Get a Golden Visa in Portugal
Work with an immigration lawyer who is dedicated to helping you move to Portugal by making a smart investment decision.
🇵🇹 Portugal is calling you…
You can apply for a Golden Visa in Portugal by investing as little as €280,000 in the country’s real estate. Just decide on which investment you’d like to make and we’ll do the rest!
A Golden Visa in Portugal grants you residency in one of the most beautiful and safe countries in Europe. With this visa, you can travel throughout the EU without any additional visa requirements. You can also enjoy a high standard of living, including access to high-quality healthcare, education, and cultural experiences.
The Golden Visa program allows you to invest in a variety of profitable projects, such as real estate, business, or venture capital. You can make money while also securing your future in a stable economy. The investment requirements for the Golden Visa are also lower than other similar programs in Europe, making it the best option.
The Golden Visa program allows you to include your family members in your application. You can reunite with your loved ones in a beautiful and welcoming country, with access to all the benefits and opportunities that come with residency in Portugal.
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How can a lawyer help with the Golden Visa?
Our lawyers can speed up the procedure for non-EU citizens who want a Golden Visa or residence authorization in Portugal. We have vast experience and knowledge about Portugal’s Immigration Officials handling the process and how they assess applications. We also understand Golden Visas programs in other countries and can recommend the best program for your needs.
Our team of Portuguese Immigration lawyers will complete the necessary forms on your behalf. They will also review the paperwork to check if it’s correct to make the process is as fast as possible.
Lexidy’s immigration experts work closely with health insurance companies, sworn translators and international schools to help your relocation to Portugal.
We offer full assistance in English, Portuguese and others.
What is a Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is the residence permit for non-EU citizens who want to live in Portugal. It carries the greatest benefits and flexibility for the holder while offering the simplest application process. With this visa, you and your loved ones can live and work in Portugal straight away.
However, to do so, you must make a significant investment in Portuguese real estate, to do so. For most applicants that means a €500,000 investment in a beach villa, city apartment or rural chalet. Others opt for more affordable criteria for the Golden Visa such as:
- investing €280,000 in real estate that’s located in low-density areas
- or €350,000 in construction that’s at least 30 years old or in a designated rehabilitation or regeneration zone.
These properties can be used as residences, offices, tourist apartments, commerce or other services.
The Portugal Golden Visa also gives you visa-free travel in Europe’s Schengen area.
Our FAQ can help you if you have any questions.
How do I get a Golden Visa in Portugal?
To apply for a Golden Visa in Portugal, the applicant must complete a certain type of real estate investment. Once the applicant has decided upon their investment, they can apply for the Golden Visa. They can use an online platform that’s managed by the Portuguese Immigration authorities.
The applicant will be invited to an interview with the Portuguese immigration officials once the residence permit has been approved. After this meeting, the applicant will receive their residence card.
Real Estate Investment
For this approach, you must invest at least €500,000 in one or more properties. The investment cannot include taxes, fees or a mortgage.
The funds must come from a foreign bank account which bears the investor’s name. This purchase can be made as an individual or through a legal entity. However, it can’t be domiciled in a tax haven and must be 50% owned by the investor.
Some investors prefer the most affordable investment routes, like:
- buying a property in a low-density area
- a building that’s at least 30 years old
- or projects in a rehabilitation zone.
Under these scenarios, you can get a Golden Visa by:
- investing €280,000 in real estate that’s in a low-density area
- or investing €350,000 in an older building or one in a designated zone.
Real estate transactions are attractive for some investors because they can use them as a rental property and make money.
Our team of Real Estate lawyers can assist you with the process of purchasing a Portuguese property. Whether you’re buying in person or remotely via Power of Attorney.
How I do renew a Golden Visa?
It’s relatively easy to renew a Portuguese Golden Visa. For most, it’s no more challenging than simply keeping the original investment and showing proof to the Immigration officials. They are known as SEF.
You need to spend at least seven days a year in the country to qualify. This is less demanding than in other European countries. You must also show that you can support your and, if applicable, your family’s lifestyle while in Portugal. You should also have a valid medical insurance policy.Â
The initial residency permit is issued for a two-year period and can easily be renewed every two years. After five years of living in Portugal, Golden Visa holders can get Permanent Residency or Portuguese Citizenship. These statuses have additional rights.
Our lawyers will explain if you’re eligible to apply. They will also help you understand the other residency by investment programs.
Get a valid healthcare insurance policy in Portugal.
Portugal asks for a clean criminal record and proof of a local address. Sometimes, you may need to provide other paperwork like marriage certificates, so we recommend working with an immigration expert.
Other options for a Portuguese Golden Visa
- Capital transfer:Â
- €1.5 million minimum capital transfer into a Portuguese bank account or approved investment.
- €500,000 in an investment fund or venture capital fund unit committed to investing in Portuguese companies. They must have a maturity of at least five years. Also, at least 60% of the investment portfolio must be in Portuguese companies.
- €500,000 in public or private research as part of a national scientific and technological project.
- €250,000 in supporting an artistic production or in the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage
- Business:Â
- Creating at least ten new jobs. This falls to eight new jobs if it’s in an area with a low population density.
- A €500,000 investment in creating or increasing the share capital of a Portuguese company. This investment must create or support at least five permanent jobs for three years.
What document do I need for Golden Visa in Portugal?
In order to qualify for a residence visa for investment, you must provide the following correct paperwork.
Real Estate:
Immigration officials will want to see proof that you purchased the property. This can be done with a certificate of domain and land registry fees, or a deed of sale.
Bank deposit investment:
You will need a certificate issued by the financial institution which brokered the deal. It must state that you are the only holder of this investment.
Company shares:
There must be a certificate from the company that received the investment, and it has to show your name clearly. It should also include how much money you invested and when it was purchased.
The applicant must provide the following documentation once confirmed by immigration authorities.
- Two passport photos
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages
- A completed application form
- A criminal record background check
Process of getting the Portuguese Golden Visa
1. Make an Investment
The first step to Portuguese residency is to identify and plan to make the investment. Most invest at least €500,000 in real estate. However, that can fall to €280,000 for property in low-density areas.
2. Gather the documentationÂ
Next, you need to obtain all the necessary documents, like a bank or criminal record certificate. All public documents must be legalised and those not in Portuguese must be translated by a certified, sworn translator. The Immigration lawyers at Lexidy regularly work with qualified and verified translators and will recommend someone convenient for you.
3. Golden Visa application
Applying online
After completing the real estate transaction and gathering the necessary documentation, the applicant submits the application online. Once the authorities approve the residence permit, the applicant must then schedule an in-person meeting with the Portuguese immigration authorities.
The applicant will receive the residence permit at this appointment. It will be valid for two years and can be renewed by simply maintaining the investment.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Don’t try to go through the Golden Visa process on your own. Seek the help of an experienced immigration lawyer to increase your chances of success and make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Your Options For a Golden Visa in Portugal
€280,000
Investment that's located in a "low-density" area
€350,000
Investment in a construction that's at least 30 years old or in a rehabilitation area
€500,000
Investment in a Real Estate asset such as an apartment, commercial building or land
Frequently Bought Together
Tax ID Number (NIF - Portugal)
New residents in Portugal require a Tax ID Number (NIF) for financial transactions and compliance with tax obligations and public services access.
Invest in Real Estate
Investing in real estate in Portugal provides an opportunity for both short-term profit and long-term stability in a country with a growing economy and a high quality of life.
Buy a Property Remotely
Buying property remotely provides convenience and accessibility, allowing for more options and flexibility in real estate investment.
Our Work Is To Make Clients Happy
We are a department formed by qualified legal experts who have been trained in the field of immigration law. We work on these requests every day and it’s our passion. For us, Lexidy is a way of life and what excites us the most is to be able to deliver the happiness and satisfaction of a successful immigration process. We want to help you achieve your goals and dreams.
Vasco Dias
Lawyer
Thabata Mota
Legal Trainee
Diana Andrade
Lawyer, Head of Immigration Portugal
Gabriela Teruel
Legal Trainee
Karla Morais
Lawyer
Deborah Andrade
Legal Trainee
Alicia Vilafranca
Legal Trainee
Margarida Vieira
Legal Trainee
Marina Tormin
Lawyer
Bruna Duarte
Legal TraineeFrequently Asked Questions
If filed online, the Portuguese border authorities, known as SEF, have 60 days to analyze the application. Once it’s approved, the Lexidy team will book an appointment for the authorities to collect the applicant’s biometric data. This appointment would be the first where it’s mandatory for the applicant to be physically present in Portugal.
Yes, the Golden Visa comes with a work permit for you and your family members.
It can be any real estate asset such as:
- an apartment
- rural land
- an office
- or retail store
The €500,000 investment must not include taxes, fees or debt. However, you can have a mortgage if you have a €500,000 down payment or deposit.
Your partner or children can apply with you if you can support their lifestyle. You will need to provide extra paperwork such as marriage or birth certificates.
Unmarried partners who can prove a long-term relationship can also apply as dependants.
Yes, however, you will have to prove economic dependence and single status. Your children must also be enrolled at a university or academy.
It is mandatory to spend at least seven days per year in Portugal. The Temporary Residency Permit is issued for two years and can be renewed every two years.
However, in the fifth year, the applicant can apply for Permanent Residency or Citizenship. They must meet the legal requirements, one of which is to pass a Portuguese test at A2 standard.
Speak to a lawyer to better understand your options as a resident in Portugal.
The Portuguese government allows investments to be made through a legal entity in places that are not tax havens.
Yes, the law allows the investment to be made through the acquisition of co-owned property. However, each person’s minimum investment must be €500,000. This can be lower if purchasing real estate in a special zone.Â
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