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Portugal Golden Visa Program – Requirements and How to Apply

Welcome to the pathway of opportunity and residency in Portugal – the Golden Visa. This prestigious program opens doors for non-EU citizens to not only reside in Portugal but also reap the benefits of its vibrant culture and stable economy.

At Consult Immigration, we specialize in managing your Golden Visa application process, setting you on the fast track to a new life in Portugal.

The Portugal Golden Visa: Key Features and Benefits

The Portuguese Golden Visa is unique, offering greater flexibility and advantages compared to other residencies. Notably, Golden Visa holders are required to spend just 7 days in Portugal during the first year and 14 days in subsequent years.

This minimal residency requirement, along with the ability to travel freely within the Schengen Area without a separate visa and a work permit for the entire territory, makes the Golden Visa an exceptional choice.

Eligibility and Investment Options

To be eligible for the Golden Visa, you must comply with one of the following investment options:

Capital Transfer: Invest a minimum of EUR 1.5 million in bank deposits, government debt, or securities in Portugal.

Investment in Funds: Commit at least EUR 500,000 to shares or units of investment or venture capital funds focused on Portuguese companies.

The Portugal Golden Visa Application Process

Achieving your Golden Visa involves a streamlined process:

  • Select an investment route.
  • Appoint a tax representative and obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF).
  • Open a bank account in Portugal for the investment transfer.
  • Make your investment.
  • Prepare and submit the necessary documentation.
  • Apply online and attend the biometrics appointment in Portugal.
  • Receive your temporary residence card within a quick timeframe – the Consulate decides within 10 working days for the Golden Visa.

Living in Portugal as a Golden Visa Holder – Your Rights and Privileges

Golden Visa holders enjoy the freedom to live and work in Portugal, bring close family members, access public services, and travel within the Schengen Area.

This program offers a gateway to embracing life in Portugal with minimal residency requirements.

How We Can Help

At Consult Immigration, we bring legal and financial expertise to ensure your Golden Visa application is successful.

We provide comprehensive support every step of the way, including:

  • Assisting in the collection and preparation of required documentation
  • Acting as the tax representative and obtaining the Portuguese tax number (NIF)
  • Assisting with the bank account opening
  • Assisting you in selecting and making the investment
  • Submitting the Golden Visa application for you as well as your family members
  • Booking and accompanying you and your family members to the in-person biometrics appointment

Our aim is to make your journey to Portuguese residency as seamless and hassle-free as possible.

Portugal Golden Visa – Frequently Asked Questions

To assist further, here are 10 of the most widely asked questions we receive when it comes to moving to the Portugal Golden Visa:

What is the Portugal Golden Visa?

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program. It grants non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens a temporary residence permit in Portugal for making a qualifying investment in the country, such as capital transfer, or investment in specific sectors.

What are the investment options for the Portugal Golden Visa?

The main investment options include: transferring capital of at least EUR 1.5 million, or investing EUR 500,000 in small or medium-sized Portuguese businesses.

How long does it take to obtain the Portugal Golden Visa?

The process typically takes around 6 – 12 months from the submission of the application to the issuance of the Golden Visa.

Do I need to live in Portugal to maintain my Golden Visa?

No, you only need to spend a minimum of 7 days in Portugal in the first year and 14 days in subsequent two-year periods.

Can my family also obtain residency through my Portugal Golden Visa?

Yes, your spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents can apply for family reunification under your Golden Visa.

What are the benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa?

Benefits include the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and eligibility for permanent residency and citizenship after five years.

How long is the Portugal Golden Visa valid for?

The Golden Visa is initially valid for two years and then renewable for successive two-year periods.

Can I apply for Portuguese citizenship with the Golden Visa?

Yes, after legally residing in Portugal for five years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship, subject to meeting other legal requirements, such as language proficiency.

What are the tax implications of the Portugal Golden Visa?

Golden Visa holders are only taxed on their Portuguese-sourced income and not their worldwide income, unless they spend more than 183 days a year in Portugal and become tax residents.

Are there any nationalities excluded from the Portugal Golden Visa program?

No, all non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals are eligible to apply, provided they meet the investment and legal requirements.

Contact Us and Get Started on Your Journey

Begin your journey to a new life in Portugal with the Golden Visa program. Simply complete the form below to discover how we can assist you in successfully achieving your Golden Visa residency.

Our dedicated team of Qualified Attorneys and Legal Advisors is ready to provide you with expert, tailored guidance and support throughout each stage of your Portuguese Golden Visa application.

What our Consult Clients have to say

Pina is fantastic! I had an especially complicated visa situation. There is ZERO chance I could have done this on my own due to all of the additional paperwork requests, Apostille, and translation. Pina is an A+++++ immigration lawyer.

Nick JordanSeattle, USA

Pina is great! I highly recommend her, especially if you’re wanting someone who can give more than just what is needed. Pina has intangible insights into the process, which greatly helps in navigating it. The visa application process is daunting and frustrating, but working with Pina has made all the difference!

Carly MonzaPennsylvania, USA

I was hesitant to take this big step and apply for citizenship through descent, but I took the plunge and paid for an appointment with Consult Immigration. I am so happy I did this. David and Ines answered all my questions and were extremely helpful with their extensive knowledge of the process and they asked questions for me that opened my mind to many other possibilities that would lead me to my new destination. I really liked both of them and I felt they truly earned my trust. Great service. I got so much more out of our meeting than I expected. Nice surprise!

Shannon RossCalifornia, USA

Dear David, thank you so much for the assistance and professional service I received from you during my immigration process to Portugal. If it was not for your sound advice, I could have made a disastrous choice as to which country to relocate to, given the technical nature of immigration laws and how they are applied to foreigners. The support I received from you while dealing with the local officials was also very beneficial. Thanks for going the extra mile!

Schalk BadenhorstGeorge, South Africa

David, Pina and his team at Consult assisted me in my residency permit application for Mallorca, Spain through their tireless efforts in SA and Spain, from initial interest through to making appointments with the relevant authorities in Palma and were highly knowledgeable and patient throughout the process. Highly recommended!

Maira KoutsoudakisCEO LIFE Group of Companies

We would like to thank you once again for your very professional assistance in making this move possible. Your support during the process in South Africa was invaluable and your associates here in Portugal were very professional in dealing with the local procedures. This would be a daunting process without professional help and we can strongly recommend your services to anybody interested in relocating to Portugal.

Pieter Steyn & Márcia Camargo

I have had the pleasure of dealing with David at Consult and have been highly impressed with his professionalism. Pina, his partner in Spain, has also been extremely helpful and prompt to reply. I would highly recommend their immigration services to anyone looking to have the bureaucracy streamlined.

Simone BishopJohannesburg, South Africa

Consult Immigration assisted my husband and I with our residency application for Spain last year, and I can honestly say that I don't know how we would have achieved it without their assistance. There was always clear communication and we were kept up to speed on where we were in the application process, right through to our appointments in Spain and the approval of our residency. I highly recommend Consult Immigration.

Kristin ShawDurban, South Africa

I have recently experienced the efficient service delivered by Consult Immigration as part of my residency application to Spain. I found David very open, enthusiastic to help and give advice, and knowledgeable. It was a pleasure working with him and I strongly recommend.

Hugh TurpinPalma de Mallorca, Spain