Residence Permit in Portugal by Investment (Golden Visa)
The Portugal residence-by-investment program (2025) is a popular route to immigrate to the European Union, allowing foreign investors to obtain residence status in Portugal in exchange for investing in the country’s economy.
Portugal is a developed and safe Southern European state, an EU and Schengen member, attracting investors with its mild climate, stable economy, and high quality of life.
Portugal’s Golden Visa has been in effect since 2012 and was launched by the government to stimulate inflows of foreign capital. Citizens of any non-EU/EEA country can participate if they meet the established conditions.
Important: Portugal is discussing new citizenship rules: for most foreigners, the required period of residence may increase to 7 or even 10 years instead of the usual 5. This is an important change for those planning a move or already living in the country. The Murblz team is closely monitoring developments and will inform you in a timely manner when the law takes effect and how it will impact your relocation plans.
Legal Basis for Obtaining a Portugal Residence Permit by Investment
Portugal’s residence-by-investment program (Autorização de Residência para Investimento, ARI) is regulated by the country’s immigration legislation. It provides a separate residence category for investors and their family members. The initial residence card is issued for 2 years, after which it may be renewed every two years an unlimited number of times. After 5 years of residence under the Golden Visa, the investor has the right to apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship. There is no requirement to live in the country full-time — it is sufficient to spend at least 7 days per year to maintain resident status.
Applicant-investor requirements:
Any adult citizen outside the EU/EEA with a lawful source of income and capital to invest may qualify for Portugal residence by investment. The applicant must have no criminal convictions or legal issues and no debts to the Portuguese tax authorities. The invested funds must be sourced from outside Portugal. The applicant will need to obtain health insurance and provide documents proving the lawful origin of funds and compliance with the investment conditions. Family members may be included in the program: a spouse or partner, children (including adult children up to 26 if financially dependent), and the investor’s parents under certain conditions.
Investment options for obtaining residence in Portugal:
The law provides several types of investments that meet Golden Visa requirements. At present, five main investment options are available (in 2023, direct real estate purchase was removed from the list):
- Purchase of investment fund units — from €500,000.
The investor commits at least half a million euros to a specialized investment fund registered in Portugal. Such funds may invest in various assets (real estate, businesses, securities, etc.), and units cannot be redeemed for at least 5 years. This option has become one of the most popular after the real estate route was eliminated.
- Contribution to cultural heritage (support for the arts) — from €250,000.
This is the most affordable option by amount: a non-refundable contribution to projects that preserve Portugal’s national cultural heritage (restoration of monuments, arts funding, etc.). These contributions are donations and are not subject to return.
- Investment in R&D projects — from €500,000.
Non-refundable funding of scientific research and R&D through accredited Portuguese research institutions or programs. Funds are directed to the development of science and technology; return of capital is not provided.
- Investment in business — from €500,000.
Establish your own business or invest capital in an existing Portuguese company with the creation of at least 5 new jobs. If investing in an operating company, you must increase its share capital and create (or maintain) at least 5 jobs for a period of 3 years. This capital may be returned after three years if the business performs successfully.
- Opening a new company — creation of 10 jobs.
The investor registers a new company in Portugal and hires at least 10 employees on a permanent basis. This option does not set a fixed minimum investment sum (the key requirement is the number of jobs). Unlike passive investments, this route requires a real business plan and compliance with employment regulations.
Previously, it was possible to purchase real estate to obtain residence (from €500,000 or from €280,000 in low-density regions), but since autumn 2023 the property option has been abolished by government decision.
The modern Portugal Golden Visa is focused on contributions to the real economy, innovation, and job creation.
The investor must also pay associated government fees (for filing, residence card issuance, etc.) and renew medical insurance annually for themselves and family members.
Advantages of Obtaining Portugal Residence by Investment
- Right to enter and reside in Portugal without restrictionsThe Golden Visa guarantees the foreign investor the right to enter Portugal at any time and stay as long as necessary. A resident has a “safe haven” in Europe in case of unforeseen circumstances — even with closed borders or emergencies, a residence holder can enter Portugal and remain safely in the country. At the same time, the state does not require the investor to live in Portugal permanently: to maintain status, it is enough to spend at least 7 days per year in the country.
- Visa-free travel across EuropeHolders of a Portugal residence permit can travel freely within the Schengen Area without visas. A Portuguese resident may visit other EU states for up to 90 days in each half-year, unlocking wide opportunities for tourism, business, and free movement across Europe. Visa-free access to the 29 Schengen states makes the Portugal residence permit especially attractive for investors who value mobility.
- Pathway to European citizenshipFive years after obtaining Portugal residence, an investor may qualify for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization. A Portuguese passport grants all rights of an EU citizen, including the right to live and work in any EU country, as well as visa-free entry to more than 170 countries worldwide (including the USA, the UK, Canada, and almost all European states).
To obtain citizenship, basic knowledge of Portuguese (A2 level) and a clean criminal record are required; there is no obligation to renounce your current citizenship. Thus, residence by investment effectively provides a fast and reliable path to EU citizenship status. - Residence for the entire family and citizenship for childrenThe Golden Visa program extends to the investor’s immediate family members. Alongside the principal applicant, a spouse or officially recognized partner, children (typically under 18, and older if financially dependent and enrolled at a university), and the applicant’s parents (if financially dependent) receive residence permits. This means the whole family can move to Europe, hold a unified status, and enjoy the same rights.
Moreover, children born in Portugal to holders of the Portuguese residence permit automatically acquire Portuguese citizenship by right of birth — provided the parents have participated in the program for at least one year. In this way, the Golden Visa secures a future for your children and descendants as EU citizens. - Right to work, do business, and access EU servicesForeign investors with a Portuguese residence permit obtain the right to work officially and conduct entrepreneurial activities in Portugal. In addition, residence opens access to the single European market with more than 400 million consumers, creating significant prospects for business growth and investment.
The investor’s family also gains access to Europe’s high living standards — children can study at top universities in Portugal and other EU countries, and all family members are entitled to high-quality European healthcare and social protection.
Portugal is renowned for its favorable climate, safe environment, and welcoming culture, making life comfortable for residents. A lower cost of living compared to most Western European countries is an extra plus: for example, Lisbon is significantly less expensive than London or Berlin. Thus, a Portugal residence permit provides not only freedom of movement, but also a high quality of life with European opportunities.
How to Obtain Portugal Residence by Investment?
Step-by-Step Guide
Step-by-Step Guide
It is recommended to consult lawyers or licensed agents to select the optimal route for your budget and goals.
It is also important to ensure you have the required amount and a lawful origin of funds for investment.
At the same time, the investor opens a bank account in Portugal and obtains a taxpayer number (NIF) — this is needed to transfer money and formalize the investment. Health insurance is also arranged for the applicant and family members.
It is important to obtain official documents confirming the fact and amount of the investment (share-purchase agreements, fund certificates, remittance receipts, etc.). These documents will then be attached to the residence application.
Portuguese authorities conduct due-diligence checks on the investor (source of funds, absence of legal violations, etc.) before making a decision. Preliminary review of documents takes several months.
The ready residence cards can be collected in Portugal in person or via an authorized representative. From this moment, you are officially a resident of Portugal. The initial residence permit is issued for 2 years and must then be renewed. For renewal, the investment must be maintained for the required period (generally at least 5 years) and the minimum stay requirements must be met (7 days per year).
After 5 years of continuous participation in the program, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship, subject to naturalization conditions.
Note: processing times may vary. In practice, about 12–15 months pass from the start of preparation to issuance of the Golden Visa.
FAQs about Portugal Residence by Investment
In particular, at the end of 2023 the real estate purchase option was abolished. Nevertheless, other investment routes remain, and foreign investors can still obtain the Golden Visa in Portugal if they meet the necessary requirements.
All other routes require at least €500,000 (for example, investments in funds, scientific projects, or business). Previously, property purchases from €280,000–500,000 were allowed, but this option is currently unavailable.
Thus, an investor should be prepared to commit from €250k (non-refundable) or from €500k into returnable assets in order to qualify for a Portugal residence permit by investment.
However, compliance with this condition is strictly monitored: when applying for renewal, you must provide proof of presence in the country (passport stamps, tickets, etc.).
Overall, the Golden Visa is favorably distinguished by allowing you to obtain all the benefits of EU residence without having to change your usual lifestyle.
By that point you must: maintain the investment until citizenship is obtained, have no criminal convictions, and prove integration into society, including knowledge of Portuguese at A2 level. The citizenship exam tests basic language proficiency and knowledge of the fundamentals of history and culture.
You must also provide documentary proof of an address in Portugal and meet the minimum stay requirements over the years of residence. Processing of a citizenship application takes about 6–12 months.
