Portugal Golden Visa Residency Program
What is the Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program designed for non-EU citizens who make a qualifying investment in Portugal.
The program allows investors and their eligible family members to obtain Portuguese residency while benefiting from flexible stay requirements and access to the European Union.
After maintaining the investment and residency requirements for 5 years, applicants may become eligible for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
The program allows investors and their eligible family members to obtain Portuguese residency while benefiting from flexible stay requirements and access to the European Union.
After maintaining the investment and residency requirements for 5 years, applicants may become eligible for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
Who is the Portugal Golden Visa For?
The Golden Visa is ideal for individuals and families seeking residency in Europe through investment, including:
- Executive and management positionsCompany directors, senior executives, and high-level professionals in both the private and public sectors.
- Specialists in intellectual and scientific fieldsProfessionals in areas such as medicine, science, information technology, engineering, education, culture, and law.
- University professors and scientific researchersAcademic professionals and researchers engaged in advanced teaching, innovation, and scientific development.
Benefits of the Portugal D3 Visa
-
Live and work legally in PortugalGain legal residence in Portugal and the right to work for a qualified employer, allowing you to build your professional and personal life in a stable EU country. -
Travel freely within Schengen AreaEnjoy visa-free travel across 27 European countries, making it easy to move, explore, and do business throughout the Schengen zone. -
Family RelocationMove to Portugal together with your family members through a simultaneous application process. Your spouse and dependent children can apply alongside the main applicant and benefit from residence rights, access to healthcare, education, and life in Portugal together. -
Apply for permanent residency or citizenshipYou may become eligible for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship, opening the door to full EU rights. -
Benefit from Portugal’s NHR 2.0 (IFICI) tax regimeEligible professionals may benefit from a reduced tax rate on qualifying income under Portugal’s new NHR 2.0 (IFICI) program, making Portugal a highly attractive destination for skilled talent. -
Option to apply for EU Blue CardBenefit from the possibility to transition to the EU Blue Card, offering enhanced mobility and career opportunities across multiple European countries.
D3 Visa Main Requirements
- Qualified EmploymentHave a work contract, job offer, or service agreement with a Portuguese company, typically with a minimum duration of 6 to 12 months.
- Minimum Salary LevelEarn a salary that meets the legal threshold for highly qualified professionals (generally at least 1.5× the national average salary or 3 times the Social Support Index (IAS)). For 2026, it is estimated at €1,567.50.
- Professional QualificationsHold a recognized higher education degree (qualification level 6 of ISCED-2011) or demonstrate at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in a specialized field.
Standard Process (Consular Visa)
The traditional route involves applying for a visa at the Portuguese consulate in your country of residence, followed by completing the residence permit process in Portugal.
Secure a Job Offer
Obtain a contract with a Portuguese employer for a qualified position.
Prepare Documentation
Collect and legalize all required documents.
Apply at the Portuguese Consulate
Submit your visa application in your country of residence. In some countries, this process is handled by official partners such as VFS Global.
Travel to Portugal
Receive your visa and enter Portugal.
Residence Permit Appointment (AIMA)
The D3 visa holder must attend an appointment at AIMA to provide biometric data and formalize the residence permit application. Complete your residence process and receive your residence card.
Find Out If You Qualify to Apply from Portugal
How we can support you
We provide full support throughout your relocation journey, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process from start to finish:
- We handle even the most complex relocation casesEvery situation is different. Whether your income structure is international, your employment is unconventional, or your family setup is more complex — we know how to navigate it.
From remote work and multi-country income to non-standard contracts and family applications, we regularly support clients with cases that require a deeper, strategic approach. - A strategy built specifically for your situationFrom the first consultation to obtaining your residence permit, we work alongside you:
- Clear guidance at every stage
- Proactive problem-solving
- Full support with documentation and processes
- We guide you every step of the wayFrom the first consultation to obtaining your residence permit, we work alongside you:
- Clear guidance at every stage
- Proactive problem-solving
- Full support with documentation and processes
- Save time, avoid mistakes, and move with confidenceRelocation to Portugal can be complex — and costly if done incorrectly.
With the right support, you:- Avoid common mistakes and delays
- Save time and unnecessary stress
- Make informed decisions from the start
Additional Services
- Rental or Property BuyingWe support you in finding and securing the right property in Portugal. As a registered real estate agent (Keller Williams with license AMI 16107), we provide trusted guidance for both rentals and property purchases, ensuring a smooth and secure process.
- Document Translations and CertificationWe handle certified translations and document legalization required for your visa and administrative processes, ensuring full compliance with Portuguese authorities.
- Bank Account Opening SupportWe assist you in opening a Portuguese bank account efficiently, guiding you through all requirements and documentation to simplify the process.
- NIF (Tax Number) RegistrationWe assist you in obtaining your Portuguese tax identification number (NIF), a mandatory requirement for opening a bank account, signing contracts, and accessing essential services in Portugal.
- Accompaniment to your AIMA appointmentWe accompany you in person to your AIMA appointment, provide support with communication, and ensure that your application is handled efficiently and with complete peace of mind.
Book a one-on-one consultation with our Portugal Golden Visa experts
Receive a personalized roadmap for your Portugal Golden Visa process, including qualifying investment options, residency requirements, timelines, and relocation guidance tailored to your goals and family situation.
Quick FAQ
Residence length
2 years with possibility of extension
Citizenship
after 5 years of residence
Expenses for preparing
up to 400 euros for translations and apostilles of documents
Family
possible to apply with family
Talk to Expert
Schedule a consultation to explore your options
WhatsApp +351 962 965 896
Telegram +7 (926) 455 63 93
E-Mail: info@fronttiers.com
Telegram +7 (926) 455 63 93
E-Mail: info@fronttiers.com
Av. Manuel da Maia 44
1000-203 Lisbon, Portugal
1000-203 Lisbon, Portugal
By clicking the button you agree to our Privacy Policy
Who is the Golden VISA for?
The Portugal Golden Visa is designed for non-EU citizens who want greater freedom, security, and opportunity in Europe. It’s ideal for:
Main Requirements for the Portugal Golden Visa
- Investors seeking stable returns and residency benefits.
- Families looking for better education, healthcare, and lifestyle.
- Frequent travelers who value visa-free access to the Schengen Area.
- Future-focused individuals aiming for EU citizenship within five years.
Main Requirements for the Portugal Golden Visa
- Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
- Make a qualifying investment — for example:
- Invest at least €500,000 in an approved investment fund.
- Contribute €250,000–€500,000 to cultural or scientific projects.
- Create jobs or support research/innovation initiatives.
- Hold the investment for a minimum of 5 years.
- Spend at least 7 days per year in Portugal (low physical stay requirement).
- Maintain a clean criminal record and provide proof of legitimate funds.
Benefits You Can Get Through the Portugal Golden Visa
- Visa-free travelacross the Schengen Area (26+ European countries).
- Residency rightsin Portugal — live, work, and study with no restrictions.
- Low stay requirementonly 7 days per year in Portugal.
- Tax advantagesno wealth tax, no inheritance tax, and access to favorable regimes.
- High quality of lifesafety, climate, culture, and world-class cuisine.
- Path to EU citizenship in just 5 yearswith a Portuguese passport granting the right to live and work anywhere in the EU.
- Strong banking systemresidency makes it simpler to open accounts and manage wealth across Europe.
- Business opportunitieseasier access to the EU market for entrepreneurs and investors
Golden Visa Portugal — Q&A Guide
The Portugal Golden Visa allows you to bring your close family members under the same application, including:
- Spouse or legal partner (marriage or long-term partnership recognized by law).
- Children under 18 years old.
- Dependent children over 18 — if they are full-time students and financially supported by you.
- Dependent parents — of either the main applicant or the spouse, if financially reliant.
- Dependent siblings (in certain cases, e.g., if under guardianship).
In our portfolio, we offer a wide selection of funds — both closed-end and open-end — so you can choose the investment structure that best suits your needs while ensuring Golden Visa compliance
Main requirements:
Main requirements:
- The fund must be registered and regulated by CMVM (Portugal’s Securities Market Commission).
- Minimum investment period (at least 5 years)
- Fund must invest at least 60% of its capital in companies with registered offices in Portugal.
Yes, you can split the €500,000 investment across more than one qualifying fund.
You’ll need proper documentation from each fund to prove compliance when submitting your application.
- The law does not require the full amount to be placed into a single fund.
- As long as the total investment equals at least €500,000 and each chosen fund meets Golden Visa requirements (CMVM-regulated, 60% invested in Portuguese companies, etc.), you can diversify.
- This approach allows you to spread risk between different strategies — for example, part in a closed-end fund focused on real estate-backed projects and part in an open-end fund investing in startups, renewable energy, or tech.
You’ll need proper documentation from each fund to prove compliance when submitting your application.
Golden Visa–eligible funds in Portugal are designed not only to meet residency requirements but also to generate potential returns for investors. However, the profitability varies depending on the type of fund and its strategy:
- Conservative funds (e.g., real estate–backed or infrastructure) may aim for lower but more stable annual returns.
- Growth-oriented funds (e.g., startups, green energy, tech) carry higher risk but may offer greater upside potential.
- Historically, many Golden Visa–compliant funds have targeted returns in the range of 3%–7% per year, but this is not guaranteed. Before investing in a particular fund, it is important to review its reports and information about the fund’s management style.
When applying for a Golden Visa, in addition to the investment itself, you should usually expect:
The fee is €806.80 per person, payable upon submission of your documents.
After approval and before the biometric appointment, the payment for the residence permit card issuance must be made
The fee is €806.80 per person, payable upon submission of your documents.
After approval and before the biometric appointment, the payment for the residence permit card issuance must be made
- €8,060 for the main applicant
- €6,179 for each family member.
The application process for the Portuguese Golden Visa is quite structured and involves several stages.
The entire process typically takes around 12–14 months.
- Choose your investment option
- Prepare to make the investment (this includes due diligence and onboarding by the funds; in some cases, it is also necessary to open a bank account in Portugal — a process that may take several months)
- Prepare documents for the application.
- Submit your application with the Fronttiers Relocation.
- Receive approval from AIMA.
- Attend the biometrics appointment in Portugal.
- Receive your residence card.
The entire process typically takes around 12–14 months.
What will you recieve
- Visa-free travel across the European Union
- The opportunity to apply for permanent residence after 5 years.
- A comfortable climate for sun lovers.
- The opportunity to apply from within the country and obtain a 3-year residence permit.
Talk to Expert
Schedule a consultation to explore your options
WhatsApp +351 962 965 896
Telegram +7 (926) 455 63 93
E-Mail: info@fronttiers.com
Telegram +7 (926) 455 63 93
E-Mail: info@fronttiers.com
Av. Manuel da Maia 44
1000-203 Lisbon, Portugal
1000-203 Lisbon, Portugal
By clicking the button you agree to our Privacy Policy
© 2025 Fronttiers Relocation & Immigration