Golden Visa Assistance

Overview the Process to Obtain a Golden Visa

What is the Portugal Golden Visa?

The Portugal Golden Visa program allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to obtain a special residence permit by making a qualifying investment in Portugal. This permit grants the right to live, work, and study in Portugal and allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. After 5 years, holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.

Currently Eligible Investment Options (as of May 2025):

Real estate acquisition and capital transfers (over €1.5M) are generally no longer eligible for new applications in mainland Portugal and the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira. The current eligible investment routes typically include:

1. Investment Funds:

   Minimum investment of €500,000 in eligible Portuguese investment funds or venture capital funds dedicated to the capitalization of companies. The fund must have a maturity of at least five years at the time of investment, and at least 60% of the investments must be made in companies with their headquarters in Portugal. (This is a popular alternative to real estate).

2. Job Creation:

   Creation of at least 10 new full-time jobs in Portugal by setting up a company. This requirement can be reduced to 8 jobs if the investment is made in a low-density region.

3. Company Incorporation & Job Creation:

   Investment of at least €500,000 to set up a commercial company with headquarters in Portugal, combined with the creation of 5 permanent jobs, or an investment to increase the share capital of an existing Portuguese company, maintaining at least 5 existing jobs or creating 5 new permanent jobs for a period of three years.

4. Cultural Heritage:

   Minimum investment or donation of €250,000 in projects aimed at artistic output, or the recovery, reconstruction, or maintenance of national cultural heritage. This minimum can be reduced to €200,000 if the investment is made in a low-density area.

5. Research & Development (R&D):

   Minimum investment of €500,000 in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions integrated into the national scientific and technological system.

The Application Process Steps:

While specific details can vary, the general process typically involves these stages:

1. Obtain a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF) and Open a Portuguese Bank Account: These are necessary to make the qualifying investment. This can often be done remotely via a legal representative.

2. Select and Make the Qualifying Investment: Choose one of the eligible investment routes and complete the investment according to the legal requirements. Ensure you have proof of the investment.

3. Gather Required Documentation: Compile all necessary personal documents (passport, criminal record certificates from relevant countries, etc.) and proof related to the investment, origin of funds, tax compliance, etc. Documents often need to be apostilled or legalized and officially translated.

4. Submit Online Pre-Application: The application typically begins with an online submission through the official AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) portal (formerly the SEF portal).

5. Await Pre-Approval: AIMA reviews the submitted documentation. If preliminarily approved, you will be notified to schedule a biometrics appointment.

6. Attend Biometrics Appointment: All applicants (main applicant and dependents) must attend an in-person appointment at an AIMA service point in Portugal to submit biometric data (fingerprints and photo) and original documents.

7. Final Approval and Permit Issuance: After the biometrics appointment and final review, AIMA will issue the Golden Visa residence permit card.

8. Maintain Investment and Meet Stay Requirements: To maintain the residence permit, you must keep the investment for at least 5 years and meet minimum stay requirements (typically averaging 7 days per year in Portugal over the validity period of the permit).

9. Renewals: The initial permit is usually valid for 2 years, followed by renewals, typically for periods of 2 years each.

10. Path to Permanent Residency or Citizenship: After 5 years of holding the Golden Visa permit, you and your eligible family members may apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship by naturalization, provided all requirements (including passing a basic Portuguese language test at A2 level) are met.

This process can be complex, and requirements may be subject to change. It is highly recommended to seek advice from qualified legal or immigration professionals specializing in the Portuguese Golden Visa program to ensure a smooth application.

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