How to Obtain Portugal Citizenship by Investment

The Portugal Golden Visa Program offers investors a route to Portuguese Citizenship in as little as 6-7 years with minimal requirements except for a qualifying investment. 

Step 1: Choose a Portugal Golden Visa Expert

One of the most important parts of the journey towards Portugal citizenship by investment will be to choose an expert who can properly guide you through the whole process. This should be a consultant or expert who is well aware of the current Portugal Golden Visa requirements, is up to date with regulations, has access to a variety of qualifying investment opportunities, and can guide you through a multi-year process.

Step 2: Choosing a Qualifying Investment

Under the Portugal Golden Visa Program, an investor must make an investment of a minimum of EUR 500,000 into a qualifying fund in Portugal. The investment must be held for a minimum number of years as allotted by the fund. Most funds will align this timeline with the immigration process such that the funds are held for 5-8 years before they are returned to the investor.

In 2023, the Portuguese government eliminated the real estate portion of the program, meaning investors could no longer purchase property in Portugal to qualify for the Golden Visa Program. To address this, many developers have created real estate-based funds that now qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa application under the new price point of 500,000 EUR. Therefore, investors are still investing in the development of real estate in Portugal without owning a piece of property.

Step 3: Compilation of Documentation and Making the Investment

At this stage, your Expert will assist you in compiling the documentation necessary for your Portugal Golden Visa application. This will include your civil documents for the primary applicant and all dependents. Proof of investment will also be required at this time.

Step 4: Submission of the Application 

Once all documents are compiled and the investment in Portugal for Golden Visa is made the application is submitted for consideration by SEF.

Step 5: Biometrics and Approval

Once the application has been processed and an approval is obtained, the primary applicant and all dependents will need to arrive in Portugal for their biometrics appointment. 

Step 6: Issuance of Residence Card

A Portugal Golden Residence Permit is issued to the primary applicant and all dependents after the biometrics are completed and final approval of the application. 

Step 7: Hold the Golden Visa for Five years

Once the Portugal Golden Visa is obtained, it must be held for 5 years. During this time, the primary applicant must keep their funds invested in the qualifying investment fund. The primary and all dependents also must land in Portugal for 7 days in the first year, and 14 days in every subsequent two-year period up to the fifth year. 

Step 8: Apply for Permanent Residency

Once these requirements have been met and upon holding the Portugal Golden Visa for 5 years, the applicant will be eligible to apply for Portuguese Permanent Residence. At this time, the applicant will also be qualified to receive their investment funds back.

Step 9: Apply for Portugal Citizenship

The Portugal citizenship process happens through naturalization and can happen as soon as the permanent residency is obtained. There is no requirement to hold Portugal permanent residence for a certain period of time before applying for citizenship in Portugal by investment.

Step 10: Portuguese Citizenship and Passport is Issued

At this final stage, the primary applicant and all dependents receive their Portugal Passport by Investment, which grants them the right to live and work legally in the entire EU. Additionally, they will have visa-free access or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries worldwide.

FAQs