FAQs

WHAT IS A GOLDEN VISA IN PORTUGAL?

The Golden Visa Scheme for Portugal grants residency to individuals through qualifying investments. After 5 years, applicants can apply for Portuguese citizenship. Since 2012, over 10,000 investors and 18,000 family members have participated, contributing over €6 billion to the economy.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OBTAINING THE GOLDEN VISA?

Live, Study, and Work in Portugal with high quality of life
Visa-Free Travel in the Schengen Area
Investment-based (not a donation) with potential returns
Access to public services if residing in Portugal
Favourable tax schemes including NHR status
Minimal stay requirement: 14 days every 2 years
Investment options from €250,000
Family reunification privileges
Path to EU Citizenship after 5 years

ARE YOU ALLOWED TO LIVE AND WORK IN ANY EU COUNTRY WITH THE PORTUGAL GOLDEN VISA?

No, but you can live and work in Portugal and travel freely within the EU. Once you obtain Portuguese citizenship, you can live/work anywhere in the EU.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN A GOLDEN VISA?

You must be a non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA citizen, have a clean criminal record, and make a qualifying investment using funds from outside Portugal.

HOW DO I MAINTAIN THE GOLDEN VISA?

Stay in Portugal for at least 14 days every 2 years and maintain your qualifying investment.

DO I HAVE TO LIVE IN PORTUGAL?

No, just meet the stay requirements.

IS KNOWLEDGE OF PORTUGUESE REQUIRED?

Not initially. A2 level is needed only when applying for citizenship or permanent residency after 5 years.

CAN I INCLUDE FAMILY MEMBERS?

Yes, including spouse/partner, dependent children, parents, and in some cases siblings.

WHAT ARE THE GOVERNMENT FEES?

Initial application: €539.66. Upon approval: €5,391.56. Renewal fees in years 2 and 4 include the same application fee plus a renewal fee of €2,696.29.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CHILD TURNS 18?

They can maintain residency if still dependent and studying full-time.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?

Typically 12–16 months, potentially reducing to 8 months.

WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT OPTIONS?

Funds, research, job creation, or capital transfer to a Portuguese bank.

HOW LONG DO I NEED TO KEEP THE INVESTMENT?

Until you receive citizenship or permanent residency after 5 years.

WHAT IS AIMA?

AIMA is Portugal's immigration agency (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) that handles Golden Visa applications.

CAN BRITISH AND AMERICAN CITIZENS APPLY?

Yes, post-Brexit, British nationals are eligible, as are Americans.

DO I HAVE TO PAY TAXES IF I DON’T LIVE IN PORTUGAL?

Generally no, unless income is derived from Portugal.

DOES PORTUGAL OFFER FREE HEALTHCARE?

Yes, through the SNS. Private healthcare is also available.

DOES PORTUGAL ALLOW DUAL CITIZENSHIP?

Yes.

WHEN CAN I APPLY FOR CITIZENSHIP?

After 5 years, subject to meeting criteria including A2 Portuguese and proof of ties to the country.