastronomy.
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Generational Advantage: Portuguese citizenship is hereditary, creating a legacy for your family.
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Welcoming Population: Most Portuguese speak English, ensuring an easy transition and warm integration.
Key Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa
Unlock European Citizenship for you and your family from €200,000
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Residency in Portugal – Gain the right to live, work, and study in a country renowned for its outstanding quality of life, modern healthcare, and excellent education system. Portugal is ranked as the 7th safest country in Europe, making it an ideal place for families and investors.
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Minimal Stay Requirements – Maintain residency with an average of just 7 days per year in Portugal.
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Fast Track to EU Citizenship – Become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship and a passport after 5 years, unlocking full EU rights. The Portuguese passport is ranked among the Top 4 globally, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 188 countries.
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Visa-Free Travel – Enjoy unrestricted movement across all 29 Schengen Area countries, simplifying European travel.
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Family Reunification – Include your spouse, children, and dependent parents under one application, ensuring a smooth relocation for the whole family.
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Flexible Investment Options – Choose from €200,000 in cultural donations to €500,000 in investment funds, scientific research, or job creation.
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Investment thought Retirement Accounts – Investments can be structured through IRA/401(k) accounts (U.S. citizens) or RRSPs (Canada citizens), making it tax-efficient for international investors.
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Tax Advantages – No tax obligation on worldwide income if not a tax resident. You can also benefit from the Non-Habitual Resident 2.0 (NHR 2.0) regime, offering favorable tax treatment for 10 years.
Who the Portugal Golden Visa is for?
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International investors seeking a European backup plan.
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Families looking for future mobility and security namly high quality education and public healthcare.
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High-net-worth individuals diversifying through regulated investments.
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U.S. investors wanting to leverage IRA or 401(k) retirement accounts for international diversification.
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Canadian investors seek to invest through their RRSPs, combining portfolio diversification with EU residency and a path to citizenship.
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Entrepreneurs and retirees looking for a stable, sunny, and welcoming country to call home.
What are the eligible investment routes for the Portugal Golden Visa?
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Subscribe to Portuguese regulated Investment Funds (minimum €500,000)
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Fund cultural or artistic productions (e.g., film, music), or support heritage preservation (minimum €200 ,000)
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Invest in public or private scientific research institutions (minimum €500 ,000)
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Create a company with the aim of creating at least 10 full-time jobs in Portugal
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Participate in eligible projects via co-investment platforms focusing on innovation or sustainability (minimum €500 ,000)
Portugal Golden Visa Journey
1. Personalized Consultation
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We assess your profile, including your family, and create a personalized roadmap to define the optimal path to your Golden Visa.
2. Investment Advisory & Structuring
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Provide a personalized checklist of all required documents to keep the process clear and organized.
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Present pre-vetted investment opportunities fully compliant with Portugal Golden Visa regulations, including options tailored to how you wish to invest (e.g., IRA/401(k) rollovers or RRSPs).
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Introduce you to a selection of the best immigration lawyers in Portugal so you can choose who you trust most, or allow us to appoint one on your behalf.
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Assist with bank account opening (optional) and obtaining your Portuguese Tax Number (NIF).
3. Documentation & Legal Preparation
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Coordinate translation, notarization, and apostille services to ensure your documents meet Portuguese legal standards.
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Assist with fund subscriptions, cultural donations, or company setup, depending on your chosen route.
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Finalize your investment and ensure all funds are properly transferred to the selected opportunity.
4. Application Submission & AIMA Pre-Approval
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Collect and validate all documentation from providers while supervising the legal team in preparing and filing the application on the AIMA immigration portal.
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Manage all government fees and track status updates in real time.
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Liaise directly with Portuguese authorities to resolve any queries quickly.
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Once pre-approved, you will be invited to the biometrics stage, which requires your presence in Portugal.
5. Biometrics & Residency Card
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Schedule and coordinate your biometrics appointment in Portugal, where photographs and fingerprints will be collected (attendance in person is mandatory).
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Our team will accompany you and your family to ensure the process runs smoothly. During the appointment, you must also present original documents and pay the Golden Visa issuance fee by debit card (no cash or credit cards accepted).
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Offer full concierge assistance during your stay — from travel planning to on-the-ground logistics.
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Once your application is approved, your 2-year residence card will be issued. We collect it on your behalf and deliver it securely to you.
5. Ongoing Support & Renewals
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Proactively manage your residence card renewals at Year 2 and Year 4.
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Ensure your investment remains compliant and all documentation is kept up to date.
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Continuously monitor government changes to the Golden Visa program to safeguard your status.
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Provide tax, lifestyle, and relocation advisory if you decide to spend more time in Portugal.
7. Path to Citizenship or Permanent Residency (Year 5)
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After 5 years, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency.
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We prepare your application in partnership with your legal team, ensuring you meet all requirements.
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Provide support with the Portuguese language test (A2 level) or help you enroll in a certified course that can exempt you from the exam.
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Once approved, you gain a Portuguese (EU) passport, granting visa-free travel to 180+ countries worldwide.
With our concierge approach, every step of your Golden Visa journey is organized, transparent, and stress-free.
We guide you through every stage of the Golden Visa application, offering clear and simplified steps for a seamless experience. Here’s an overview of the process.
Documents required for the Portugal Golden Visa
Each case is unique, and additional documents may be requested
To Be Obtained in Your Country
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Valid Passport – A clear, legible copy of the applicant’s current passport.
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Criminal Record Certificate – Issued by your country of origin and any country where you have lived for more than 12 months. Must be:
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Issued within 3 months prior to submission
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Apostilled or legalized and officially translated into Portuguese.
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Proof of Residency – Official evidence of your current residential address (utility bill, bank statement, or government-issued certificate).
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Family Documentation (if applicable) – Marriage certificate, birth certificates, and proof of financial dependency for children over 18 or parents included in the application.
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Taxpayer Identification Proof – Copy of your taxpayer identification number (or equivalent documentation) from your country of origin, residence, or tax domicile.
To Be Obtained in Portugal (with our support)
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Portuguese Tax Number (NIF).
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Portuguese Bank Account (optional).
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Proof of Investment – Such as a fund subscription certificate, donation receipt, or company setup documents.
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Health Insurance – Valid in Portugal, covering necessary medical expenses.
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Tax & Social Security Clearance Certificates – Declarations from the Portuguese Tax Authority and Social Security Authority confirming no outstanding debts.
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Sworn Statement – A signed declaration in which the applicant commits to maintaining the chosen investment activity within Portugal.
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Application Form authorizing AIMA to access the Portuguese Criminal Record.