Does the Golden Visa grant a residence permit?
Portugal is internationally recognised as an attractive destination for investors seeking stability, quality of life, and the possibility of residency in the European Union. The Golden Visa stands out as one of the most prestigious pathways to obtain a residence permit in the country, requiring a qualifying investment that may range from job creation to support for scientific research.
Which investment options are eligible for obtaining a Golden Visa in Portugal?
The main requirement to acquire a Golden Visa is proof of having made one of the eligible investment types.
The following investment categories are admissible:
- Creation of at least 10 jobs;
- Capital transfer of €500,000 or more applied to research activities carried out by public or private scientific research institutions integrated into the national scientific and technological system;
- Capital transfer of €250,000 or more applied to investment or support for artistic production, preservation or maintenance of national cultural heritage;
- Capital transfer of €500,000 or more for the acquisition of units in non-real-estate collective investment undertakings established under Portuguese law, with a maturity of at least 5 years and at least 60% of the investment allocated to companies based in Portugal;
- Capital transfer of €500,000 or more for the incorporation of a commercial company with registered office in Portugal, combined with the creation of 5 permanent jobs, or for strengthening the share capital of an existing company based in Portugal, with the creation of at least 5 permanent jobs or the maintenance of at least 10 jobs (minimum of 5 permanent) for at least 3 years.
Investment Option |
Minimum Investment |
| Job creation | 10 jobs |
| Scientific research | €500,000 |
| Cultural donations | €250,000 |
| Investment funds | €500,000 |
| Incorporation or capital increase of a company based in Portugal | €500,000 + 5 jobs |
What is the procedure and timeline?
The Golden Visa residence permit process consists of three main steps:
1st Step: Application submission on the ARI Portal
The application must be submitted online on the ARI Portal.
At this stage, an applicant profile is created and all supporting documents must be uploaded, including:
- Valid criminal record certificate, certified by a Portuguese diplomatic or consular authority;
- Declaration from a financial institution confirming the international and effective transfer of funds;
- Investment-related documents, depending on the type of investment.
Once submitted, the application enters the pre-approval phase, which may take between 18 months and 2 years.
Family members may also apply simultaneously.
Fee: €618.20
2nd Step: Residence Permit Appointment
After pre-approval and once an appointment slot becomes available, the main applicant must schedule an appointment at AIMA.
At this stage, the applicant must submit all the original documentation initially submitted on the ARI Portal, provide biometric data, and pay the fee for approval of the residence permit for investment activities.
3rd Step: Request for Residence Permit
AIMA reassesses all the documentation to approve the issuance of the residence card.
This phase may take an additional 6 to 12 months.
On the appointment date, the applicant must pay the applicable fees.
Fee: €6,179.40
What are the quantitative and time requirements of a Golden Visa?
Once the residence card is granted, the main applicant and their family members must comply with quantitative and temporal requirements. The residence card holder is required to maintain the investment for a minimum period of 5 years and must also comply with minimum stay periods in national territory:
- 1st year: the card holder must stay in Portugal for at least 7 days (consecutive or intermittent).
- Subsequent 2-year periods: the card holder must stay in Portugal for at least 14 days (consecutive or intermittent).
Note that family members reunited are subject to the same minimum stay periods in Portugal as those established for the main applicant.
What are the main benefits of the Golden Visa?
- Allows free movement in the Schengen Area as a tourist for up to 90 days without the need for a Schengen visa;
- Access to the National Health Service;
- Access to courts, education and business environment;
- Eligibility for Portuguese nationality after legal residence;
- Eligibility for permanent residence after 5 years of legal residence
Looking to invest and/or relocate to Portugal?
At Lamares, Capela & Associados, we have extensive experience with Golden Visa applications and immigration processes. We can assist you with:
- Preparing all necessary documentation
- Supporting your immigration appointment scheduling
- Ensuring full compliance with legal requirements
- Obtaining your Portuguese tax identification number
- Acquiring Portuguese nationality after the required period of residence
Contact us and invest in Portugal safely and without complications.