Portugal Golden Visa Explained: FAQs on Citizenship, Funds & Requirements

What is the Portugal Golden Visa?

The Portugal Golden Visa is an investment-based residency and citizenship program established by the Portuguese government. It is available to individuals who are not citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. The program incentivizes foreign investors to contribute to the Portuguese economy through qualifying investments, granting them residency rights in return.

What are the benefits of the Golden Visa?

The Portugal Golden Visa offers several advantages, including:

Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
The right to live, work, and study in Portugal.
The ability to include qualifying family members under the same residency permit.
Eligibility to apply for Portuguese citizenship after holding the visa for at least five years.

What are the eligibility criteria for investors?

To qualify for the Golden Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be a citizen from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
Be at least 18 years old.
Make a qualifying investment in Portugal, as defined by the program’s regulations.

What are the qualifying investment options?

Investors can choose from the following options:

Investment to qualifying investment funds: Invest a minimum of €500,000;
Job Creation: Establish a business that creates at least 10 jobs in Portugal.
Donations & Financial Contributions: Donate €250,000 to cultural heritage preservation or €350,000 to scientific research carried out by public or private institutions.

Who in my family can benefit from the Golden Visa?

Through the Golden Visa program, eligible family members include:

The main applicant's spouse.
Dependent children under the age of 18.
Dependent parents of the main applicant or their spouse.

How does the Portugal Golden Visa compare to similar programs in Spain and Greece?

The choice between Portugal, Spain, and Greece's Golden Visa programs depends on the specific needs and goals of the investor. However, Portugal’s Golden Visa stands out for its pathway to European citizenship after five years, its flexible stay requirements, and the wide range of investment options available.

What are the costs associated with the Portugal Golden Visa?

The total cost of obtaining a Golden Visa depends on the selected investment option. Additional expenses include legal fees, and processing fees paid to the Portuguese government and the Immigration and Asylum Service (AIMA).

How long does it take to process the Portugal Golden Visa?

Processing times vary depending on the AIMA office handling the application. Offices in urban areas, such as Lisbon, often have longer waiting periods compared to those in rural regions. On average, from the time the investment is made, it takes approximately six to eight months to obtain the Golden Visa residence card.

Is it possible to make the investment through a limited liability company?

The Golden Visa investment must be made by the main applicant as an individual. The sole exception is if the applicant establishes a company and creates 10 jobs in Portugal. In this scenario, the limited liability company may conduct the investments on behalf of the applicant using this capital.

Do I Need to Be an Accredited Investor to Apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa?

No, Portugal does not require Golden Visa applicants to be accredited investors. Since the application process takes place after a qualifying investment is made, the Portuguese government does not verify accredited investor status. However, for investment opportunities structured under private placement exemptions, the requirements may vary:
Reg D 506(c) and 4(a)(2) SEC exemptions require investors to be accredited.
Reg D 506(b) exemptions allow for the inclusion of up to 35 non-accredited investors in a given offering.

Is Accredited Investor Status Required for the Donation Route?

No, accredited status is not required for applicants choosing the donation path to Portugal’s Golden Visa. For donations made in low-density areas, the required amounts may be reduced by 20%.

Can I Invest in Portugal Without Applying for the Golden Visa?

Yes, Portugal offers a variety of investment opportunities beyond the Golden Visa framework. Whether you are interested in private equity, venture capital, real estate, or business investments, there are numerous ways to engage with the Portuguese market without applying for residency. Please reach out for tailored investment introductions.

Can My €500,000 Investment Be Spread Across Multiple Golden Visa-Eligible Funds?

Yes, Golden Visa applicants have the flexibility to allocate their required €500,000 investment across multiple qualifying funds. However, it is important to consider that each fund may have a minimum investment threshold, typically ranging between €50,000 and €250,000. Diversifying your investment may enhance risk management while ensuring compliance with Golden Visa requirements.

Can I take out a mortgage to make my investment?

Portugal requires that the minimum investment amount be transferred to the country by the applicant through a bank transfer, and this amount cannot be borrowed from a Portuguese bank. However, the applicant may obtain the required funds through a loan from a bank outside of Portugal. If the total investment exceeds the minimum requirement, the excess amount may be financed by a Portuguese bank.

Do all required documents need to be translated into Portuguese?

The majority of the documents submitted for the Golden Visa application must be translated into either Portuguese or English.

Can I handle the Golden Visa process on my own?

Yes, it is possible to manage the application independently. However, given the significant financial investment involved, it is highly recommended to engage a professional legal representative to guide you through the process.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for the Golden Visa?

While hiring a lawyer is not mandatory, it is strongly advised to have a local Portuguese lawyer assist you with the application process to ensure compliance with all legal and administrative requirements.

What are the tax implications of the Portugal Golden Visa? Do I have to pay taxes in Portugal?

Holding a Golden Visa does not automatically make you a tax resident in Portugal. If you do not become a tax resident, you are not required to pay taxes on income generated outside of Portugal. However, any income derived within Portugal must be declared and taxed accordingly. Double Taxation Treaties ensure that you will not be taxed multiple times on the same income.

What taxes apply to income generated in Portugal?

Income earned in Portugal is subject to a flat tax rate of 28%.

Do investors have to pay taxes in Portugal on income earned in other countries?

If an investor spends less than 183 days in Portugal within a calendar year, they will not be considered a Portuguese tax resident. In this case, only income earned within Portugal is subject to taxation.

Do I need to register and pay contributions to the Portuguese Social Security?

No, registration with the Portuguese Social Security system is not required. However, applicants must obtain private health insurance to cover healthcare expenses while in Portugal.

What is a fiscal number (NIF)?

A fiscal number, or NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal), is a tax identification number in Portugal. It is required for carrying out official transactions, such as opening a Portuguese bank account or purchasing real estate.

Do I need to reside in Portugal, or can I live in another country?

The Golden Visa does not require full-time residency in Portugal. Applicants must spend a minimum of seven days per year in Portugal but are free to reside elsewhere.

Can I use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa?

No, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin are not accepted for Golden Visa investments. Only Euros are permitted for qualifying investments.

Can Americans apply for the Portugal Golden Visa?

Yes, American citizens are eligible to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa. In fact, Americans have become the largest nationality group among applicants for the program as of 2024.

Can Russian citizens apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa?

Yes, Russian citizens are eligible to apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa. Currently, Russian nationals represent the fifth largest group of applicants in the program.

Can people from Hong Kong apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa?

Yes, citizens of Hong Kong are eligible to apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa. The program gained significant popularity in Hong Kong in 2020.

What is the best way to obtain a Portuguese Golden Visa?

The most suitable approach depends on the individual investor’s specific criteria and objectives. To date, the majority of investors have opted for investment in securities funds. Among the available options, 3 Comma Capital’s flagship Golden Visa-eligible Portugal Golden Income Fund is widely regarded as an excellent choice for investors.

What investment options are available for the Portuguese Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa program offers several investment options, including:

Subscription to qualifying investment funds,
Creation of at least 10 jobs, and
Financial support (donations) for national or cultural activities in Portugal.

What investment funds are available for the Golden Visa?

Numerous investment funds with varied strategies qualify for the Portuguese Golden Visa. 3 Comma Capital’s Portugal Golden Income Fund is a standout option for those seeking both financial returns and residency benefits.

How long does it take before I can apply for Portuguese citizenship and passport?

After holding the Golden Visa for five years, you become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship. Once you are naturalized as a citizen, you can obtain a Portuguese passport.

How can I obtain Portuguese citizenship through investment?

Portuguese citizenship can be obtained by making a qualified investment under the Golden Visa program. After maintaining the investment for at least five years and meeting other requirements, you will be eligible to apply for naturalization.

Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Portugal permits dual citizenship.

Does the Portuguese Golden Visa lead to Portuguese citizenship?

Yes, the Portuguese Golden Visa can lead to citizenship. After maintaining the visa for five years, you become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.

How much does Portuguese citizenship cost?

The cost varies depending on the chosen investment option and the number of individuals included in your application (i.e. dependents / spouse).

Do I need to learn Portuguese before obtaining my citizenship?

Yes, to obtain Portuguese citizenship, you must pass an A2-level language proficiency test, which demonstrates basic knowledge of Portuguese.

Do I need to take a language proficiency test for the Golden Visa?

No, a language test is not required to qualify for the Golden Visa. However, you will need to pass an A2-level Portuguese exam if you decide to apply for permanent residency or citizenship after five years.

What does “basic knowledge” of Portuguese mean?

Basic knowledge refers to the ability to read, write, and speak Portuguese at an introductory level, including understanding common phrases and essential vocabulary.

Is the A2 level exam the only accepted test?

Yes, the A2-level Portuguese language exam is the only test recognized for meeting the citizenship requirement.

Where can you learn Portuguese and prepare for the test?

There are many online resources available to help you prepare for the A2-level test. In addition, Portuguese and Brazilian embassies in various countries often offer in-person language courses. To learn more about these options, feel free to contact 3 Comma Capital.

When should the test be taken?

The Portuguese test is required only if you choose to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship. You are free to take the test at any point during your Golden Visa residency period.

Can same-sex couples also apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa?

Yes, Portugal allows Golden Visa applicants to include same-sex partners in their application through family reunification.

Is Portugal LGBT-friendly?

Absolutely. Portugal is considered one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in Europe, with progressive legislation and high social acceptance of the LGBT community.

How long is the Golden Visa valid?

The initial Golden Visa card is valid for two years. During this period, you must stay in Portugal for at least 14 days. After this, you can renew your residence card, with subsequent cards being valid for three years each. During these three-year periods, you must spend at least 21 days in Portugal. Provided your investment is maintained, you can renew your Golden Visa as many times as needed.

Which countries are part of the Schengen Area?

The 26 countries in the Schengen Area are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

What happens to the investment after five years? Can it be sold or transferred?

After five years, as a Golden Visa holder, you have three options:

Continue with the Golden Visa program.
Apply for permanent residency.
Apply for Portuguese citizenship.

If you choose permanent residency or citizenship, you may sell or liquidate your investment as desired. However, if you wish to remain in the Golden Visa program, the investment must be maintained.

Can the investor sell the investment at any time if they no longer need the Golden Visa?

Yes, the investment can be sold at any time if the Golden Visa is no longer required.

Why choose the Portuguese Golden Visa?

The Portuguese Golden Visa offers several benefits, including:

The right to live and work in Portugal.
Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
The ability to apply for EU citizenship after five years.

What is the most common investment option for the Portuguese Golden Visa?

Historically, real estate investment was the most popular choice. However, as of October 2023, property purchases are no longer eligible for the program. Since this change, investment in financial instruments, such as qualifying funds, has become the preferred option.

How can I obtain permanent residency in Portugal?

The Portuguese Golden Visa is one of the most common pathways to obtaining permanent residency in Portugal.

How long does it take to obtain permanent residency in Portugal?

You will be eligible to apply for permanent residency after holding the Golden Visa for five years.