What are the Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options?

The Portugal Golden Visa program is a residency by investment (RBI) scheme.

The program is open to non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. It provides several benefits, such as visa-free travel and a path to becoming a citizen after five years.

Launched by the Portuguese government in 2012, its primary goal is to boost the economy through foreign investment. Regarding investment options, Portugal offers several routes for investors to secure residency.

This article is part of our Complete Guide to the Portugal Golden Visa. Here, we will delve deeper into the Portugal Golden Visa investment options. Read on to learn more and get the information you need to make a more informed decision.

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What are the Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options?

Investors have several pathways to qualify for residency in Portugal. Understanding these investment routes is essential. This will help you pick the right option based on your needs.

Below are the primary Portugal Golden Visa investment options:

Investment Funds

Investment funds are one of the most popular and flexible Portugal golden visa investment options. It is also one of the most straightforward ways to invest.

You can choose funds across different sectors. Some of these include tech, energy and industry.

The minimum fund investment is usually €500,000. However, there are financing options which can reduce the initial upfront cost to €168,000. To learn more, read our Guide to Portugal Golden Visa Investment Funds.

Job Creation

You can set up a business in Portugal and create 10 new full-time jobs. You must create eight new full-time jobs to qualify if the company is in a low-density area. This option is less popular because it is more complex and has a high admin cost.

Invest in an Existing Company

You can invest a minimum of €500,000 in an existing company in Portugal. The company’s head office must be located in Portugal to qualify. The company must maintain at least ten full-time jobs for three years.

Capital Transfer – Culture

Another way to secure a golden visa in Portugal is through capital transfer. With this option, you must invest at least €250,000 in a fund that preserves the country’s national heritage. If you invest in a low-density area, you can reduce this amount by 20% to €200,000.

Capital Transfer – Science and Research

Investors make a capital transfer of at least €500,000 to science and research activities. Like the previous option, this also benefits from a 20% reduction if it funds research in low-density areas. This reduces the total amount to €400,000.

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Recent Changes: Investing in Portugal Real Estate

There have been major changes to investment options for the Portugal Golden Visa in recent years. One of the most notable changes removed the option to qualify through real estate investments.

Portugal property investments were often the most popular route for investors to secure an investor visa. However, as of late 2023, you can no longer qualify for the golden visa by investing in Portuguese real estate.

The ban on Portuguese property investments also extends beyond physical real estate. Real estate-related funds are no longer qualifying options.

Despite these changes, the Portugal Golden Visa remains one of the most sought-after RBI schemes in the world.

Investors have a wide array of investment routes compared to other European countries offering similar programs. This gives them the flexibility to pick an option that suits their needs.

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Additional Criteria

Aside from the investment portion of the golden visa, applicants must also meet specific criteria, such as:

  • Be a non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss national
  • You must have a clean criminal record
  • Maintain the investment for a minimum of five years
  • Fulfil the minimum stay requirement: seven days in the first year and 14 days in subsequent two-year periods

For insight on the Portugal Golden Visa requirements, read our article here.

1000+

Families helped to gain citizenship/residency

$300 million

Amount we have invested in CBI programmes

$450 million

Value of property assets purchased in the last three years

40+

Client nationalities we have helped secure a golden visa

Summary

The Portugal Golden Visa offers a range of investment options to suit different needs. The program’s flexibility is one reason it has become one of the world’s most popular golden visa schemes.

Investor visas can be complex. Working with a professional who specialises in Portuguese immigration and investments can help you navigate the process with ease. This is where we can help.

Holborn Pass is a leader in investor visas. We have worked with investors from around the globe to help them and their families secure a Portugal Golden Visa.

Explore the Portugal Golden Visa investment options or start your golden visa journey. Book a free consultation with one of our professional advisers to learn more.

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Frequently asked questions

No. As of October 2023, investing in Portugal real estate is no longer an option. Real estate funds also no longer count as a qualifying investment.

The Portugal Golden Visa minimum investment amount is usually €250,000. This option requires you to make a cultural heritage donation. If you invest in a low-density area, you can reduce this amount by 20% to €200,000.

However, financing options exist for those who want to go down the investment fund route. These financing options can reduce the minimum investment amount to €168,000. This makes it the cheapest option for the Portugal Golden Visa.

One of the Portugal Golden Visa terms is that you must hold investments for at least five years to keep your residency status.

Golden visa applicants must hold investments for the entire five-year period to keep their golden visa. If you fail to do so, you will no longer be eligible for the golden visa. As a result, you will lose your residency permit.

Yes, you can use a loan to finance your golden visa investment, but there is one key condition. You cannot take a loan out in Portugal to fund your investment. Instead, you must secure a loan from a financial institution outside Portugal.

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