To apply for the Portugal Golden Visa, investors will need to go through a multi-step process.
This article provides a full breakdown of the Portugal Golden Visa application process. Read on to learn more about the process and other key information.
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program for non-EU/EEA citizens. Launched in 2012 to boost foreign investment, it has raised over €7.5 billion. It remains one of the world’s most popular programs due to its many benefits.
With various investment options, it grants a residency permit that allows individuals to live, work, and study in Portugal. The country is known for its high quality of life and affordable living. It also offers visa-free travel to the Schengen Zone.
After five years, residents can apply for Portuguese citizenship. As a citizen, you are eligible for an EU passport.
Before applying for the Portugal Golden Visa, applicants must ensure they meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
The general requirements are:
Read our article on the Portugal Golden Visa requirements to learn more.
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Applying for a Portugal Golden Visa is straightforward if you follow the necessary steps.
Please note that Portugal Golden Visa processing times can vary. Speak to a specialist who can advise you on the program’s processing times.
Here is a Portugal Golden Visa timeline:
Your first step is to explore the available investment options and decide the best one for you.
As of late 2023, real estate no longer qualifies for the golden visa. However, there are still several routes for investors, such as investment funds.
Speak with one of our specialists to find the option that best suits you and your family.
Next, you will need to collect all necessary documents for yourself (the main applicant) and any dependents.
Some of the documents you might need include:
This stage can be complex and time-consuming. Speak with a residency-by-investment expert to help streamline this step and guide you through the process.
You can typically obtain a Portuguese NIF (tax identification number) in a day.
Opening a bank account can take anywhere from a week to a few months, depending on your country of residence.
Your legal representatives can handle this on your behalf, so you do not need to be in Portugal.
Once you have chosen your investment type, it is time to complete the transaction and secure your investment in Portugal. Holborn’s experts can assist you throughout this process.
Your pre-application process begins with submitting your initial application and supporting documents online. This pre-application is sent to Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA), Portugal’s official immigration authority.
Typically, your law firm will handle this submission and inform you if any additional information is required.
The next step is to submit your biometrics. Once your pre-application is approved, AIMA will provide available dates for your biometrics appointment.
You and your dependents must attend in person to submit fingerprints and officially complete the application process. This will be the only time you will have to come to Portugal before obtaining the Portugal Golden Visa.
AIMA has multiple offices across Portugal. Applicants can select a location with shorter wait times instead of high-demand locations like Lisbon.
Important Note: The time from your biometrics appointment until card issuance counts toward the five-year period required for citizenship eligibility.
Congratulations! You and your dependents will receive your golden visa residence cards.
Your law firm or adviser will collect them and forward them to you. Each card is valid for two years, after which you must renew it to maintain your residency.
During each two-year period, you must spend at least 14 days in Portugal. Before your card expires, you must schedule an AIMA appointment (30–90 days before expiration) to renew your permit. This involves submitting updated documents (e.g., criminal records), biometrics, and renewal fees.
After the first renewal, your permit can be renewed once more for another two years under the same requirements.
At the end of five years, you have three options:
Once you have permanent residency or citizenship, you no longer need to hold your investment in Portugal.
To apply for Portuguese citizenship, you will need to meet certain conditions:
Read our guide on how to get Portuguese citizenship for more information.
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
The Portugal Golden Visa program provides a way for non-EU/EEA citizens to gain residency. It allows you and your family to live, work, and study in Portugal. The program can also lead to citizenship after five years.
However, the Portugal Golden Visa application process can be complex. Download our Portugal Golden Visa factsheet {link to factsheet} to learn more or speak to one of our specialists.
Holborn Pass is an international leader in investor visas. We provide a bespoke, end-to-end service and expert advice to help you find the right investment and secure your golden visa.
We are part of the wider Holborn Assets Group, an award-winning financial advisory company with over $2 billion in assets under management (AUM). Our team has helped hundreds of individuals and families achieve their residency goals.
Are you ready to apply for your Portugal Golden Visa? Book a free consultation with one of our professional advisers to learn how we can help you.
The visa processing time depends on a variety of factors. AIMA has introduced an action plan to resolve any processing delays caused by:
These factors have led to a surge in applications, causing further delays. However, each case is different.
You should seek guidance from one of our residency experts. They will be able to provide you with specific timelines for the program.
Holborn will support you at every step, from setting up your tax number to opening a Portuguese bank account. We will also speak with investment managers and accompany you on the day of your biometrics appointment to assist with translation and the process.
No, the Portugal Golden Visa does not require full-time residence. You only need to spend a minimum of fourteen days in each subsequent two-year period in Portugal to maintain your residency status. This makes it an attractive option for investors who want flexibility while securing EU residency.
Yes, the Portugal Golden Visa grants you the right to live, work, and study in Portugal. You can be self-employed, start a business, or work for a Portuguese company without restrictions.
You only become a tax resident in Portugal if you spend more than 183 days per year in the country. If you move to Portugal, you will only be taxed on Portuguese-sourced income. You might also benefit from Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax program.