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Portugal is one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations for global investors. Understanding the Portugal Golden Visa requirements is the first step to unlocking residency, EU mobility, and even citizenship through investment.
This program gives non-EU nationals the right to live in Portugal, travel across the Schengen Area, and apply for citizenship after five years. In 2025, the focus shifted from real estate to strategic investments in funds, culture and innovation, opening new opportunities for forward-thinking investors.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what it takes to qualify and how to make the Golden Visa your gateway to a secure future in Portugal and beyond.
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Legal Requirements for Obtaining the Portugal Golden Visa
Applying for Portugal’s Golden Visa involves more than just making a qualifying investment. The process requires careful legal and financial preparation to meet the government’s compliance standards. Below we have outlined a step-by-step breakdown of what the process looks like in 2025:
1. Choose a Qualifying Investment Route
The first legal requirement is selecting an eligible investment, as defined by Portugal’s updated Golden Visa law. As of 2025, real estate investment is no longer available. Approved options include:
- €500,000 investment in a qualified Portuguese investment fund.
- €200,000 donation to national arts, culture, or heritage projects.
- €500,000 contribution to scientific or technological research.
- Job creation via the incorporation of a Portuguese company employing 10+ people.
Your investment must be committed and documented before submitting the visa application.
2. Obtain a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF)
Every applicant must secure a Portuguese NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal). This tax ID is required to open bank accounts, complete the investment, and interact with public authorities. A legal representative can obtain this on your behalf.
3. Open a Portuguese Bank Account
To process your investment and cover application-related expenses, you’ll need a local bank account in Portugal. This account will serve as the funding source for your qualifying investment and help demonstrate financial traceability and compliance.
4. Undergo Legal Due Diligence and Compliance Checks
Before submitting the application, your legal team will conduct due diligence to confirm:
- The validity of your investment.
- Your clean criminal record (from all countries where you’ve resided).
- Compliance with anti-money laundering and source of funds regulations.
Applicants must not be listed on international sanctions lists or have any disqualifying criminal background, or they will be rejected.
Visa requirements can change — learn how we ensure your Portugal Golden Visa is fully compliant.
Compliance and Documentation Checklist
To ensure a successful Golden Visa application, all documents must meet Portuguese legal standards and clearly demonstrate your eligibility, financial commitment, and personal compliance. Below is a checklist of the typical requirements:
Core Documents
- Valid passport and certified copy of personal identification.
- Portuguese NIF certificate.
- Proof of Portuguese bank account.
- Completed application forms provided by the immigration authority.
Proof of Investment
You must supply clear evidence of your qualifying investment, which may include:
- Subscription certificates for fund investments.
- Transfer confirmations showing payment of the minimum investment amount.
- Donation receipts for cultural contributions.
- Research contracts or agreements for science/tech funding.
Each route requires documentation that proves ownership, timing, and value of the investment.
Background and Health Documentation
- Criminal background check (issued within 90 days):
- Main applicant: from country of origin or residence (if living there 1+ years).
- Family members: from both country of origin and residence (if living there 1+ years).
- Valid private health insurance policy covering the duration of your stay in Portugal.
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental contract or ownership deed, if applicable).
Document Translation and Legalization
All foreign documents must be:
- Officially translated into Portuguese by a certified translator. (If the documents are in English, Spanish, Italian or French, our team will translate them into Portuguese without any extra fee).
- Apostilled or legalized depending on your country’s treaty status.
Incorrect formatting, missing translations, or outdated documents are among the most common reasons Golden Visa applications are delayed or rejected.
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Requirements
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. This is not financial or investment advice. At Lexidy, we assist clients with legal compliance, application filings, and residency planning related to the Portugal Golden Visa program.
As of 2025, Portugal’s Golden Visa is available through a set of carefully regulated, non-real-estate investment routes. These options reflect the government’s focus on strategic national priorities such as innovation, cultural preservation, and scientific advancement. Let’s take a look at the main qualifying paths:
€500,000 in a Qualified Investment Fund
This is currently the most popular option. It involves subscribing to a Portuguese-regulated investment fund(s) (such as venture capital or private equity) that aligns with national economic development. To qualify for the Golden Visa, the investment fund you choose must:
- Be managed by professionals licensed by the CMVM (Portuguese Securities Market Commission).
- Allocate at least 60% of its assets in Portugal.
- Not invest in real estate (as per regulatory updates to the program).
- Maturity of, at least, 5 years.
€200,000 Donation to Cultural or Heritage Projects
Applicants can choose to make a non-refundable contribution of at least €200,000 to Portuguese cultural institutions, arts, or heritage preservation initiatives. This route:
- Must be pre-approved by the relevant Portuguese authorities (GEPAC).
- Supports museums, orchestras, cultural events, or restoration efforts.
€500,000 Contribution to Research & Development
Investors may fund scientific research or tech innovation by donating to accredited public or private institutions engaged in:
- Renewable energy
- Medical research
- Technological development
- Environmental sciences
This route supports Portugal’s knowledge economy and must be tied to institutions recognized by national R&D agencies.
In all cases, the investor must maintain the qualifying investment for a minimum of five years from the date of residence permit issuance. Regulations may change, so it is essential to verify current terms before proceeding with any financial commitment.
Family Inclusion and Long-Term Considerations
One of the strongest advantages of Portugal’s Golden Visa is that it supports family reunification. Applicants can bring their close relatives with them under the same residency process.
Who Can Be Included
The primary investor can include the following dependents in a joint Golden Visa application:
- Spouse or legal partner (including same-sex partners in recognized unions).
- Children under 18.
- Adult children who are financially dependent ,enrolled in full-time education and single.
- Dependent parents of the main applicant or their spouse, provided financial dependence is documented or older than 65 years old.
- Each dependent must provide necessary documentation and oblige by legal criteria, including criminal background checks.
Visa Duration and Extensions
The Golden Visa initially grants a 2-year residence permit, renewable for successive 2-year periods, as long as:
- The investment is maintained.
- The applicant complies with minimum stay requirements (14 days every 2 years).
The renewal process requires updated proof of investment, and continued eligibility for both the main applicant and all dependents.
Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
After 5 years of continuous, legally compliant residence under the Golden Visa, the investor and their included family members may apply for:
- Permanent residency (without the need to maintain the original investment).
- Portuguese citizenship, subject to:
- Passing an A2-level Portuguese language test.
- Clean criminal record.
- Continued legal residency and integration.
Citizenship grants access to an EU passport, freedom of movement across the Schengen Area, and the ability to live and work anywhere in the European Union.
How Our Legal Team Can Help
At Lexidy, we guide investors through every step of the Portugal Golden Visa process with clarity, confidence, and compliance. Our team of experienced immigration lawyers provides end-to-end legal support, from investment validation and family inclusion right through to long-term residency planning.
What We Offer:
- Tailored immigration strategy based on your nationality, investment goals, and family structure.
- Legal due diligence on your selected investment route to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Complete documentation support, including apostilles, certified translations, and official filings.
- Appointment scheduling and representation before Portuguese immigration authorities.
- Ongoing compliance assistance for renewals, family additions, and legal updates.
- Real-time alerts about changes to Portugal’s Golden Visa law and related residency programs.
Lexidy ensures your application is legally sound and strategically planned, giving you and your family the best chance of approval with minimal stress.
Reach out to our Portugal immigration team today to start your journey with the right legal foundation.
Have Questions About the Portugal Golden Visa Requirements?
Portugal’s Golden Visa continues to stand out in 2025 as one of Europe’s most flexible and investor-friendly residency-by-investment programs. With pathways focused on innovation, culture, and research, it offers a clear legal route to EU residency and eventually citizenship for non-EU investors and their families.
However, the process involves strict compliance with Portuguese immigration and investment laws, detailed documentation, and ongoing residency requirements.
At Lexidy, our legal team helps you navigate the complexities with confidence, ensuring your investment qualifies and your application proceeds smoothly from start to finish.
Explore your opportunity today! Book a consultation with our Portugal Golden Visa lawyers and take the next step toward living and investing in Europe.