Overview
Portugal is one of the leading countries in Southwestern Europe, offering a Golden Visa program that grants residency through investment. The country provides a five-year residency permit program for non-EU nationals, which also allows investors to apply for citizenship at the end of the term.
Portugal offers one of the most flexible and sought-after programs in Europe, enabling investors to benefit from a wide range of opportunities.
Benefits of Portugal Residency Permit
Investors with Portuguese residency permits can travel freely across EU member states.
You are rarely required to reside in Portugal physically to maintain your residency status.
With a Portuguese Golden Visa, your children can attend quality schools in Europe. After five years, upon gaining citizenship, they can access universities across the EU with local rights and without entrance exams.
You may apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of residency.
The Golden Visa grants you and your family the legal right to work in Portugal. Upon obtaining citizenship after 5 years, you can freely live and work in any EU country.
If you reside in Portugal for fewer than 183 days a year, you are not subject to Portuguese taxes. Moreover, foreign income not brought into the country is tax-exempt.
Who Is Eligible for the Portuguese Residency Permit?
INVESTOR
- Applicants over the age of 18
CHILDREN
- Dependent, unmarried children of the applicant or spouse who are continuing their education
SPOUSE
- The applicant’s legally married spouse or registered partner
PARENTS
- Parents of the applicant or spouse who are over the age of 65
Requirements for the Portuguese Residency Permit
To obtain a residency permit in Portugal, a minimum investment of €500,000 is required in an investment fund or venture capital (VC) fund, of which at least 60% must be allocated to Portuguese assets. The fund must have a minimum duration of five years.
For cultural heritage donation options, the minimum investment is €200,000.
Key Information
LOCATION
Situated in Southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is the westernmost country of continental Europe. It borders Spain to the north and east and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west.
CAPITAL
Lisbon
TIME ZONE
UTC±00:00 (Standard) & UTC+01:00 (Daylight Saving Time)
TOTAL AREA
92,212 km2
LANGUAGE
Portuguese
CURRENCY
Euro (€ / EUR)
Why Portugal?
Right of Access to the Schengen Area
You can travel to 26 European countries without a visa.
Possibility of Citizenship
After 5 years you can apply for citizenship.
Work Permit
Both you and your family have the right to work.
Steps
- Deciding to join the Golden Visa program
- Signing the contract and power of attorney
- Carrying out the paperwork and document collection process
- Creating a tax number and opening a bank account
- Transferring money to your bank account in Portugal
- Completing fund investments
- Submitting the Golden Visa application
- Making the biometric appointment
- Receiving the Golden Visa card
PROGRAM MAP
149
Countries accessible without a visa
17
Countries requiring a visa
22
Countries requiring an e-visa
Vesta Global
Service Package:
1% + VAT on fund investments
- Portugal investment advisory
- Coordination of all advocacy services
- Follow-up of all Golden Visa processes
- Opening a bank account and obtaining a tax number
Frequently Asked Questions
A minimum investment of €200,000 must be made through investment funds.
No, continuous residency is not required. However, after obtaining the visa, you must stay in Portugal for 14 days within the first 2 years and 21 days within a 3-year period.
Yes, the residency permit grants the main applicant, their spouse, and parents the legal right to work in Portugal.
Golden Visa holders can apply for citizenship after completing 5 years from the date of application.
Yes, legal representation is required.
You may withdraw your investment once you obtain permanent residency, provided you do not intend to apply for citizenship.
No, the investment amount can be distributed across multiple funds.
You may sell your investment or exit the fund after obtaining permanent residency or citizenship. If sold before completing the process, you will lose your Golden Visa status.
No, all returns from the funds are tax-exempt.
No, if you reside in Portugal for fewer than 183 days a year, you are not subject to taxation. Only income brought into the country is taxed; foreign earnings remain tax-free.