Portugal
Golden Visa Program
Portugal’s Golden Visa offers residency-by-investment, granting Schengen Area access and a path to citizenship after five years with minimal stay requirements. Known for excellent healthcare, tax incentives, and a family-friendly environment, it’s ideal for investors and families.
Key Benefits of Portuguese Residency
- Visa-free access to Schengen Area countries.
- Right to live, work, and study in Portugal.
- Pathway to citizenship after five years of residency.
- Low physical presence requirement: seven days in the first year and 14 days every two years thereafter.
- Attractive tax options, including exemptions for foreign-sourced income under the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR 2.0) regime.
- Contribution options starting from EUR 250,000.
- High quality of life, with excellent healthcare, rich culture, and a mild climate.
Eligible family members include:
Spouse
Spouse (or de facto partner).
Children
Children of any age (must meet health and legal requirements).
Parents
Dependent parents over 55 years of age (automatically dependent if over 65 years old).
Investment Requirements
Applicants must make one of the following qualifying investments:
- EUR 500,000 to acquire participation units in investment funds or venture capital funds (non-real estate).
- Create 10 or more permanent jobs.
- EUR 500,000 investment in a commercial company, along with the creation of five permanent jobs.
- EUR 500,000 investment in scientific research with public or private institutions.
- Minimum EUR 250,000 investment in the cultural heritage sector (artistic production, restoration, and preservation).
Additional Fees and Processing Costs
In addition to the investment, applicants are responsible for the following fees:
- Application processing fees vary based on the selected investment.
- Fees for document preparation, legal consultation, and other administrative requirements.
- Applicable when renewing the Golden Visa every two years.
Application Process
The application process typically takes between 18 and 24 months and follows these stages:
01
Months 1-18: Initial Due Diligence and Application Submission
Complete initial due diligence and sign the Client Agreement (CA).
Open a Portuguese bank account and apply for an NIF (Tax Identification Number).
Submit the application to AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum).
02
Year 2: First Renewal
Renew the Golden Visa after two years, ensuring compliance with physical presence and investment criteria.
03
Year 4: Second Renewal
Renew the Golden Visa for another two years, maintaining eligibility and fulfilling all obligations.
04
Year 5: Citizenship or Permanent Residency
Apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
Upon approval, applicants receive full residency or citizenship benefits.
Portugal offers a favorable tax environment, including:
- Non-Residents: Preferential personal tax rate of 25% on Portuguese-sourced income.
- Investment Income: Interest, rental income, dividends, and capital gains taxed at 28%.
- Non-Habitual Resident (NHR 2.0) Regime:
- Tax exemptions on foreign-sourced income related to employment, pensions, and business activities.
- Portuguese-sourced income taxed at a flat rate of 20%.
- Note: The NHR regime will no longer be available for new residents after 2023 and will be replaced by a new Incentivized Tax Status (ITS).
- No wealth tax and no tax on gifts or inheritances between parents, children, and grandchildren.
