Portugal Golden Visa Timeline: The Application Process Explained

Before you start the Portugal Golden Visa process

Before applying for the Portugal Golden Visa, applicants must ensure they meet the program’s eligibility criteria.

The general requirements are:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Demonstrate financial capability to make an investment
• Commit to maintaining the investment until obtaining citizenship or permanent residency
• Have a clear criminal record

Read our article on the Portugal Golden Visa requirements to learn more.

Portugal Golden Visa process

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:

Step 1: Choose your investment

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.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

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:

• Your passport
• Translations
• Proof of health insurance
• Notarisations
• Apostilles
• Certifications
• Criminal background checks

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.

Step 3: Obtain a NIF And Open a Bank Account

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.

Step 4: Finalise Your Investment

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.

Step 5: Submit Your Pre-Application

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.

Step 6: Schedule and Attend Your AIMA Biometrics Appointment

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.

Step 7: Receive Your Golden Visa and Renew When Needed

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.

Step 8: Apply for Portuguese Citizenship

At the end of five years, you have three options:

• Apply for permanent residency in Portugal
• Apply for Portuguese citizenship
• Continue the golden visa program with another renewal

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:

• Have a clean criminal record
• Have held the Portugal Golden Visa investment for five years
• Pass a Portuguese language test (A2 level) or attend Portuguese language lessons for a minimum of 150 hours

Read our guide on how to get Portuguese citizenship for more information.