Golden Visa Portugal

One of the most efficient and popular routes to Portuguese residency under the Golden Visa program is through participation in qualified investment funds. This option allows foreign investors to contribute to professionally managed private equity or venture capital funds that support the capitalization of Portuguese companies. It’s particularly well-suited for those seeking a lower-maintenance, diversified investment path to European residency.

How to Qualify: Fund Subscription of at least €500,000
To be eligible under this category, applicants must invest a minimum of €500,000 into a Portuguese-regulated investment fund. These funds are typically focused on sectors such as technology, renewable energy, healthcare, real estate development, and other strategic areas. All qualifying funds are subject to regulation by Portugal’s Securities Market Commission (CMVM), ensuring transparency and legal compliance.

Key Benefits of the Investment Fund Route

• No Requirement to Manage a Business: Unlike the business investment route, fund participation is passive. Investors are not required to be involved in day-to-day management, allowing for a hands-off approach.
• Diversification and Professional Management: Funds are managed by licensed professionals, providing investors with access to diversified portfolios and risk-managed strategies.
• Efficient and Compliant Process: With expert guidance and due diligence, we ensure your investment meets all Golden Visa eligibility criteria. Our team helps identify the best fund options aligned with your financial goals and risk profile.
• Smoother Application Experience: Acting as a bridge between you and the fund managers, we provide end-to-end assistance.

To submit the application, it will be needed the evidence of the fund subscription, and a certificate confirming the investment details.

Summary:
The investment fund pathway under Portugal’s Golden Visa program offers a secure and streamlined option for individuals seeking EU residency through capital allocation, without the need to establish or operate a business. It is an ideal solution for those who prefer a strategic and diversified investment — providing a clear, efficient path to Portuguese residency and, ultimately, citizenship after five years.

One of the approved investment routes under the Portugal Golden Visa program is the creation or capitalization of a commercial company in Portugal, combined with job creation. This pathway is designed for foreign investors and entrepreneurs seeking to obtain EU residency through business activity in Portugal. 

How to Qualify: Company Formation or Capital Increase 
To apply for the Golden Visa through this method, investors must follow one of the two qualifying options for business investment in Portugal: 

1. Start a New Company in Portugal 
   Investors must make a capital transfer of at least €500,000 to incorporate a new commercial company with its registered office in Portuguese territory. The new business must create a minimum of five permanent full-time jobs, and those positions must be maintained for at least three years. 
2. Invest in an Existing Portuguese Company 
   Alternatively, the investor may contribute €500,000 or more to increase the share capital of an existing Portuguese company. The company must either create five new permanent jobs, or maintain ten existing jobs, with at least five of those being permanent roles, for a minimum of three consecutive years. This option allows for either the growth or stabilization of employment within Portugal.
   This investment pathway offers flexibility by supporting both new business creation and the growth or stabilization of established companies.

Key Benefits of the Business Investment Route

• Active Entrepreneurial Role: Ideal for those who wish to manage or expand a business in Portugal while securing residency.
• Job Creation Impact: Directly contributes to local employment and economic development.
• Strategic Flexibility: Choose between launching a new venture or strengthening an existing one.
• No Sector Restriction: Businesses can operate in a wide variety of industries, including tourism, technology, services, or manufacturing.

All documentation—such as proof of capital transfer, business registration, and employment contracts—must be submitted as part of the Golden Visa application process and its subsequent renewals. 

Summary :
The Portugal company formation route for Golden Visa applicants is a viable option for international investors who want to establish or support a business while obtaining legal residency in Europe. It’s a strategic choice for those seeking residency by business investment, combining entrepreneurial opportunity with a clear path to Portuguese citizenship after five years.
Whether you plan to start a company in Portugal or invest in an existing one, this route enables you to contribute to the national economy and secure long-term residence rights within the European Union. 

The Cultural Golden Visa pathway allows foreign investors to obtain Portuguese residency by making a qualifying donation to support the preservation of the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage. This route is not only an investment in Portugal’s identity, but also a meaningful way to contribute to the protection and revitalization of its national patrimony. Although it may not have been widely popular in the past, it’s gradually gaining traction.

How to Qualify: Donation of €250,000 or More to a Cultural Foundation
To be eligible for the Golden Visa through this option, applicants must make a non-refundable donation of at least €250,000 to a recognized foundation, public institution, or private entity of public interest, dedicated to the restoration or conservation of Portuguese cultural heritage. These projects are pre-approved by the Portuguese Ministry of Culture, ensuring that the funds are directed toward initiatives of genuine cultural value.

Eligible initiatives may include:

• Restoration of historic buildings, monuments, and archaeological sites
• Preservation of works of art and national archives
• Maintenance of cultural institutions such as museums, libraries, and theaters
• Support for traditional Portuguese music, dance, and crafts

Reduced Donation Option
For qualifying projects located in low-density areas (as defined by Portuguese law), the minimum donation amount is reduced to €200,000—an incentive designed to encourage investment in less-developed regions that hold significant cultural importance.

Key Benefits of the Cultural Investment Route

• • Lower Entry Threshold: At €250,000 (or €200,000 in low-density areas), this is one of the most accessible Golden Visa options in terms of financial entry.
  • No Management or Business Involvement: As a donation-based route, investors are not required to manage any operations or maintain employment commitments.
  • Positive Social and Cultural Impact: Your investment directly supports the preservation of Portugal’s cultural legacy for future generations.
  • Straightforward Process: With professional legal and immigration support, the application process is transparent and efficient, with clear documentation requirements.

Applicants must provide proof of the donation, a contract with the cultural entity or foundation, and a declaration from the Ministry of Culture confirming the eligibility of the cultural project. These documents are submitted during the initial visa application and must be maintained for renewals.

Summary :
The Cultural Golden Visa route offers a unique and impactful way to obtain Portuguese residency by supporting projects of historical and artistic significance. It’s a meaningful investment for those who value heritage preservation and wish to align their residency strategy with social and cultural responsibility.
With relatively low capital requirements, no business management obligations, and the potential for citizenship after five years, this option stands out as a purpose-driven pathway to long-term residence in Portugal and the European Union.

This route offers Portuguese residency to foreign investors who actively contribute to the national economy by creating jobs within Portugal. As one of the original pillars of the Golden Visa program, the job creation option emphasizes direct economic impact through employment generation, making it ideal for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to establish a physical operational presence in the country.

How to Qualify: Creation of at Least 10 Jobs
To meet the criteria for this Golden Visa category, investors must create a minimum of ten full-time jobs in Portugal. These positions must be filled through formal individual labor contracts, ensuring legal employment that complies with Portuguese labor laws. The jobs can be created in a new or existing business, but the company must be incorporated and operating in Portugal.

There is no minimum capital transfer requirement under this route. However, applicants must be able to demonstrate the sustainability and continuity of the employment created, which is evaluated during the initial application and again during renewals. The ten positions must be maintained for at least five consecutive years to qualify for permanent residency and eventual citizenship.

Key Benefits of the Job Creation Route

• Direct Economic Impact: Investors contribute to local employment and economic development, particularly in regions that benefit from job creation.
• No Capital Investment Threshold: Unlike other routes that require a minimum monetary investment, this option focuses purely on employment metrics.
• Flexibility in Business Model: The jobs may span a wide range of sectors—such as manufacturing, hospitality, technology, services, or retail—depending on the nature of the business.

Applicants must submit proof of company registration in Portugal, individual labor contracts for each employee, payroll records, and social security contributions. These documents must verify the existence and continuity of at least ten jobs and are necessary for both the initial visa application and subsequent renewals.
Summary :
The job creation option under Portugal’s Golden Visa program is a powerful way for investors to gain EU residency while actively contributing to the country’s labor market. It is particularly attractive for those who wish to establish a real business presence and play a hands-on role in their investment.
By directly creating at least ten full-time, legally contracted positions, investors demonstrate a long-term commitment to Portugal’s economy—unlocking a reliable and impactful path toward residency and, ultimately, citizenship within 5 years of maintaining the business and employment, subjected to legal requirements including language proficiency.

This pathway under the Portuguese Golden Visa program enables foreign investors to support Portugal’s innovation ecosystem by funding scientific research. It appeals to those who wish to align their residency strategy with forward-looking values such as technological advancement, academic development, and the promotion of scientific knowledge.

How to Qualify: Capital Transfer of at Least €500,000 Toward Research Activities
To be eligible for this route, investors must carry out a capital transfer of at least €500,000 to fund scientific research conducted by public or private institutions that are part of the national scientific and technological system. Eligible institutions include universities, state-funded research centers, and accredited private R&D entities working in areas such as health, energy, biotechnology, environmental science, and information technology.

The investment must be demonstrably applied to ongoing or new research projects and must align with Portugal’s national priorities for innovation and development. Funds can be allocated directly to the institution or managed through structured agreements that ensure transparency and legal compliance.

Key Benefits of the Scientific Research Route

• Support for Innovation and Sustainability: Contributing to scientific advancement helps foster sustainable growth and global competitiveness within Portugal.
• Passive Investment Model: Investors are not required to manage or oversee research activities directly.
• Strategic Impact: Eligible research initiatives often have long-term societal benefits, ranging from medical breakthroughs to clean energy solutions.

Applicants must provide proof of the capital transfer, a formal agreement or contract with the recipient institution, and a declaration confirming that the funds are used for qualifying scientific purposes. These documents must be submitted during the initial Golden Visa application and maintained for renewal and monitoring.

Summary :
The scientific research investment option offers a meaningful and strategic path to Portuguese residency for those looking to make a positive, lasting contribution to society. By supporting innovation and academic excellence, investors become part of Portugal’s push toward a knowledge-driven future.
With a minimum investment of €500,000 and no requirement to manage operations or create jobs, this route balances social responsibility with convenience—providing a clear and reputable pathway to European Union residency and eventual citizenship after the 5 year window.