FAQs | Portugal Golden Visa

What is the Portugal Golden Visa?

The Portugal Golden Visa is a highly attractive residency-by-investment scheme designed for non-EU individuals seeking residency in Portugal. It offers a pathway to apply for a Portuguese Passport after just five years of residency. Since its launch in 2012, this popular program has brought over €6 billion into the country, benefiting more than 10,000 investors and 18,000 family members.

What are the benefits of obtaining the Golden Visa?

There are many benefits associated with the Golden Visa. Find out more here.

With the Portugal Golden Visa, are you allowed to live and work in any EU country?

Initially, the Portugal Golden Visa grants you the right to live and work in Portugal and to travel freely throughout the European Union countries. However, if you choose to proceed with obtaining a Portuguese Passport after holding the Golden Visa for five years, you will then gain the full freedom to live and work anywhere throughout the EU.

What are the requirements to obtain a Golden Visa?

To obtain a Golden Visa, you must be a non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA citizen, possess a clean criminal record certificate from both your country of origin and your country of official residence, and make an eligible investment in Portugal using funds transferred from outside Portugal. There are no specific age, education, work skill, or income requirements for the application itself.

Are American citizens eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa Program?

Yes, they are. American citizens are fully eligible and welcome to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa program.

What do I need to do to keep the Golden Visa?

To maintain your Golden Visa, you simply need to visit Portugal for a minimum of 14 days (consecutive or non-consecutive) every two years, and you must maintain your qualifying investment throughout the entire period of your visa.

Do I have to reside in Portugal to keep my residency?

No, you do not have to live in Portugal full-time to maintain your residency. The Portugal Golden Visa is subject to renewal at the end of the 2nd, 4th, and 6th year periods. As long as you stay a minimum of 14 days in Portugal within each two-year period, your visa will remain valid.

Do I have to know Portuguese to apply for a Golden Visa?

No, there is no language requirement to apply for or obtain the Golden Visa itself. However, you will need to demonstrate an A2 (basic) level of Portuguese language knowledge if you choose to apply for Portuguese Citizenship or Portuguese Permanent Residency after the fifth year.

Can I include my family members in my Golden Visa application?

Yes, under the principle of family reunification, the main Portugal Golden Visa applicant can include eligible family members. This typically includes your spouse or legal partner, minor children (under 18), and children over 18 who are single, full-time students, and financially dependent. Additionally, dependent parents (over 66, or over 55 and dependent) of either spouse, and siblings under 18 for whom the applicant or spouse is the legal guardian, can also be included.

What are the government costs associated with applying for the Golden Visa?

Government costs for each applicant are paid in two stages. The initial application processing fee is €539.66 per applicant. If the Golden Visa is approved, a second amount of €5,391.56 per applicant is then paid. For renewals in years 2 and 4, there are two costs each time: the initial processing fee of €539.66 per applicant, and a renewal fee of €2,696.29 per applicant. Please note that these fees are subject to yearly updates by the Portuguese authorities.

I have a child who is 16 years old; will they lose their residency once they turn 18?

As long as your child remains single, enrolled as a full-time student, and can demonstrate financial dependency on their parents, they will not lose their residency when they turn 18. However, if the child begins to work and is no longer financially dependent on the applicant, their residency status may be affected.

How long does it take to get residency in Portugal?

The processing times can vary based on several factors, including how quickly documents are provided to Portuguese lawyers, your family's availability for biometric data submission in Portugal, and the volume of pending applications with the Portuguese authorities. On average, the entire process currently takes around 12 to 16 months (partly due to previous backlogs), though Portuguese authorities are working to reduce this time to approximately 8 months. We strive to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible.

How long must I maintain my investment in Portugal?

You must hold your investment for as long as you wish to keep your Golden Visa. Once you apply for and receive either Portuguese Citizenship or a Portuguese Permanent Residency Permit after the fifth year, you are no longer required to maintain the investment.

What is the SEF agency?

SEF, the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras), is the official agency responsible for evaluating and issuing all Golden Visa applications in Portugal.

Do I pay taxes in Portugal if I don't live there full-time?

Generally, if you spend less than 183 days a year in Portugal, you are considered a non-tax resident and are therefore only taxed on income derived directly in Portugal. If you choose to reside in Portugal, you may qualify for the highly beneficial Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) scheme, which can exempt you from paying taxes on worldwide income in Portugal for up to 10 years.

Does Portugal offer free healthcare?

Yes, if you choose to live in Portugal, you can access its robust National Health Service (SNS) after registering with your visa. While many services are free, some may require small co-payments. Additionally, Portugal has excellent private hospitals with private insurance options, typically ranging from €300 to €1,000 per year, depending on factors like age.

Does Portugal accept dual citizenship?

Yes, Portugal fully accepts dual citizenship. This means you can keep your original nationality alongside your newly acquired Portuguese citizenship.

How long must I hold the Golden Visa before applying for citizenship?

After holding your Golden Visa for five years, you have three clear options: you can renew your Golden Visa for another two years, apply for Portuguese Citizenship, or apply for Permanent Residency in Portugal. If you choose citizenship, you'll need to meet specific criteria, including an A2 level Portuguese language test, proving links to the country (like through your investment), and having no criminal record.

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