Discover a complete guide to the Golden Visa in Portugal: requirements, investments, costs, deadlines and steps to apply.
- The Golden Visa is one of the most solid ways to obtain residency in Portugal through investment.
- The programme offers concrete advantages such as European mobility, legal security and flexibility of stay.
- With VantageGroup’s support, applications are simpler and more transparent.
The Golden Visa is a highly sought-after gateway to living and investing in Portugal. However, with so many legislative changes (some already implemented, others promised), it is easy to feel frustrated.
We clarify what really matters, separate expectations from facts and explain how the path to the Golden Visa works today. Find out if this scheme makes sense for you and learn how to apply for it.
What is the Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a residence permit programme designed to attract foreign investment. In practice, it offers citizens from outside the European Union the possibility of obtaining legal residence in the country through certain types of investment (such as job creation or initiatives related to culture, science or innovation).
It is a scheme designed for those who want to live, work or simply maintain a connection to the country, with the flexibility to spend only part of the year here.
Benefits of the Golden Visa
The Golden Visa opens the door to a stable relationship with Portugal, with advantages that affect your professional, personal and family life.
Residence with flexibility
The programme requires a reduced minimum stay, allowing you to maintain activity in other countries while strengthening your connection to Portugal.
Free movement within the Schengen area
With a residence permit, you can travel to most European countries without additional bureaucracy. This is especially useful for those who manage international businesses.
Facilitated family reunification
The Golden Visa allows immediate family members to also obtain residency, which means greater stability for the family unit and alignment of life plans under the same legal framework.
Path to permanent residency and nationality
By complying with legal requirements over the years, the status allows you to remain in the country permanently and, eventually, obtain Portuguese nationality.
Stable and recognised legal framework
The Golden Visa maintains a reputation for predictability and legal certainty. These factors are important for those who decide to invest time, resources and future plans in a new country.
Who is the Golden Visa for?
The Golden Visa is designed for people who want to create a solid connection to Portugal, whether for personal or professional reasons, without having to immediately change their entire life.
- Investors outside the European Union. People looking for a safe haven in Europe, aligned with a stable economy, high quality of life and ease of international travel.
- Entrepreneurs who want to expand their business. Those who want to develop projects in Portugal (whether in innovation, science, culture or business) will find the programme a gateway to establishing operations.
- Family members who value security and continuity. Families seeking to ensure education, well-being and predictability for their members see the Golden Visa as a structured way to plan for the future without major upsets.
Golden Visa: eligibility requirements
Before proceeding, check that you meet the requirements to obtain the Golden Visa.
- Be a citizen of a country outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland. This is the starting point: the scheme exists precisely for those who do not have the automatic right to live and work in Portugal.
- Make an eligible investment. From job creation to contributions to science, culture or investment funds, the central requirement is to choose a route that meets the amounts and criteria defined by law.
- Maintain the investment for the legal period. Continuity is essential. The investor must preserve the investment for the minimum period required, ensuring that the benefit obtained (residence) remains in line with the commitment made.
- Comply with the minimum stay requirement. Although reduced, permanence in Portuguese territory must be proven. This rule ensures a real connection to the country and prevents the status from being merely formal.
- No relevant criminal record. To maintain the integrity of the programme, applicants must have a clean criminal record, both in their country of origin and in Portugal, to reinforce the legal certainty of the process.
What documents are required to apply for the Golden Visa?
The completer and more organised the documentation are, the easier it is to validate the application. It is mainly a matter of proving identity, financial capacity and commitment to the chosen investment.
- Valid passport. This is the central document of the application. It must be valid for the duration of the process and any renewals.
- Proof of investment. Depending on the route chosen, this may include contracts, statements from certified entities, proof of capital transfer or official documentation certifying the eligibility of the investment.
- Criminal record from the country of origin and residence. This ensures that the applicant meets the suitability criteria required by Portugal. It must be up to date and, where necessary, translated and legalised.
- Proof of regularised tax status. Both in Portugal and in the country of origin. This is a way of demonstrating transparency and compliance with legal obligations.
- Proof of health insurance. This is necessary to ensure that the applicant has adequate coverage while residing in Portuguese territory.
- Declaration of honour. A simple document confirming the accuracy of the information provided and compliance with the programme requirements.
What types of investments qualify for the Golden Visa?
Investment options must be aligned with projects that have an economic and social impact.
- Investment funds or venture capital. This involves investing a minimum amount in regulated funds that invest in Portuguese companies, innovation or strategic sectors.
- Investment in cultural activities. Contributions to cultural heritage, performing arts, museums or cultural preservation projects.
- Scientific or technological research projects. Direct support for institutions or projects in recognised areas of research that strengthen the country’s scientific ecosystem.
- Job creation. For business profiles, job creation in Portugal remains one of the most traditional routes and one that most clearly demonstrates economic impact.
- Establishment or strengthening of companies. This includes investments to create or capitalise Portuguese companies, especially when associated with plans for sustainable growth and the generation of real economic activity.
How to apply for the Golden Visa
These are the practical steps to apply for the Golden Visa.
1. Decide on the investment route
First of all, choose the option that best suits your profile, such as approved funds, cultural donations, job creation, setting up/strengthening a company or scientific research.
Ask the fund managers or project promoters for documentation proving, in writing, your eligibility for a Golden Visa (AIMA/competent authority certification). This saves time when submitting your application.
The investment must be maintained for the minimum legal period (usually five years). Check the fund’s exit conditions and deadlines.
2. Gather the documentation
While making the investment, start compiling the documents. Translate and legalise criminal records and documents that are not in Portuguese. Many delays arise due to incomplete translations or lack of legalisation.
3. Register and submit your application on the ARI portal
The formal submission is made on the ARI portal. Attach clearly named and organised PDFs, pay the initial fees and confirm your contact details to receive notifications.
After submission, the process enters the analysis queue. There may be requests for clarification; if so, respond quickly to avoid delays.
4. Take care of the investment
Some routes require that the capital be effectively invested before the final assessment; others allow for a commitment with supplementary proof. Have the receipts and confirmations from the promoter with you to attach to the application.
5. Await review
After submitting the application, AIMA will review it and schedule the mandatory personal procedures, which include biometrics, interviews, and the possible submission of additional documentation.
The timeframes can vary greatly: in typical cases, the total time from application to issuance of the residence card is around 12 to 24 months, while well-prepared applications with approved funds can move forward more quickly, in about 8 to 12 months. Keep this in mind when planning trips, family commitments or travel.
Once approved, you will receive a temporary residence permit. The programme maintains a minimum stay requirement (usually 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period) that you will need to prove to renew your Golden Visa.
For renewal and progression towards permanent residence/citizenship, there are other requirements: maintaining the investment, no criminal record, and then an A2 language requirement for citizenship.
6. Prepare for renewal
You must renew the Golden Visa within the legal deadlines and continue to demonstrate that the investment is maintained and that you meet the residency requirements. Renewals require documentary evidence. Include financial reports, receipts, and statements from the project partner/fund.
If your goal is to stay long term or apply for citizenship, start early: Portuguese language classes (level A2), integration test, and tax planning. These steps require separate preparation and time.
Golden Visa fees and costs: what to expect
In addition to the investment itself, there are several fixed fees and costs that can be overlooked and make the budget much higher than it initially appeared.
Government fees
The authority that manages the process (with an official published table) charges various fees at different stages: submission/analysis fee, concession fee (issuance of the title) and renewal fees. The amounts vary depending on whether you apply online or in person.
- Submission/analysis fee: between €600 and €800 per applicant (there is a difference if done digitally).
- Initial licence grant (issuance) fee: typically, between €5,000 and €8,500 per person (there is a lower-cost digital version in some cases).
- Renewals (every 2 years): typically, between €3,000 and €4,500 per person.
Note: exact amounts change with official updates and the method of submission (digital vs. in person). The primary source to consult is always the AIMA fee table.
Professional fees
For a well-supported application, expect:
- Legal and consulting fees (application preparation, due diligence, response to requests from the agency): between €5,000 and €20,000 in the first cycle per applicant, depending on the complexity and number of family members. For families of 3 to 4 people, it is common to see figures between €15,000 and €30,000 over the 5 years.
- Bank due diligence costs: usually included in the fees or charged separately (some entities charge a few hundred to thousands of euros).
Administrative costs
These are the operating costs you should also expect:
- Translations and apostilles (criminal records, certificates): between €50 and €250 per document, depending on the country of origin and legalisation requirements.
- Notary and registration fees (where applicable): between €200 and €2,000 (e.g. investment contracts, company incorporation).
- Health insurance: between €300 and €2,000/year per person, depending on age and coverage.
The investment itself
The minimum investment depends on the route chosen (funds, culture, research, employment, company capital). Here are some common examples:
- Funds: typically, €500,000 (varies depending on the vehicle).
- Cultural activities/heritage: from €250,000 in some cases.
- Scientific/technological research: often €500,000.
- Job creation/company formation: variable (e.g. creation of 10 jobs).
Living and investing with Golden Visa: Vantage Group’s suggestions
If you are looking to combine the Golden Visa with a fulfilling life in Portugal, consider our suggestions with prime locations, modern comforts and access to the coast or the city.
Alfredo 63: the perfect balance between city and sea
- Location: Matosinhos
- Units: 14
- Type: Residential area
- Types: Studio to 2-bedroom flats
- Area: 26 m² – 88 m²
- Status: Under development
Alfredo 63 is a modern retreat in the heart of Matosinhos, where each flat has been designed to welcome natural light and create a comfortable living space
Here, life unfolds with ease: the city is within walking distance, the metro connects quickly to Porto, and the proximity to the coast offers unique moments of leisure. Alfredo 63 is a place to feel the urban energy with serenity by the sea.
The A Avenida: space, light and nature for the whole family
- Location: Valongo
- Units: 70
- Type: Residential area
- Types: T1-T3
- Area: 65 m² – 160 m²
- Status: Under development
A Avenida offers a residential concept designed for families looking for space, light and a life in contact with nature without moving away from the city. The 70 apartments offer practical layouts, large balconies and solutions that accompany different stages of family life.
This project creates a real neighbourhood with green spaces, a swimming pool, a padel court and walking trails, where you can play, relax and socialise in safety. With easy access to the train station and the centre of Porto, Avenida offers a new way of life that brings together family, community and freedom.
Lighthouse: urban living with the serenity of the coast
- Location: Matosinhos
- Units: 12
- Type: Residential area
- Types: Studio – 1 bedroom
- Area: 35m² – 60m²
- Status: Under development
In the emblematic neighbourhood of Rua Brito Capelo, Lighthouse combines the vitality of the city with the calm of the coast. Each of the 12 apartments has been designed to offer comfort, functionality and careful aesthetics, where every detail conveys a balance between modernity and the authenticity of the neighbourhood.
It is a project that values the experience of living in Matosinhos, close to everything, but always with the feeling of a refuge.
Golden Visa: frequently asked questions
Below we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Golden Visa.
Can I obtain a Golden Visa in more than one country at the same time?
Yes, but each programme has its own rules. Having a permit in Portugal does not replace the need to comply with legal requirements in another country. International investors should plan their tax and mobility strategies together with specialist consultants.
Does the Golden Visa count for immediate tax purposes?
Not automatically. Having residency via the Golden Visa does not mean that you are a tax resident in Portugal. To do so, you need to spend more than 183 days per year in the country.
Does the investment have to be made in my name or can I use a company?
It depends on the investment route. Some allow capital to be invested via corporate vehicles or funds, but the ultimate owner of the investment must be clearly identified and meet the requirements for source of funds and eligibility.
Can I include extended family members in the process?
The programme essentially covers spouses and dependent children. Other people (parents, siblings, etc.) do not have automatic rights and need to seek other means of residence.
What happens if I want to sell the property or withdraw capital before the deadline?
Selling or liquidating the investment before the legal period may invalidate the residence permit. It is essential to plan your exit from the investment in conjunction with legal and financial advisors to avoid compromising your visa.
Is it possible to combine the Golden Visa with other permits in Portugal?
Yes, but you need to assess compatibility. For example, those who already have a D7 visa or other type of residence permit can make the transition but must comply with the legal requirements of each regime to avoid conflicts.
Golden Visa and Vantage Group: find your perfect home in Portugal
Investing in Portugal through the Golden Visa is a way to choose the lifestyle you have always wanted. VantageGroup offers a selection of carefully chosen projects, ready to welcome those looking for a comfortable, well-located home designed for quality living.
Explore all our projects, discover the one that suits your lifestyle and contact us to find out about all the possibilities Portugal has to offer. Your next home is waiting.
FRANCISCO SIMÕES
CEO & Partner at Vantage Group
Francisco Simões leads Vantage Group with a clear vision: good architecture and quality property development are not a luxury, but a responsibility. With projects in Portugal, he combines strategy, innovation and rigor to create developments that enhance the urban experience and reinforce the value of the communities in which they are located.