Complete Guide 2026
Golden Visa
Portugal
European residence through investment for you and your family.
No relocation required.
What is Portugal Golden Visa?
Portugal Golden Visa is a government residency-by-investment program that has been successfully operating since 2012. Its official name is ARI (Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento).
The concept is simple: you make a qualifying investment in the country's economy, such as in an investment fund, and in return receive Portuguese residence permit for yourself and your family.
"You don't need to relocate to Portugal or become a tax resident. You only need to spend 7 days per year in the country."
This is the perfect solution for those seeking a "Plan B" and freedom of movement across Europe while maintaining their current lifestyle.
Why Choose Portugal?
Thousands of investors worldwide choose this program. Here are the key benefits that make Golden Visa one of the most attractive in Europe.
Freedom of Movement
Visa-free entry and free movement across all 29 Schengen countries. Travel and do business anywhere in Europe.
No Tax Residency Required
Obtaining residence permit does not require you to become a tax resident of Portugal. Keep your tax residency in a convenient jurisdiction.
Minimal Stay Requirement
Only 7 days per year (or 14 days over a two-year period) — one of the most flexible requirements among all European programs.
Path to EU Citizenship
After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship — a full EU passport to live and work in any EU country.
Residence for the Whole Family
One application includes spouse, minor children, adult student children, and financially dependent parents.
Important: As of February 2026, a citizenship bill is pending in the Portuguese parliament that would increase the naturalization period from 5 to 10 years. We are closely monitoring the situation and will update the information when changes are adopted.
How to Get Golden Visa in 2026?
After the 2023 reform that eliminated real estate investments, the following options for obtaining Golden Visa remain available.
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Investment Funds
from €500,000
Investment in qualified venture capital or private equity funds registered in Portugal and approved by the regulator (CMVM).
For whom: For most investors seeking a balance between process simplicity and potential benefits.
Advantages
- Most popular and proven option
- Risk diversification
- Professional management
- Potential returns
- Tax advantages
Disadvantages
- Capital locked for 5 years
- Returns not guaranteed
Calculate the Cost
Find out the government fees for your family. The calculator accounts for all family members who can be included in the application.
Family Composition
Fee Calculation
Análise · €618.60 × 1
Concessão · €6,179.40 × 1
Renovação · €3,090.40 × 1
Source: Tabela de Taxas AIMA, Portaria n.º 307/2023
* Only government fees are shown. Legal services, document translations, and health insurance are charged separately.
How to Get Golden Visa?
Step-by-step process from document collection to receiving your residence card. Total timeline: 8 to 18 months.
Document Collection
Preparation and apostille of documents: passport, criminal record certificate, proof of income, health insurance.
Investment Selection
Analysis and selection of investment fund or other option. Signing agreement with the management company.
Fund Transfer
Opening a Portuguese bank account and transferring investment funds. Receiving confirmation from the fund.
Application Submission
Online application submission through the ARI (AIMA) portal. Payment of the government processing fee.
Processing
Document and investment verification by immigration services. Additional document requests may occur.
Approval & Payment
Receiving pre-approval. Payment of the residence card issuance fee.
Biometrics & Card
Visit to Portugal for biometric submission at SEF/AIMA. Receiving the residence card.
Renewal
Residence permit renewal every 2 years while maintaining the investment and meeting minimum stay requirements.
Total timeline: from 8 to 18 months from document collection to receiving your residence card.
How Much Does Golden Visa Cost?
Full cost transparency. In addition to the investment, you will need to pay government fees and related services.
Government Fees
| Application Review (Análise) per applicant | €618.60 |
| Residence Card Issuance (Concessão) per applicant | €6,179.40 |
| Residence Permit Renewal (Renovação) every 2 years, per person | €3,090.40 |
Source: Portaria n.º 307/2023
Additional Costs
| Legal Services one-time | €15,000 – €25,000 |
| Translations & Apostilles depends on document count | €500 – €1,500 |
| Health Insurance per year, per person | €300 – €800 |
| NIF (Tax Number) one-time | €150 – €300 |
| Bank Account Opening depends on bank | €0 – €500 |
Tax Considerations
No Tax Residency
Obtaining a Golden Visa does not automatically make you a tax resident of Portugal. You can maintain tax residency in another jurisdiction.
Fund Income
For non-tax residents, income from Portuguese investment funds may be exempt from taxation in Portugal (depends on fund structure).
Tax Planning
We recommend consulting with a tax advisor to optimize your tax burden based on your situation and country of tax residency.
Total for a Family of 4
Investment + fees + legal services
€500,000 investment + ~€27,000 fees + ~€18,000 services
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most popular questions about the Portugal Golden Visa program.
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European Golden Visa Compared
Which program is right for you? Compare investment requirements, residence obligations, and citizenship paths across 5 European countries.
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