Portugal Golden Visa Program
The Portugal Golden Visa Programme is one of Europe’s most popular Residency by Investment pathways, offering visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, minimal stay requirements, and a clear route to permanent residency and citizenship.
Portugal
Europe
Residency By Investment
The Portugal Golden Visa Program is a government-approved residency-by-investment pathway that enables non-EU nationals to obtain Portuguese residency through qualifying investments. It offers visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, minimal physical stay requirements, family inclusion, and a clear route to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship within five years. Applicants can qualify through regulated investment funds, donations to scientific research or cultural heritage, or job-creating business investments. Successful applicants and their families gain the right to live, work, and study in Portugal while maintaining their primary residence elsewhere. With one of the lowest stay requirements in Europe and a transparent legal framework, the Portugal Golden Visa remains one of the most flexible and secure EU residency programs available.
Government
Parliamentary Republic
Population
10.53M
Language
Portuguese
Currency
Euro (€ or EUR)
Climate
Mediterranean
Visa Free
Schengen and EU Access
Portugal Golden Visa Program Eligibility Requirements
Requirements:
Applicants must be non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, over 18, with a clean criminal record. You must make a qualifying investment, prove legal source of funds, obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF), open a local bank account, hold valid health insurance, and attend biometrics in Portugal.
Benefits:
Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, only 7 days stay per year, family inclusion, right to live, work and study in Portugal, access to EU healthcare and education, and a clear path to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship in 5 years with dual citizenship allowed.
Recent Articles
Check our latest news on the Immigration Program
What Is the Portugal Golden Visa Programme?
The Portugal Golden Visa Programme is a highly sought-after Residency by Investment (RBI) option that allows non-EU nationals to secure European residency through approved investments in Portugal. The programme offers visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, minimal stay requirements, and a clear pathway to Portuguese citizenship within five years.
At Step Global Group, we provide end-to-end advisory services to help investors and families obtain Portuguese residency smoothly, securely, and in full compliance with current regulations.
Why Choose the Portugal Golden Visa Programme?
The Portugal Golden Visa continues to attract global investors due to its flexibility, stability, and long-term benefits.
Key Benefits
- Residency in a European Union country
- Visa-free travel across 26 Schengen countries
- No requirement to permanently relocate to Portugal
- Minimal stay requirement of 7 days per year
- Family reunification included
- Access to healthcare, education, and lifestyle benefits in Portugal
- Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years
- One of the strongest passports globally
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options
Following recent regulatory updates, real estate investments are no longer eligible. The programme now focuses on sustainable and government-approved investment routes.
Approved Investment Routes
Investment Funds (Most Popular Option)
- Minimum investment of €500,000
- Investment in approved Portuguese venture capital or private equity funds
- Professionally managed and compliant with Golden Visa regulations
Scientific Research Contribution
- Minimum contribution of €500,000
- Investment in public or private research institutions in Portugal
Cultural or Artistic Support
- Minimum donation of €250,000
- Contribution toward preserving Portuguese cultural heritage or arts
Business Investment
- Capital investment of €500,000 with job creation
- Supports economic development and employment in Portugal
Step Global Group assists clients in selecting compliant and risk-assessed investment options aligned with their objectives.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationality
- Clean criminal record from country of residence
- Proof of legal source of funds
- Minimum qualifying investment maintained for the required period
- Valid health insurance coverage in Portugal
Family Members Included
The Portugal Golden Visa allows applicants to include eligible family members under one application.
Eligible Dependents
- Spouse or legally recognized partner
- Children under 18 years
- Dependent children up to 26 years (full-time education)
- Dependent parents of the main applicant or spouse
This makes the programme ideal for families seeking long-term security and European mobility.
Portugal Golden Visa Timeline
The process is straightforward and structured:
- Initial Consultation & Eligibility Assessment – 1 week
- Investment Selection & Execution – 1 to 2 months
- Application Submission & Biometrics – 6 to 9 months
- Residence Permit Issuance & Renewals – Year 2 and Year 4
- Permanent Residency or Citizenship Application – After 5 years
Pathway to Portuguese Citizenship
After maintaining the Golden Visa for five years, applicants may apply for:
- Permanent Residency in Portugal, or
- Portuguese Citizenship, subject to:
- Basic Portuguese language proficiency (A2 level)
- Continued compliance with programme requirements
- Clean criminal record
Portuguese citizenship grants full EU rights and one of the world’s most powerful passports.
Why Choose Step Global Group?
Your Trusted Residency by Investment Partner
- Specialized expertise in Residency & Citizenship by Investment programmes
- Strong legal and investment partner network in Portugal
- Transparent advisory process with no hidden fees
- Dedicated case manager for every application
- End-to-end support—from consultation to citizenship stage
- High success rate with regulatory-compliant applications
Start Your Portugal Golden Visa Journey Today
Secure European residency and future citizenship through the Portugal Golden Visa Programme with expert guidance from Step Global Group.
Popular Portugal Programme Blogs
New Regulations on the Portugal Golden Visa Program | Portuguese Golden Visa Options | How to Obtain Portugal Citizenship by Investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Portugal Golden Visa Programme still available?
Yes. The programme remains active with revised investment options excluding real estate.
2. Do I need to live in Portugal full-time?
No. Applicants only need to spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal.
3. Can I apply for Portuguese citizenship?
Yes. After five years, you may apply for citizenship subject to basic language and legal requirements.
4. Is my investment refundable?
Refundability depends on the chosen investment route and fund structure. Step Global Group provides full clarity before investment.
The Step Global immigration lawyers are available to answer your questions. Contact us today to arrange a consultation.