The Portugal Golden Visa program is the most straightforward path to securing an EU passport and citizenship. It stands out among European immigration options due to its low entry requirements and a minimal residency period of just seven days per year over a five-year period. 

The scheme provides appealing advantages, including global tax exemptions, as well as tax exemptions on fund investments, enabling you and your family to secure EU citizenship without the need for relocation.

Qualifying Investments

As of 7 October 2023, Portugal has abolished Golden Visa investment options for real estate and the €1.5 million capital transfer. Currently, investors can still pursue the Golden Visa scheme through fund investments or donations.

Investment Funds

You can choose to invest €500,000 in one or more golden visa-eligible investment funds (private equity or venture capital funds) for a minimum of 5 years. These funds must allocate at least 60% of their investments to companies headquartered in Portugal and are prohibited from directly or indirectly investing in real estate.

We have strong connections with a variety of Portuguese investment firms. Whether you are looking to invest in a fund with buy-back options or diversify your investment across a range of funds for higher returns, we can provide different options tailored to your unique needs.

Most of our clients prefer to invest in low-risk golden visa funds for capital preservation. These funds offer buy-back options, allowing you to sell your participation units at the original price once you obtain permanent residency or citizenship. They are ideal for those focused on capital preservation and typically provide a fixed annual return ranging from 2% to 4%. Examples include hospitality funds, food retail funds, education funds, and renewable energy funds.

Donations

You can choose to make a donation to one of the artistic production or cultural heritage projects in Portugal. These projects must be approved by the Minister of Culture, and the donation amount varies depending on the project’s area. The standard donation amount is €250,000, while certain limited projects in low-density areas require a donation of only €200,000.

The main benefits of donating are that it is a safe investment, though it is a one-time cost. These donation projects are limited and slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

We have connections with various golden visa donation organizations in Portugal, allowing us to identify unique opportunities and secure slots for clients seeking €200,000 or €250,000 donation projects. Contact us for the latest donation opportunities.

Our team conducts frequent visits to Portugal every year and has filmed a series of on-site interviews with various golden visa eligible funds. Watch our exclusive videos showcasing different opportunities:

1. Consultation Meeting
   Book a consultation meeting with our team to assess your eligibility and explore investment options that align with your goals.
   
2. Tax Number
   Our lawyer in Portugal will act as your tax representative, and apply the Portuguese Tax Number (NIF) for you and any family members aged over 16. This process will take around 5 working days.
   
3. Bank Account
   We will help you open a bank account with a reputable private or retail bank in Portugal. The account can be opened remotely, with processing taking as little as three weeks, depending on the bank. You will need to provide your source of funds for a due diligence check with both the bank and the investment firm.
   
4. Complete the Investment
   Once your Portuguese bank account is ready, you will need to transfer your funds to this account and complete the investment or donation process.
   
5. Documents Preparation
   You will need to collect the necessary documents for your Golden Visa application, including the Criminal Record Certificate and apostilled documents, we will request the relevant legal declarations on your behalf from the relevant bank, investment firm, or donation organization.
   
6. Visa Submission
   Our lawyer in Portugal will submit your application online. According to the current law, your five-year Golden Visa residency period will begin from the date of submission.
7. Visa Approval
   Once your application is approved, you and your family member will need to travel to Portugal to provide biometric information at the visa center. Our lawyer in Portugal will accompany you to this appointment.
   
8. Residence Card
   After your appointment, you will receive a 2-year residence card, allowing you to live in Portugal and travel freely within the Schengen Area. From this point onwards, You and your family member must visit Portugal for at least 7 days each year or a total of 14 days over the 2-year period.
   
9. Residency Renewal
   At the end of the 2-year residency card, you must apply for renewal, proving you have maintained your investment. Our lawyer in Portugal will handle this process for you.
   
10. Apply for Permanent Residency or Citizenship
    After five years from your initial online application, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship, provided you pass the A2 language test, if you do not want to take the exam, you can also choose to attend a 150-hour online course to obtain the relevant certificate.