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 t 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?

As a Golden Visa holder, you have the right to live, work and study in Portugal and can enjoy visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area. If you later successfully obtain Portuguese citizenship, you become an EU citizen, giving you much broader rights to live, work and study across the European Union.

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’ll need to keep your qualifying investment and meet the minimal stay requirements, without needing to relocate to Portugal. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency, at which point you can sell your investment while still only requiring minimal stays in Portugal.

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

No. One of the biggest advantages of the Portugal Golden Visa is that you don’t have to permanently relocate to Portugal. The programme has minimal physical stay requirements, allowing you to continue living and working elsewhere while maintaining your Portuguese residency.

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

No. You do not need to speak Portuguese to apply for or maintain a Portugal Golden Visa. This makes the programme particularly accessible for international investors who don’t intend to relocate to Portugal.However, if you later choose to apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency, you will generally need to demonstrate a basic knowledge of Portuguese (A2 level). This is an elementary level of proficiency and can be achieved during your residency period.

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 application, issuance and renewal fees apply as part of the Golden Visa process and are subject to change. Your advisor will provide you with a clear breakdown of the current fees and expected costs before you proceed, so you know exactly what to expect.

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 the Golden Visa application process take?

Processing times can vary depending on application volumes, documentation and individual circumstances. With the right professional support, your application can be carefully prepared and managed throughout the process, helping to ensure everything progresses as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

How long do I need to maintain my investment?

You’ll need to maintain your qualifying investment for as long as you wish to renew your Golden Visa on the basis of that investment. If you later move to another qualifying residency status or obtain Portuguese citizenship, different requirements may apply. Your professional advisors can guide you through your options as you progress.

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.

What is AIMA?

AIMA is Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum and is the government authority responsible for immigration and residency matters, including the Portugal Golden Visa. Sam will guide you through the relevant AIMA requirements and coordinate the application process on your behalf.

Do I have to pay tax in Portugal if I have a Golden Visa?

Not necessarily. Obtaining a Portugal Golden Visa does not automatically make you a Portuguese tax resident. Your tax residency is determined separately and depends on your individual circumstances, including factors such as where you live and how much time you spend in Portugal.This gives Golden Visa holders valuable flexibility, particularly if you want the benefits of Portuguese residency without permanently relocating. Portugal also offers certain tax incentives for qualifying individuals, so specialist tax advice can help you understand the opportunities available based on your circumstances.

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?

The Golden Visa provides a flexible pathway towards Portuguese citizenship, subject to meeting the relevant eligibility requirements. The key advantage is that you don’t need to relocate to Portugal. With minimal stay requirements, you can continue living your life elsewhere while maintaining your residency and progressing towards potential citizenship eligibility. When the time comes, you’ll also have professional guidance to help you navigate the citizenship application process.

Which family members can be included in my Golden Visa?

Eligible family members can benefit from Portuguese residency through family reunification. This can include your spouse or partner, dependent children and certain dependent parents or other qualifying family members, depending on your individual circumstances. This allows you to pursue the benefits of Portuguese residency together as a family.

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