21 Nov Portugal’s Golden Visa: an updated guide

The Portuguese Golden Visa Program presents a strategic avenue for non-EU nationals seeking residency and, ultimately, citizenship in Portugal through targeted investments. 

This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step framework for legal professionals to assist clients in navigating the complexities of the Golden Visa process. It outlines the eligibility requirements, delineates the current qualifying investment options, and details the procedural steps from initial application through to obtaining citizenship. The focus on business and job creation, research and development, cultural preservation, and investment funds aligns with Portugal’s strategic economic objectives.

By adhering to this comprehensive guide, investors can ensure that they are fully informed of all legal requirements and procedural nuances, thereby facilitating a smooth and compliant application process. Our guide helps applicants not only meet the residency requirements but also position themselves for successful acquisition of Portuguese citizenship after the mandatory investment period. 

Residency by Investment: a step by step Guide 

The Portuguese Golden Visa Program is one of the routes to obtain residency by non-EU citizens who make a qualifying investment in Portugal. After five years of maintaining the investment, they can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. 

 1. Make sure the investor is eligible for the Golden Visa Program

To be eligible, the investor must: 

• Be a non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss national; 

• Make a qualifying investment; 

• Have a clean criminal record; 
• Spend at least seven days in Portugal during the first year and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period. 

 

2. Choosing the right investment

As of recent updates, real estate investments are no longer an eligible option for obtaining a Portuguese Golden Visa. However, there are several other types of qualifying investments: 

1. Business and Job Creation: Create at least ten jobs in Portugal; or

2. Transfer of € 500.000,00 to an existing company and create five jobs or maintain ten existing jobs with a minimum of 5 permanent workers for 3 years;

3. Research and Development: Invest € 500,000 in research activities;

4. Arts and Culture: Invest € 250,000 in the preservation of cultural heritage or supporting the arts;

5. Investment Funds: Invest € 500,000 in qualified investment funds.

 

3. Necessary documents

Several documents will be needed to submit the application, including the following: 

• Valid Passport; 

• Proof of qualifying investment; 

• Criminal record certificate from the investors home country and any country he has lived in for more than one year after the age of 16; 

• Proof of health insurance; 

• Portuguese tax identification number; 

• Completed application forms. 

Please note that all the documents must be bully legalized and/or apostilled. 

Complete the investment according to the chosen option. Ensure all transactions and transfers are documented and comply with Portuguese regulations. 

 

4. Applying for the Golden Visa

Submit the application to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (AIMA) either online or in person at a regional office. The application should include all the required documents and proof of investment. 

 

 5. Waiting period

After the application is submitted, the applicant must wait until the pre-approval is given. This process is taking between 8-12 months. 

 

6. Biometric Appointment

Once the initial application is approved, the applicant will be required to attend a biometric appointment in Portugal, where he will provide fingerprints and other biometric data. This is the first time the applicant must actually visit Portugal. At this appointment, you will need to bring the documents you originally submitted, duly updated. 

 

7. Receiving the Golden Visa

After a new waiting period of, at least 8 moths, If your application is successful, the applicant will receive a residency permit, which is valid for two years. This can be renewed for subsequent two-year periods, provided he maintains the investment and meet the minimum stay requirements. 

 

8. Maintaining Residency 

To maintain your residency permit, the applicant must: 

• Keep the qualifying investment until he applies either for permanent residency or citizenship; 

• Spend a minimum of seven days in Portugal in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period. 

 

9. Applying for Permanent Residency or Citizenship

After five years have elapsed since the application was submitted, the applicant can apply for citizenship. He can also apply for permanent residence five years after receiving the first card. 

For citizenship, the applicant must: 

• Having successfully applied for a Golden Visa at least five years previously to this request; 

• Pass a basic Portuguese language test (A2 level); 

• Demonstrate ties to Portugal (e.g., residence, business, cultural or family connections). 

 

10. Submitting the Citizenship Application 

Submit the application for citizenship to the Central Registry Office (Conservatória dos Registos Centrais) along with: 

• Proof of Golden Visa. 

• Proof of five years of residency. 

• Language proficiency certificate. 

• Proof of integration in the community. 

 

11. Receiving Portuguese Citizenship

After approval, which takes about two years to be completed, the applicant will be granted Portuguese citizenship, allowing him to live, work and travel freely within the EU. 

 

Our advice 

The process of acquiring Portuguese citizenship through investment involves choosing a qualifying investment, preparing the necessary documentation, applying for the Golden Visa, maintaining the investment and residency requirements and, eventually, applying for citizenship after five years. It’s advisable to work with legal and financial advisors throughout the process to ensure compliance with all requirements and to streamline the application. 
 

Caiado Guerreiro is a Portuguese Law firm established for 40 years. The firm is based in Lisbon, Portugal, with offices in Oporto and Faro (Algarve). Caiado Immigration & Corporate Services, in specific, deals with the different Immigration and nationality programs in Portugal, with more than 4.000 families from different countries already assisted with success. The office also offers support to clients in their native language when needed, in particular, Spanish, French, Russian, Polish and Mandarin. 

 

Click here to book a meeting with our team to explore the pathway that best supports your goals. For more information about the Golden Visa program and Portugal you can also check our Golden Visa page.