Portugal Golden Visa 2026: Complete Guide, Requirements & Costs

Q: Can I include my family in the Golden Visa application?

Yes, the Portugal Golden Visa allows family reunification. You can include your spouse or legal partner, dependent children under 18, dependent children over 18 who are full-time students, and dependent parents aged 55 or older. All family members receive the same residency rights as the primary applicant, including access to Portuguese healthcare, education, and the ability to travel freely across the Schengen Area.

What Is the Portugal Golden Visa?

The Portugal Golden Visa is one of Europe's most established and respected residency-by-investment programmes. Launched in 2012, it grants non-EU nationals and their families the right to live, work, and study in Portugal while enjoying visa-free travel across the entire Schengen Area. For high-net-worth individuals seeking a secure foothold in Europe, it represents the most efficient pathway to EU residency and, ultimately, Portuguese citizenship.

Following the 2023 programme reforms, the Golden Visa has shifted its focus from residential real estate to investment funds, capital transfers, and business creation. This evolution has made the programme more accessible and diversified, offering investors professionally managed portfolios with exposure to Portuguese and European markets. At Portugal Prime, we work exclusively with regulated fund managers and vetted investment vehicles to ensure your capital is deployed strategically and in full compliance with programme requirements.

Portugal itself continues to attract global attention for its exceptional quality of life, political stability, and favourable tax environment. Whether you are a business owner looking to establish a European presence, a family seeking access to world-class education and healthcare, or an investor building a geographically diversified portfolio, the Golden Visa provides a structured and well-regulated pathway to achieve your objectives.

Key Benefits

EU residency for you and your family through a single application
Visa-free travel across 27 Schengen countries
Low minimum stay requirement of just 7 days per year
Path to permanent residency after 5 years
Portuguese citizenship eligibility after 5 years
Access to Portugal's healthcare and education systems
No requirement to relocate your primary business or residence
Portugal permits dual nationality with no restrictions

Panoramic view of Lisbon's historic rooftops and cityscape at sunset

Investment Pathways

Investment Routes

Choose the pathway that aligns with your financial goals and long-term strategy.

Qualifying Investment Funds

Invest €500,000 or more in approved Portuguese investment funds. This is the most popular route among our clients, offering diversified portfolio options across private equity, venture capital, and real asset funds managed by regulated Portuguese fund managers. Returns are market-driven, and your capital contributes directly to the Portuguese economy while securing your residency.

Capital Transfer

Transfer €1.5 million or more to a Portuguese bank account or invest in qualifying financial products such as bonds, shares, or structured deposits. This route suits investors who prefer direct control over their capital allocation and want maximum flexibility in how their investment is structured within the Portuguese financial system.

Company Formation

Create a company in Portugal that generates at least 10 jobs, or invest €500,000 in commercial or business activities. This pathway is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to establish an operational presence in the EU, access the single market, and build a business while simultaneously securing residency for their family.

Research & Cultural Heritage

Invest €500,000 or more in approved scientific research activities or cultural heritage preservation projects. This route appeals to investors with a philanthropic orientation who want their capital to contribute to Portugal's academic institutions, research centres, or the preservation of the country's rich cultural legacy.

How It Works

The Application Process

Our team guides you through every step, from initial consultation to residency card in hand.

Initial Consultation

We begin with a confidential consultation to understand your goals, financial situation, family circumstances, and preferred investment route. Our advisory team evaluates your eligibility, discusses the available pathways, and provides a clear roadmap with timelines and costs so you can make an informed decision.

Investment Selection

Based on your objectives and risk profile, our team presents a curated selection of qualifying investment vehicles. We work with a vetted network of regulated Portuguese fund managers and financial institutions, providing you with detailed prospectuses, performance data, and independent assessments to help you select the optimal investment aligned with your wealth strategy.

Documentation

We prepare and review all required documentation, including your Portuguese tax identification number (NIF) application, Portuguese bank account setup, proof of investment, criminal background checks, health insurance, and all supporting declarations. Our legal team ensures every document meets AIMA's requirements to avoid delays or rejections.

Investment Execution

Once documentation is in order, your chosen investment is executed through our trusted network of regulated fund managers and financial partners. We oversee the entire capital deployment process, ensure compliance with Golden Visa programme requirements, and provide you with certified proof of investment for your visa application.

Visa Application & Submission

We submit your complete Golden Visa application to AIMA (the Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, formerly SEF) and manage all communications on your behalf. Our team monitors application status, responds to any requests for additional information, and keeps you updated at every stage of the review process.

Approval & Residency

Upon approval, you and your family receive your Portuguese residency cards. But our relationship does not end there. We provide ongoing support with biometric appointments, residency card renewals every two years, investment monitoring, and guidance on the path to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residency.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the Portugal Golden Visa programme.

What is the minimum investment for Portugal Golden Visa?

The most popular route requires a minimum investment of €500,000 in qualifying Portuguese investment funds. Other routes include a capital transfer of €1.5 million to a Portuguese bank account, investing €500,000 in business activities that create at least 10 jobs, or investing €500,000 in approved scientific research or cultural heritage projects. Note that residential real estate purchases no longer qualify for the Golden Visa since the 2023 programme reform.

Can I include my family in the Golden Visa application?

Yes, the Portugal Golden Visa allows full family reunification under a single application. You can include your spouse or legal partner, dependent children under 18, dependent children over 18 who are enrolled as full-time students, and dependent parents aged 55 or older. All family members receive the same residency rights as the primary applicant, including access to Portuguese healthcare, public education, and the ability to travel freely across the Schengen Area.

How long does the Golden Visa process take?

The entire Golden Visa process typically takes between 6 to 12 months from initial investment to receiving your residency card. The investment setup and documentation phase usually requires 2 to 4 months. Once the application is submitted to AIMA (formerly SEF), processing times vary but generally take 4 to 8 months. Portugal Prime's advisory team works to streamline the process, pre-empt documentation issues, and keep you informed at every stage.

Do I need to live in Portugal to maintain my Golden Visa?

No, the Portugal Golden Visa has one of the lowest physical presence requirements of any residency-by-investment programme worldwide. You are only required to spend a minimum of 7 days in Portugal during the first year, and 14 days during each subsequent two-year renewal period. This makes it ideal for investors who wish to maintain their primary residence and business activities elsewhere while securing European residency rights for themselves and their family.

Can I get citizenship through the Golden Visa?

Yes, Golden Visa holders are eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residency. Portugal allows dual nationality, so you will not be required to renounce your existing citizenship. To qualify, you must maintain your residency status throughout the five-year period, demonstrate a basic level of Portuguese language proficiency (A2 level), and have a clean criminal record. Portuguese citizenship grants you an EU passport and the right to live and work anywhere in the European Union.

What happened to the real estate route for the Golden Visa?

In October 2023, Portugal removed residential real estate purchases from the list of qualifying Golden Visa investments. This change was implemented to address housing affordability concerns in the domestic market. However, the programme remains highly attractive through investment fund routes, capital transfers, business investments, and research contributions. Many of our clients have found that the fund-based route offers superior diversification and professional management compared to direct property ownership.

Is the Portugal Golden Visa still available in 2026?

Yes, the Portugal Golden Visa programme remains fully operational in 2026. While the programme underwent significant reforms in 2023 that removed the residential real estate option, investment fund subscriptions, capital transfers, business creation, and research investments continue to qualify. Portugal's Golden Visa remains one of the most respected and sought-after residency-by-investment programmes in Europe, offering an unmatched combination of low stay requirements, family inclusion, and a clear path to EU citizenship.

Portugal Golden Visa