Question 1

What is Portugal Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that has been operating since 2012. The program allows non-EU citizens to obtain Portuguese residence and the right to move freely across the Schengen Area (29 countries) in exchange for qualifying investments.

Key benefits of the program:
- Minimal residence requirements — only 7 days per year
- Right to work and do business in Portugal
- Access to European healthcare and education systems
- Opportunity to obtain EU citizenship after 5 years
- Include family in the application (spouse, children, parents)

Since October 2023, real estate investments no longer qualify for Golden Visa. Current options include: investment funds from €500,000, job creation, and scientific research.

Question 2

What are the requirements for Portugal Golden Visa in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Current requirements for obtaining Portugal Golden Visa in 2026:

Basic criteria:
- Age 18 or older
- No criminal record
- Legal source of investment funds
- Health insurance

Investment options (since October 2023):

1. Investment funds — from €500,000
   Most popular option. Investments in CMVM-regulated venture capital or private equity funds.

2. Job creation — minimum 10 jobs
   Opening a company in Portugal with hiring local employees.

3. Scientific research — €500,000
   Investments in research projects through accredited scientific institutions.

4. Cultural heritage — €250,000
   Support for national cultural heritage preservation projects.

Important: Real estate investments NO LONGER qualify for Golden Visa since October 2023.

Question 3

What is the difference between Golden Visa and D7 visa?

Accepted Answer

Golden Visa and D7 are two different programs for obtaining Portuguese residence:

Golden Visa:
- Investment from €500,000
- Minimum 7 days residence per year
- No relocation required
- Suitable for maintaining business in another country
- Processing time: 6-12 months

D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa):
- Requires passive income from €820/month
- Mandatory residence in Portugal (183+ days/year)
- Requires relocation and tax residency
- Significantly cheaper
- Processing time: 3-6 months

What to choose:
- Golden Visa — if you want to maintain your life in another country without relocating
- D7 — if you plan to actually move to Portugal and have passive income

Both programs lead to citizenship after 5 years when requirements are met.

Question 4

What benefits does Portugal Golden Visa provide?

Accepted Answer

Portugal Golden Visa provides the following benefits:

Freedom of movement:
- Visa-free entry to 29 Schengen Area countries
- Right to stay in any EU country for up to 90 days
- Simplified visa obtaining for USA, UK, Canada

Minimal requirements:
- Only 7 days residence in Portugal per year
- Can continue living and working in your country
- No Portuguese language knowledge required for residence permit

Resident rights:
- Right to work and do business in Portugal
- Access to public healthcare system
- Education rights for children
- Ability to open bank accounts in the EU

Path to citizenship:
- Right to EU citizenship after 5 years
- EU passport provides visa-free access to 180+ countries
- Keep current citizenship (dual citizenship allowed)

Family:
- Include spouse and children up to 26 years old
- Include dependent parents
- One investment — entire family gets residence permit

Question 5

What is the minimum investment amount for Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

The minimum investment amount for Portugal Golden Visa depends on the chosen option:

Investment funds — €500,000
Most popular option. Investments in CMVM-regulated venture capital, private equity, or mixed funds. Investment term — minimum 5 years.

Job creation — from €0 (but capital required)
Creating minimum 10 permanent jobs in Portugal. Actual costs depend on business type.

Scientific research — €500,000
Investments in research projects through accredited scientific institutions.

Cultural heritage — €250,000
Support for national cultural heritage preservation projects.

Additional costs to consider:
- Government fees: ~€6,000-8,000
- Legal services: €10,000-20,000
- Fund due diligence: €2,000-5,000
- Document translation and apostille: €1,000-2,000

Total: Realistic budget for Golden Visa through funds — from €520,000-540,000.

Question 6

What investment options are available for Golden Visa in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Current investment options for Portugal Golden Visa in 2026:

1. Investment funds (€500,000) ⭐ Most popular
- Venture capital funds (VC) — investments in startups
- Private Equity — direct investments in companies
- Debt funds — business lending
- Crypto funds — CMVM-regulated funds with crypto assets
- Index funds — following the Portuguese market

2. Job creation
- Minimum 10 permanent jobs
- Employees must be Portuguese residents
- Suitable for starting a business

3. Scientific research (€500,000)
- Investments through accredited institutions
- Support for research and development

4. Cultural heritage (€250,000)
- Historic building restoration
- Support for museums and cultural projects

NO LONGER qualify since October 2023:
❌ Real estate purchase
❌ Real estate fund investments
❌ Capital transfer without designated purpose

Question 7

Can I get my investment back after obtaining Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, investments can be returned, but with certain conditions:

Minimum holding period:
- Investments must be maintained for minimum 5 years
- Countdown starts from Golden Visa application approval date
- Early withdrawal = loss of resident status

What happens after 5 years:
- Can fully withdraw investments
- Residence permit status remains until next renewal
- For renewal, need to either restore investments or obtain citizenship

Investment returns:
- Venture funds: 10-20% annually (high risk)
- Private Equity: 8-15% annually (medium risk)
- Debt funds: 4-8% annually (low risk)
- Index funds: 5-10% annually (market risk)

Important to understand:
- Fund investments are NOT a deposit
- Capital return is not guaranteed
- Actual returns depend on fund performance
- Some funds have lock-up periods longer than 5 years

Recommendation: Choose funds based on your risk profile and citizenship plans.

Question 8

What funds qualify for Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Funds qualifying for Portugal Golden Visa must meet the following criteria:

Mandatory requirements:
- Registration with CMVM (Portuguese Securities Commission)
- Minimum 60% of assets invested in Portuguese companies
- Fund existence period — minimum 5 years
- Does NOT invest in real estate (since October 2023)

Types of qualifying funds:

1. Venture capital funds (FCR)
   Investments in startups and growing companies

2. Private equity funds (PE)
   Buying stakes in mature companies

3. Debt funds
   Lending to Portuguese companies

4. Crypto funds
   CMVM-regulated funds with digital assets

5. Index funds
   Following the Portuguese stock market (PSI)

How to verify a fund:
- Request CMVM registration number
- Check on cmvm.pt website
- Ensure no real estate investments

Our catalog includes 38+ verified funds with expert comments and risk ratings.

Question 9

What are the risks of investing in Golden Visa funds?

Accepted Answer

Main risks of investing in funds for Golden Visa:

Market risks:
- Fund value can decrease
- No guaranteed returns
- Dependence on Portuguese economy
- Currency risks for non-euro investors

Liquidity risks:
- Cannot withdraw funds for 5 years
- Some funds have longer lock-up periods
- Early exit may result in losses

Fund-specific risks:
- Management quality
- Investment strategy
- Portfolio diversification
- Fund size and stability

How to minimize risks:

1. Diversification
   Don't put all €500,000 in one fund

2. Due diligence
   Check fund history, management team, portfolio

3. Risk profile matching
   Choose funds matching your risk tolerance

4. Professional advice
   Consult independent financial advisors

Important: Fund investments are not bank deposits. Capital return is not guaranteed.

Question 10

Can I get Golden Visa through crypto funds?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Golden Visa can be obtained through crypto funds, but with important conditions:

Requirements for crypto funds:
- Must be registered with CMVM
- Must comply with Portuguese regulations
- Minimum 60% invested in Portuguese crypto projects
- Fund must exist for minimum 5 years

Types of crypto funds for Golden Visa:
- Blockchain venture funds
- Crypto asset funds
- Digital infrastructure funds
- Web3 project funds

Advantages of crypto funds:
- High growth potential
- Diversification from traditional assets
- Access to innovative technologies

Risks of crypto funds:
- High volatility
- Regulatory uncertainty
- Technology risks
- Limited fund selection

Important: Not all crypto funds qualify for Golden Visa. Only CMVM-regulated funds with proper structure are accepted.

Recommendation: If considering crypto funds, choose those with diversified portfolios and experienced management.

Question 11

What is the difference between open and closed funds?

Accepted Answer

Key differences between open and closed funds for Golden Visa:

Open funds:
- Can enter/exit at any time (after lock-up)
- Value calculated daily (NAV)
- More liquid
- Usually lower minimum investment
- Suitable for conservative investors

Closed funds:
- Fixed entry/exit periods
- Value calculated periodically
- Less liquid
- Often higher minimum investment
- Suitable for long-term investors

For Golden Visa:
- Both types qualify
- Closed funds often have better returns
- Open funds offer more flexibility
- Lock-up period is 5 years regardless

What to choose:
- If you want flexibility — open funds
- If you want higher returns — closed funds
- If you're unsure — diversify between both

Important: Regardless of fund type, you cannot withdraw investments for 5 years to maintain Golden Visa status.

Question 12

How long does it take to get Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Total timeline for obtaining Golden Visa: 8 to 18 months

Step-by-step timeline:

1. Document collection — 2-4 weeks
   Passport, criminal record, income proof, health insurance

2. Investment selection — 1-2 weeks
   Fund analysis, agreement signing

3. Fund transfer — 1-2 weeks
   Opening Portuguese bank account, transferring funds

4. Application submission — 1 day
   Online application through ARI (AIMA) portal

5. Processing — 6-12 months
   Document and investment verification

6. Approval and payment — 1-2 weeks
   Receiving pre-approval, paying card fee

7. Biometrics and card — 2-4 weeks
   Visit to Portugal, receiving residence card

Factors affecting timeline:
- Document completeness
- Application queue
- Additional document requests
- Biometrics appointment availability

Important: Processing times may vary. We recommend starting document collection 2-3 months before planned investment.

Question 13

What documents are needed for Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Complete list of documents for Golden Visa application:

Main documents:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Criminal record certificate from country of residence
- Criminal record certificate from Portugal (obtained locally)
- Proof of legal income source
- Health insurance valid in Portugal
- NIF (Portuguese tax number)

Investment documents:
- Fund investment confirmation
- Proof of fund transfer
- Fund registration certificate (CMVM)

Additional documents:
- Passport photos (biometric format)
- Proof of address
- Bank statements (last 6 months)
- Employment/business documents

For family members:
- Birth certificates (for children)
- Marriage certificate (for spouse)
- Proof of dependency (for parents)
- Individual criminal records

Document requirements:
- All documents must be apostilled
- Translations to Portuguese by certified translator
- Documents valid for 6 months from issue date

Important: Document requirements may change. We recommend consulting with a lawyer before starting collection.

Question 14

How to renew Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Golden Visa renewal process:

Renewal schedule:
- First renewal — after 2 years
- Second renewal — after 2 more years
- After 5 years — can apply for citizenship or continue renewing

Renewal requirements:
- Maintain investment (€500,000 in fund)
- Meet minimum stay requirement (7 days/year or 14 days/2 years)
- No criminal record
- Valid health insurance
- Pay renewal fees

Renewal documents:
- Current residence card
- Proof of investment maintenance
- Proof of stay in Portugal
- Updated criminal record
- Health insurance certificate

Renewal fees:
- Processing fee: €533
- Card issuance: €5,325 per person

Timeline:
- Submit application 30 days before card expiration
- Processing: 2-4 months
- Can stay in Portugal during processing

Important: If you don't meet stay requirements, renewal may be denied. Keep records of all Portugal visits.

Question 15

What is the total cost of Portugal Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Complete breakdown of Golden Visa costs:

Investment (main expense):
- Investment funds: €500,000
- Cultural heritage: €250,000
- Scientific research: €500,000

Government fees (main applicant):
- Application processing: €533
- Card issuance: €5,325
- Total: ~€5,858

Government fees (family members):
- Per person: ~€5,858
- Family of 4: ~€23,432

Legal and administrative:
- Legal services: €10,000-20,000
- Fund due diligence: €2,000-5,000
- Document translation: €1,000-2,000
- Apostille: €500-1,000
- Health insurance: €500-1,500/year

Total budget for family of 4:
- Investment: €500,000
- Fees: ~€27,000
- Services: ~€18,000
- Total: from €545,000

Ongoing costs (per 2 years):
- Renewal fees: ~€5,858 per person
- Health insurance: €1,000-3,000
- Accounting (if needed): €500-1,000

Important: Costs may vary depending on family size and chosen service providers.

Question 16

What are the government fees for Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Official government fees for Golden Visa:

Application processing fee:
- Main applicant: €533
- Each family member: €533

Card issuance fee:
- Main applicant: €5,325
- Each family member: €5,325

Total per person: €5,858

For family of 4:
- Main applicant: €5,858
- Spouse: €5,858
- Child 1: €5,858
- Child 2: €5,858
- Total: €23,432

Renewal fees (every 2 years):
- Processing: €533 per person
- Card issuance: €5,325 per person
- Total per person: €5,858

Payment methods:
- Bank transfer to AIMA account
- Payment at AIMA office
- Online payment through portal

Important:
- Fees are non-refundable if application is denied
- Fees may change — check current rates before applying
- Processing fee paid at application
- Card fee paid after approval

Question 17

Can I include family in Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Golden Visa allows including family members:

Who can be included:
- Spouse or registered partner
- Children under 18 years
- Children 18-26 years (if students and financially dependent)
- Parents over 65 years (if financially dependent)
- Parents of spouse (same conditions)

Requirements for family members:
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificate
- Health insurance
- Proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificate)
- Proof of dependency (for adult children and parents)

Process:
- Family members can be included in initial application
- Or added later through family reunification
- Each family member gets their own residence card

Costs per family member:
- Application fee: €533
- Card issuance: €5,325
- Total: €5,858

Benefits for family:
- Same residence rights as main applicant
- Access to healthcare and education
- Right to work in Portugal
- Path to citizenship

Important: Family members must maintain their status through the main applicant's investment. If main applicant loses status, family members lose it too.

Question 18

How to include children in Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Including children in Golden Visa application:

Children under 18:
- Automatically included in application
- Both parents must consent (if applicable)
- Birth certificate required
- No additional investment needed

Children 18-26 years:
- Must be students (enrolled in educational institution)
- Must be financially dependent on parents
- Proof of enrollment required
- Proof of financial dependency required

Children over 26:
- Cannot be included as dependents
- Must apply separately with own investment
- Or apply through family reunification (limited cases)

Required documents for children:
- Birth certificate (apostilled)
- Passport
- Criminal record (if over 16)
- Health insurance
- School enrollment (for 18-26)
- Financial dependency proof (for 18-26)

Costs per child:
- Application fee: €533
- Card issuance: €5,325
- Total: €5,858

Important: Children's residence status depends on main applicant. If you lose Golden Visa, children lose their status too (unless they're adults with independent status).

Question 19

How much time do I need to spend in Portugal for Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Minimum stay requirements for Golden Visa:

Official requirement:
- 7 days per year, OR
- 14 days per 2-year period

This is one of the lowest requirements in Europe!

How it's calculated:
- Days don't need to be consecutive
- Any entry to Portugal counts
- Schengen entries through other countries don't count
- Keep proof of all visits (boarding passes, stamps)

What counts as a day:
- Entry day counts as full day
- Exit day counts as full day
- Even a few hours count if you enter/exit Portugal

Proof of stay:
- Passport stamps
- Boarding passes
- Hotel receipts
- Bank card transactions
- Utility bills (if you have property)

Important for renewal:
- Must prove stay for each 2-year period
- Missing requirement may result in renewal denial
- Keep all travel documentation

Tip: Many investors combine the minimum stay with vacation or business trips to Portugal.

Question 20

Can I work in Portugal with Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Golden Visa gives full right to work in Portugal:

Employment rights:
- Can work for any Portuguese company
- Can be self-employed
- Can start your own business
- Can work remotely for foreign companies

No restrictions on:
- Type of work
- Industry
- Salary level
- Working hours

Tax implications:
- If you work in Portugal, you may become tax resident
- Tax residency = 183+ days in Portugal
- Non-residents pay tax only on Portuguese income
- Consider NHR regime for tax optimization

Business opportunities:
- Can open company in Portugal
- Can invest in Portuguese businesses
- Access to EU market
- EU business registration

Important considerations:
- Working in Portugal doesn't affect Golden Visa status
- But may affect your tax situation
- Consult tax advisor before starting work
- Consider implications for your home country taxes

Tip: Many Golden Visa holders maintain businesses in their home countries while having the option to work in Portugal.

Question 21

How to get Portuguese citizenship through Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Path to Portuguese citizenship through Golden Visa:

Timeline:
- 5 years of legal residence required
- Can apply after 5th year of Golden Visa
- Processing: 12-24 months

Requirements for citizenship:
- 5 years of legal residence
- Clean criminal record
- Basic Portuguese language (A2 level)
- Ties to Portugal (visits, property, etc.)
- Passed citizenship test (basic)

Language requirement:
- A2 level Portuguese
- Can be proven by:
  - CAPLE exam certificate
  - Portuguese school diploma
  - Interview at civil registry

Documents needed:
- Birth certificate (apostilled)
- Criminal records (all countries lived)
- Proof of 5-year residence
- Language certificate
- Tax compliance certificate

Benefits of Portuguese citizenship:
- EU passport (180+ visa-free countries)
- Right to live/work anywhere in EU
- Vote in Portuguese elections
- Pass citizenship to children
- Keep original citizenship (dual allowed)

Important: As of February 2026, a bill is pending that may increase the naturalization period to 10 years. We monitor the situation closely.

Question 22

Do I need to know Portuguese for Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Portuguese language requirements:

For Golden Visa (residence permit):
- NO Portuguese required
- All documents can be in English
- Lawyers handle Portuguese communication
- No language test for residence

For citizenship (after 5 years):
- YES, A2 level Portuguese required
- Basic conversational level
- Can understand simple texts
- Can communicate in everyday situations

How to prove A2 level:
- CAPLE exam (official Portuguese test)
- Portuguese school diploma
- Interview at civil registry office

A2 level includes:
- Basic greetings and introductions
- Simple questions and answers
- Understanding signs and menus
- Basic shopping and directions

How to prepare:
- Online courses (Duolingo, Babbel)
- Portuguese language schools
- Private tutors
- Immersion during Portugal visits

Timeline recommendation:
- Start learning 1-2 years before citizenship application
- A2 level achievable in 6-12 months of regular study
- Practice during Portugal visits

Tip: Many Golden Visa holders start learning Portuguese early, making citizenship application smoother.

Question 23

What taxes do Golden Visa holders pay?

Accepted Answer

Tax obligations for Golden Visa holders:

Key principle:
- Golden Visa ≠ Tax residency
- You become tax resident only if you spend 183+ days in Portugal

Non-tax residents (most Golden Visa holders):
- Pay tax only on Portuguese-source income
- Foreign income not taxed in Portugal
- No wealth tax
- No inheritance tax (for non-residents)

Portuguese-source income includes:
- Rental income from Portuguese property
- Salary from Portuguese employer
- Business income from Portugal
- Capital gains from Portuguese assets

If you become tax resident (183+ days):
- Worldwide income taxed in Portugal
- Progressive rates up to 48%
- But NHR regime may apply (see below)

NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) regime:
- 10-year tax benefit program
- 20% flat rate on Portuguese income
- Many foreign incomes exempt
- Must not have been Portuguese tax resident in past 5 years

Important:
- Consult tax advisor for your specific situation
- Consider tax treaties between Portugal and your country
- Plan tax residency carefully

Tip: Most Golden Visa holders maintain tax residency in their home country and pay minimal Portuguese taxes.

Question 24

What is NHR regime and how to get it?

Accepted Answer

NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) tax regime:

What is NHR:
- Special tax regime for new Portuguese residents
- 10-year duration
- Significant tax benefits
- Available to Golden Visa holders who become tax residents

Key benefits:
- 20% flat rate on Portuguese employment income
- Many foreign incomes exempt from Portuguese tax
- No double taxation on most foreign income
- Pension income: 10% flat rate (for new applicants)

Exempt foreign income (examples):
- Dividends from foreign companies
- Interest from foreign banks
- Rental income from foreign property
- Capital gains from foreign assets
- Royalties from foreign sources

Requirements:
- Become Portuguese tax resident
- Not been Portuguese tax resident in past 5 years
- Register for NHR within deadline

How to apply:
1. Become tax resident in Portugal
2. Obtain NIF (tax number)
3. Apply for NHR status online
4. Submit within March 31 of year following residency

Important considerations:
- Must actually become tax resident (183+ days)
- Conflicts with Golden Visa minimal stay benefit
- May affect taxes in home country
- Requires careful planning

Who should consider NHR:
- Those planning to actually live in Portugal
- High earners with foreign income
- Retirees with foreign pensions
- Digital nomads working remotely

Golden Visa Portugal FAQ