- EN
- EN
- PT
- MENU
-
Home
-
Properties
- All Properties
- Residential
- Commercial
- Developments
- Explore Portugal
- Location Guides
- Moving to Portugal
-
Services
- Buying
- Selling
- Off-Plan
- Property Viewings
- Mortgages
- Property Management
- Furniture Packs
- Property Inspections
- Taxes
- NHR
-
Construction
-
D2 Visa
-
Golden Visa
-
Book a Meeting
-
Media
- Articles
- Publications
-
About Us
- About Us
- Directors
- Meet the Team
- Our Vision
- Careers
- Privacy Policy
- Testimonials
-
Contact Us
- Home >
- Portugal Golden Visa
NEW
Mátria
D2 Visa
NEW
Mátria
D2 Visa
A Unique Package
Ready for Residency Application
Learn More
Learn more about the Golden Visa and other Residency By Investment programmes!
Introduction to the Portugal Golden Visa
The most successful Residency by Investment programme in the world.
Portugal Homes is pleased to introduce an updated guide on the Portugal Golden Visa for 2024, with a specific focus on the latest programme updates. The Portugal Golden Visa remains a streamlined pathway for third-country investors, enabling them to secure a residency permit in the country by meeting the minimum investment requirements.
In addition to facilitating Portuguese Residency, the programme offers the potential for Portuguese citizenship after a 6-year period, presenting a valuable opportunity for investors seeking long-term benefits.
This guide aims to provide comprehensive insights into the latest developments, ensuring our clients and prospective investors are well-informed about this advantageous Residency by Investment programme. Explore the possibilities and benefits the Portugal Golden Visa offers in terms of residency and citizenship.
What is the Portugal Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is an economic strategy aimed at attracting foreign investments, particularly in countries struggling with economic challenges. Originally proposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2008, the programme serves as a tool to fortify and rejuvenate economies. Its impact on the real estate market in Portugal has been notable and largely positive across the country'ss diverse real estate market offerings.
Introduced in 2012, the Portugal Golden Visa Programme allows third-country citizens to obtain a residency permit in exchange for a 6-year investment commitment.
With more than a decade of existence, the Golden Visa in Portugal has contributed more than 7 billion euros to the Portuguese economy.
The Portugal Golden Visa has gained immense popularity globally due to several factors, including property prices’ affordability, which are among the lowest in all EU capitals. Additionally, Portugal's attractive living conditions, renowned safety, high quality of life, and robust public healthcare system contribute to its allure.
The programme offers advantages such as visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone and the option to live, work, and study in Portugal, and many more, making it an appealing choice for investors. Portugal Golden Visa holders are also required to spend a minimum of 14 days in the country, either consecutively or intermittently, within each 2-year visa period.
Benefits of the Golden Visa
Get the Portuguese passport
Live, Work and Study in Portugal
Travel freely in the Schengen Area
Residency in a Safe and Stable European Country
Low physical presence required
Family Reunification
Who is eligible for the Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa is open to almost all third-country nationalities. In this context, a third-country national is any citizen from a country not within the European Union or the European Free Trade Association - which collectively form the European Economic Area.
The main applicant must be a legal adult (18+). The Portugal Golden Visa also enables Family inclusion, meaning several family members can join the main Golden Visa applicant in Portugal.
- Spouse;
- Dependent children;
- Adopted children;
- Dependent parents from either the Golden Visa holder or spouse;
- Full-age dependent children who are still studying;
- Minor dependent brother or sisters who are under the guardianship of the main Golden Visa applicant.
Family members enjoy the same rights & benefits and will also be eligible for Permanent Residency or Portuguese Citizenship after 5 years of holding the Portugal Golden Visa.
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options
In 2023, the Portugal Golden Visa underwent significant changes, including the discontinuation of the Real Estate option. Even so, the Portugal Golden Visa is still active, available through other investment options, and has remained one of the most sought-after European Residency by Investment programmes, revealing the international trustworthiness Portugal has gathered over the past years.
After the 2023 changes, the remaining investment options are:
- €500,000 - Investment Funds or Venture Capital Funds
- Creation of 10 jobs
- €500,000 - Scientific Research
- €250,000 - Supporting the Arts & Culture
- €500,000 - Company Creation with 5 permanent job posts
Other Portugal Residency by Investment Programmes
- Portugal D2 Visa
The Portugal D2 Visa is a Residency by Investment programme and a new alternative to the Portugal Golden Visa. The D2 Visa also opens the path to Portuguese Citizenship and is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals to invest in the economy by opening a new business or branching out an existing one in Portugal.
- Portugal D7 Visa
The Portugal D2 Visa is a Residency by Investment programme and a new alternative to the Portugal Golden Visa. The D2 Visa also opens the path to Portuguese Citizenship and is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals to invest in the economy by opening a new business or branching out an existing one in Portugal.
Programme | Golden Visa | D2 Visa | D7 Visa |
---|---|---|---|
Type | Funds/Donation | Business Visa | Retirement Visa |
Investments Amount | from: €250K | from: €280K* | from: €3,500 |
Process time | 18 months | 3 to 6 months | 3 to 6 months |
Number of applicants | Direct Family & Dependents** | Direct Family & Dependents** | Direct Family & Dependents** |
Residency Timeframe | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
Minimum stay | 7 days every 12 months | Not Applicable** | 183 consecutive days per year |
* Investment option by Portugal Homes Only
** Vary upon applicant
Portugal Golden Visa Requirements
How to obtain EU Residency?
To obtain Residency by Investment through the Portugal Golden Visa in 2024, you need to make a financial investment in Portugal and fulfil a list of requirements, including a comprehensive list of financial documentation to demonstrate the funds are legitimately-sourced, and the main applicant's ability to fully support themselves and their family members during their Residency in Portugal.
Once the residency permit is granted, individuals will have the right to:
- Reside in Portugal during the whole duration of your visa;
- Work, live, and study within Portugal;
- Travel freely, without a visa, to the other 26 Schengen countries;
- The right to family reunification in Portugal and the European Union.
- Request Portuguese citizenship after 5 years, with the same rights as anyone in Portugal and the European Union; (Optional)
Holders of a Portuguese Golden Visa are given a temporary Residency Permit in Portugal for 2 years, which is renewable for another 2 years. By the end of the 5th year, they can apply for Permanent Residency or Portuguese Citizenship, if all other legal requirements are met.
There has been a growing amount of enquiries for the Portuguese Golden Visa programme, and Portugal has proven to be extremely attractive; its relatively low cost of living, beautiful landscapes, rich history and culture, and extremely high standards of safety and security have been decisive reasons why it has become so popular, especially with US citizens, who applied the most for the Portugal Golden Visa in 2023.
Portugal Golden Visa Processing Time
The process is easy, but it does involve gathering a vast amount of documentation, both in Portugal and in your country of origin.
Year 0 & 1
(1-18 Months)
During this step, you will meet with one of our Investment Advisors, who will speak to you and try to understand which Golden Visa option better suits your needs. After you have chosen, it is time to invest and apply to the Portugal Golden Visa. Due to the high demand for the Portugal Golden Visa, Portugal's immigration administration agency, AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum), inheriting a large backlog from SEF (the former agency), the process can take up to 18 months.
Year 1 & 2
During this step, you will be issued your Golden Visa and the temporary Residency Permit. This will enable you to live, work and study in Portugal for 2 years, as well as travel to the Schengen Area following the 90/180-Day Rule.
Year 3 & 4
At this point, you will have to renew your Portugal Golden Visa for another 2 years. You will retain all your Residency benefits during this time.
Year 5 & 6
Even though your Golden Visa is valid for another 2 years, by the 5th year mark, you are now eligible to apply for either Permanent Residency or Citizenship. Unlock all the benefits of an EU Passport with the Portugal Golden Visa.
We are here to help you with preparing documentation, providing attorney services, and following your needs during the whole period of your temporary residency.
The process is highly digital, as Golden Visa applications can be submitted digitally. Portuguese Taxpayer Numbers can also be applied online. This reduces bureaucracy and enables us to quicken your application process.
2024 Update: Did the Portugal Golden Visa Come to an End?
No. The Portugal Golden Visa has not ended.
However, it suffered significant changes on the 6th of October 2023, when the Housing Bill (Pacote Mais Habitação) was enshrined into law. The Housing Bill discontinued the Real Estate option.
Under the new law, the Portuguese Golden Visa no longer provides Residency status through Real Estate investments.
The changes do not impact the renewal of previously granted Residency Permits.
The Portugal Golden Visa remains available through other options, including subscriptions to investment funds, donations to scientific programmes, artistic productions, and the recovery or maintenance of national cultural physical heritage, among others.
Learn more about the Golden Visa timeline and the context behind the pogramme changes.
16th February
2023
The Portuguese government, led by then-Prime Minister António Costa, announces the Housing Bill (Pacote Mais Habitação): a proposal to stop the growing real estate speculation and high rents in the country. Among the various proposed changes is the end of Real Estate investments as an eligible option for the Portugal Golden Visa programme.
- Context: It is important to note the Prime Minister's statement did not consider the Golden Visa's importance to the country and the essential role it played in generating critical amounts of income for the economy.
14th February
2023
The final version of the Housing Bill is forwarded to the Portuguese Parliament for further public discussion.
19th May
2023
The Portuguese Parliament approves the Housing Bill and is forwarded to the President of the Republic.
- Context: While the Parliament approved the Bill, it only did so because the majority of the deputies (members of parliament) belonged to António Costa's Socialist Party (PS). The remaining deputies from other parties with parliamentary representation voted against the Housing Bill.
21st August
2023
The President of the Republic vetoes the Housing Bill. It is sent back to the Parliament for a fresh round of revisions and amendments.
- Context: As the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa holds the power to either: ratify the law and enshrine it into law, veto against it, or forward it to the Constitutional Court for further clarifications on the matter. The President cast his veto power, claiming concerns about the Bill's viability and wether it would splve any of the issues the Bill addressed.
22nd September
2023
The Parliament reapproves the Housing Bill without any amendments.
- Context: Even though the Housing Bill was sent back by the President of the Republic, the Parliament reapproved it without any amendments. The Bill was heavily contested by opposition parties, including Partido Social Democrático (PSD), Iniciativa Liberal (IL), Chega (CH), and other relevant associations and companies involved in the Real Estate market. More than 320 changes had been proposed, but the Socialist Party (PS) disregarded them, and due to its majority, proceeded to reapprove it.
16th February
2023
The President of the Republic ratifies the Housing Bill.
- Context: In Portugal's political system, the President can only cast a veto on a specific law once. After the Parliament reapproved the law, the President had no other choice but to ratify the law and enforce it into law.
10th October
2023
The Housing Bill is published in the Portuguese Gazette.
- Context: The Housing Bill is enshrined into law, as Law 56/2023 of 6th October 2023. Real Estate investments are no longer eligible as options to obtain Residency in Portugal via the Golden Visa programme.
Golden Visa Properties
Browse Our Portfolio of Properties That Qualified for the Golden Visa
- SEE MORE
SOLD
Sold
Townhouse
Golden Visa
Lisbon
3
186
REF: PW324
SOLD
Sold
Townhouse
Golden Visa
Lisbon
3
299
REF: PW1352
SOLD
Sold
Townhouse
Golden Visa
Lisbon
3
156
REF: PW1441
SOLD
Sold
Townhouse
Golden Visa
Ponte de Sor, Portalegre
2
90
REF: PW2048
SOLD
Sold
Townhouse
Golden Visa
Aljustrel, Beja
3
115
REF: PW2166
SOLD
Sold
Townhouse
Golden Visa
Vila do Bispo, Faro
2
124
REF: PW3035
How Can Portugal Homes Help You With the Golden Visa and Other Residency by Investment Programmes?
Amid the vast amount of documentation and bureaucracy, Portugal Homes streamlines and simplifies the Golden Visa application process.
Our skilled professionals know the ins and outs of the Portugal Golden Visa landscape and are deeply familiar with the country's laws. Connecting with Portugal Homes is a time-efficient solution, and our consultants can also advise you on the best investments available on the market.
You Can Trust Portugal Homes
Portugal Homes is an internationally renowned expert in real estate and residency by investment advisory. Our team of professionals has over 30 years of experience, helping high-net-worth investors seeking secondary residency and real estate investment opportunities in Portugal.
Whether our clients are seeking a holiday home overseas, a relocation home, or even interested in future retirement in a sunny country. Portugal Homes has exclusive in-house services that go beyond the acquirement of real estate; starting with important services for overseas clients with Property Management, Tax Representation, Furniture Packs & Interior Design. Get your home key ready with Portugal Homes, your real estate & investment expert.
Testimonials
What our clients say about us
This experience started with Kate Goucher and ended with João Bosco. It was smooth, efficient and professional.
Zak Alaoui
From Morocco
The Portugal Homes team is very available, helpful and keen to assist and provide additional follow up information.
Irene Babille
From Kenya
Extremely hard working professionals investing in educating their clients on a complex market
Mike Porcaro
From United Kingdom
Ryan has been extremely helpful and responsive to our questions. It was a delight to have worked with him, including Mariana, Luísa, and David as well. Very experienced team!
Marjorie Tan-Thronson
From USA
David comes across as a very knowledgeable and very understanding with clients needs. His professionalism is well demonstrated in the way he tailored the options for us based on our requirements. Very happy!
Ahsan Ahmed
From United Arab Emirates
Download your Guide to Portugal
With Portugal Homes
Download the Portugal D2 Visa Brochure
Download our brochure
Get in touch with us