European Union · Residency by Investment180+ Visa-Free

Portugal Residency by Investment Program

The Portugal Golden Visa Program offers a fast-track and flexible route to European residency. Investors can access EU mobility, favourable tax schemes, and family inclusion, with the opportunity to apply for citizenship after five years.

Check Your Eligibility

Program Overview

Portugal Residency by Investment

Portugal's Golden Visa remains one of the world's most sought-after residency programmes — requiring as little as seven days' physical presence per year while delivering immediate Schengen access and a clear path to EU citizenship in five years.

The world's most flexible Golden Visa — minimum 7 days' physical presence per year
Immediate visa-free Schengen access across all 26 EU member states from day one
EU citizenship eligibility after just 5 years — one of Europe's shortest pathways
Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime — favourable treatment of foreign income for 10 years
Full family inclusion — dependants qualify under the same application
Portugal ranks among the world's top 4 passports globally

At a Glance

Program Type: Residency by Investment
Investment Starting From: €250,000 – €500,000
Visa-Free / Access: 180+
Residency Required: Minimal presence
Family Members: Can be included

Cost Breakdown

Investment Required for Portugal Residency

Portugal’s Golden Visa programme offers several qualifying investment routes, including EUR 500,000 in regulated investment funds, cultural donations, scientific research funding, or the creation of a Portuguese company that meets employment obligations. The chosen route should align with your risk profile, return expectations, and long-term tax planning.

Minimum Investment

Qualifying routes include cultural donation (€250,000), investment fund (€500,000), research investment (€500,000), or job-creating company formation (€500,000).

Government & Fees

Government application, biometric, and card issuance fees apply per applicant and dependant.

Cultural Donation

from €250,000

Estimated total cost

Contribution to arts, cultural heritage, or approved restoration projects.

Investment Fund

from €500,000

Estimated total cost

Subscription to a qualifying venture capital or private equity fund.

Company Formation

from €500,000

Estimated total cost

Job-creating business investment — minimum 5 new permanent positions.

Legal, tax planning, and advisory fees are calculated based on investment route, family size, and NHR tax optimisation strategy.

Process

Portugal Residency by Investment Process

Step 1 – Initial Consultation

Sign a retainer agreement for BFG Global Mobility to advise on application strategy, due diligence, and legal processes.

Step 2 – Document Verification

Attend the Portuguese consulate or embassy to attest required documents and transfer the investment into an approved escrow or qualifying structure.

Step 3 – Biometrics Appointment

Travel to Portugal for biometric submission and finalisation of your residency application.

Step 4 – Temporary Residency Issuance

Receive your initial temporary residency permit and begin living in Portugal under the Golden Visa regime.

Step 5 – Renewal & Citizenship

Renew your Golden Visa every two years. After five years of compliant residency, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency.

Timeline

Processing Time for Portugal Residency

Estimated processing time for Portugal residency is around 6 months for initial temporary residency issuance.

Document preparation, legalisation, and embassy attestation

Investment transfer and formal application submission

Biometrics appointment in Portugal and temporary residency issuance

Ongoing renewals and citizenship application after five years of residency

Common Questions

Portugal Golden Visa – FAQ

Key questions about the Portugal residency by investment programme, including minimum investment, family inclusion, timelines, and travel rights.

Qualifying options include EUR 500,000 in regulated investment funds, cultural donations, scientific research funding, or business creation that meets local employment obligations.

Temporary residency is generally issued within about 6 months, depending on processing times and the completeness of your file.

Yes. Spouse, children, and financially dependent parents can be included under a single Portugal Golden Visa application.

Portugal’s Golden Visa requires a minimum physical presence of just 7 days per year on average while holding the residency permit.

All eligible routes are government-approved and regulated. Many fund-based options are professionally managed, and BFG Global Mobility helps you evaluate the risk/return profile of each route before committing.

Next Step

Check Your Eligibility for Portugal Residency by Investment

BFG Global Mobility provides a confidential eligibility assessment to determine whether you qualify for the Portugal program and to outline the most efficient pathway for your circumstances.

Check Your Eligibility