How to Meet Portugal Golden Visa Requirements in 2024

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The Portuguese Golden Visa is a premier European Residency by Investment programme. It was set up on October 8, 2012, although the first golden visa wasn’t issued until the following year. In Portuguese, it’s known as Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento (ARI). Did you know that Portugal Golden Visa requirements changed in 2023?

As one of the leading authorities on the subject of investment migration, you can rely on us for up-to-date advice. We have expert staff on the ground in Portugal. Here are the conditions you need to meet should you wish to apply for a Portuguese Golden Visa.

Step 1: Be a Non-EU Citizen

On October 29, 2023, Agência para a Migração e Asilo (AIMA) replaced Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SET) as Portuguese Golden Visa adminstrators. They define the Portugal Golden Visa as  “Article 90-A Residence Permit for Investment Purposes.” Its purpose is to “enable third country nationals to obtain a temporary residence permit to conduct business activities with visa waiver to enter national territory.”

According to our A-Z of Investment Migration, “You are a Third Country National (TCN) if you are not a citizen of any EU state or of any country in the European Economic Area (EEA).” “As a TCN, you are subject to distinct visa and immigration regulations. Your status and rights depend on the specific visa or residency permits granted by individual EU member states.”

Step 2: Choose Your Type of Investment in Portugal

New Portugal Golden Visa requirements have removed the popular real estate investment option. However, two main routes to Portuguese Residency remain. They are as follows:

A.) Make One of These Capital Contributions to Meet Portugal Golden Visa Requirements:

• Donate a minimum of €250,000 to support artistic output or national heritage maintenance
• Contribute at least €500,000 to public or private scientific research institutions
• Pay a minimum of €500,000 into Portuguese investment or venture capital funds

B.) Carry Out a Business Investment to Meet Portugal Golden Visa requirements:

• Commit a minimum of €500,000 to incorporate a new company or to increase the share capital of an existing company in Portugal and create five jobs for Portuguese citizens lasting three years
• Create at least 10 new jobs for Portuguese nationals

Step 3: Prove Your Lawfulness

You must fulfil certain conditions to meet Portugal Golden Visa requirements. These include:

• Not having received a custodial sentence of more than one year
• Not being under a ban from entering the country due to previous expulsion
• Having no records in the Schengen Information System
• Having no records in SEF’s Integrated Information System for non-admission purposes

Step 4: Obey the Seven-Day Rule

Spend at least 7 days in Portugal in your first year of residency. You will need to continue to meet these Portugal Golden Visa requirements. So, you must commit to 14 or more days in the country during each subsequent two-year period.

Portuguese Golden Visa FAQ

1.) What Is a Golden Visa in Portugal?

A Portuguese Golden Visa is a European Residency by Investment. By making one of the prescribed investments, you qualify for a two-year residence permit. On completion, you can renew.

2.) Is the Portugal Golden Visa Ending?

No, at least not imminently. In 2023, the Portuguese Government came close to closing the programme but opposition forced them to rethink this. However, as Residency by Investment programmes come and go, it’s best to apply sooner rather than later. Once you have a Portuguese Golden Visa, it can’t be taken away from you. Unless, that is, you fail to meet Portugal Golden Visa requirements.

3.) How Much Is a Golden Visa in Portugal?

There are different levels of investment options for the Portuguese Golden Visa. The cheapest is to donate at least €250,000 to assist artistic output or national heritage maintenance. This can reduce to €200,000 in a less densely-populated area. However, the most popular route to Portuguese Residency is to invest a minimum of €500,000 into Portuguese investment or venture capital funds.

4.) Is the Portugal Golden Visa Worth it?

What do you get for your investment? Well, you can include family members in your application. That includes your spouse, dependent children, and parents over the age of 55 who are fully dependent on you. You and your family can enjoy visa-free access to the 27 countries within the EU Schengen Area.

5.) Does a Portugal Golden Visa Lead to Citizenship?

Yes. You can apply for permanent residence (pursuant to the Aliens Act – Act number 23/2007 of 4 July). Also, you’re eligible for Portuguese citizenship, by naturalization. To claim this, you must fulfil requirements set out by the Nationality Act (Act number 37/81 of 3 October, as amended). To apply for either, you must have residency in Portugal for at least five years, prove that you have built ties with the community, and pass a language test.

Ensure You Meet Portugal Golden Visa Requirements

The best way to guarantee that you receive a Portugal Golden Visa is to consult an experienced investment migration firm like RIF Trust. We can hold your hand every step of the application process. So, don’t delay and contact RIF Trust today.