Portugal Golden Visa
Residence Permit Through Investment
Complete Guide 2026
European residence through investment for you and your family. No relocation required.
What is the Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa is a government residency-by-investment program that has been successfully operating since 2012. Its official name is ARI (Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento).
The concept is simple: you make a qualifying investment in the country's economy, such as in an investment fund, and in return receive a Portuguese residence permit for yourself and your family.
"You don't need to relocate to Portugal or become a tax resident. You only need to spend 7 days per year in the country."
This is the perfect solution for those seeking a "Plan B" and freedom of movement across Europe while maintaining their current lifestyle.
Why Choose Portugal?
Thousands of investors worldwide choose this program. Here are the key benefits that make the Golden Visa one of the most attractive in Europe.
Freedom of Movement
Visa-free entry and free movement across all 29 Schengen countries. Travel and do business anywhere in Europe.
No Tax Residency Required
Obtaining residence permit does not require you to become a tax resident of Portugal. Keep your tax residency in a convenient jurisdiction.
Minimal Stay Requirement
Only 7 days per year (or 14 days over a two-year period) — one of the most flexible requirements among all European programs.
Path to EU Citizenship
After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship — a full EU passport to live and work in any EU country.
Residence for the Whole Family
One application includes spouse, minor children, adult student children, and financially dependent parents.
Important: As of February 2026, a citizenship bill is pending in the Portuguese parliament that could increase the naturalization period from 5 to 10 years. We are closely monitoring the situation and will update the information when changes are adopted.
How to Get a Golden Visa in 2026?
After the 2023 reform that eliminated real estate investments, the primary route is through investment funds. This option offers diversification and professional management.
Investment Funds
€500,000
Invest in units of a Portuguese-regulated investment fund (FCR or SCR) with a maturity of at least five years, and with at least 60% of the investment portfolio in Portuguese-based companies.
View Recommended FundsCalculate the Total Cost
Use our interactive tool to estimate the government fees for your family. The calculator accounts for all family members who can be included in the application.
* Only government fees are shown. Legal services, document translations, and health insurance are charged separately.
Go to CalculatorHow to Get a Golden Visa: Step-by-Step
2-4 weeks
Document Collection
Preparation and apostille of documents: passport, criminal record certificate, proof of income, health insurance.
1-2 weeks
Investment Selection
Analysis and selection of investment fund or other option. Signing agreement with the management company.
1-2 weeks
Fund Transfer
Opening a Portuguese bank account and transferring investment funds. Receiving confirmation from the fund.
1 day
Application Submission
Online application submission through the ARI (AIMA) portal. Payment of the government processing fee.
6-12 months
Processing
Document and investment verification by immigration services. Additional document requests may occur.
1-2 weeks
Approval & Payment
Receiving pre-approval. Payment of the residence card issuance fee.
2-4 weeks
Biometrics & Card
Visit to Portugal for biometric submission at SEF/AIMA. Receiving the residence card.
Every 2 years
Renewal
Residence permit renewal every 2 years while maintaining the investment and meeting minimum stay requirements.
Total timeline: from 8 to 18 months from document collection to receiving your residence card.
How Much Does the Golden Visa Cost?
Full cost transparency. In addition to the investment, you will need to pay government fees and related services.
Total for a Family of 4
(Investment + fees + legal services)
from €545,000
€500,000 investment
+ ~€27,000 fees
+ ~€18,000 services
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most popular questions about the Portugal Golden Visa program.
Didn't find the answer to your question?
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