Get a Golden Visa in Portugal

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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 documentation 

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.