Are you looking to invest in Portugal and obtain European residence? The Portugal Golden Visa remains one of the most attractive routes to do so, although its structure has changed significantly in recent years. At Seegman, as lawyers specialising in immigration and international mobility, we advise international investors who are seeking not only legal certainty, but also a solid residence strategy tailored to their personal, family and wealth planning circumstances.
In this article, we analyse the requirements for the Portugal Golden Visa, the minimum investment required, the main benefits and the alternatives available.
The Portugal Golden Visa, also known as the Residence Permit for Investment Activity — ARI — is a programme launched in 2012 to attract foreign investment to the country. It is mainly aimed at non-EU citizens who wish to obtain a residence permit valid in Portugal, with the possibility of travelling freely within the Schengen Area.
In our experience, the most common applicant profiles are entrepreneurs, international investors, family offices and families seeking a long-term European residence strategy, with access to education, healthcare and legal stability in Portugal.
For this reason, at Seegman we have a team of lawyers specialised in the Portugal Golden Visa who provide tailored advice to each international investor.
One of the most frequently asked questions is: how much do you need to invest in Portugal to obtain the Golden Visa?
| Investment route | Minimum amount | Comments |
| Non-real estate investment funds | €500,000 | Acquisition of units in non-real estate collective investment undertakings, incorporated under Portuguese law, with a minimum maturity of five years and with at least 60% of the investment allocated to companies headquartered in Portugal. |
| R&D projects | €500,000 | Capital transfer intended for research activities carried out by public or private institutions integrated into the national scientific and technological system. |
| Job creation | No specific minimum amount | Creation of at least 10 jobs in Portugal. |
| Incorporation or capitalisation of Portuguese companies | €500,000 | Incorporation of a commercial company headquartered in Portugal and creation of five permanent jobs, or capital increase of an existing Portuguese company with the creation or maintenance of jobs under the terms provided by law. |
| Support for culture and heritage | €250,000 | Investment or support for artistic production, or for the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage. |
Our Portugal Golden Visa advisory service helps identify the investment route that best fits each client’s profile, assessing the legal requirements, associated risks and tax and wealth planning implications of each alternative.
The Portugal Golden Visa application process requires thorough preparation of the relevant documentation. The main documents required by the Portuguese authorities include:
– Valid passport and any current visas.
– Criminal record certificate.
– Evidence of financial means and source of funds.
– Investment certificate, depending on the selected investment route.
– Proof of valid health insurance in Portugal.
In our experience, it is essential to prepare these documents in advance, as validation by AIMA may require sworn translations, legalisations and specific documents depending on the selected investment route.
At Seegman, we provide legal services for foreign investors in Portugal, ensuring that all documentation meets the applicable requirements and avoiding formal errors that could delay the process.
The Golden Visa is initially granted for two years, with the possibility of renewal, provided that the investment is maintained and the minimum stay requirements in Portugal are met.
After five years, holders may apply for permanent residence in Portugal or Portuguese citizenship by naturalisation, provided that the applicable legal requirements are met. The Golden Visa can therefore become a relevant tool within a medium- and long-term European residence strategy.
Obtaining the Portugal Golden Visa offers benefits that go far beyond residence:
– Right to live and work in Portugal.
– Free movement across all Schengen Area countries.
– Access to the Portuguese education and healthcare systems.
– Possibility to include direct family members, provided that the applicable requirements are met.
– Possibility to apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship by naturalisation, once the requirements established under Portuguese law have been fulfilled.
As a firm specialised in Golden Visa and residence in Portugal, we have seen how this programme can become not only an immigration route, but also a broader family and wealth planning strategy.
Although the Portugal Golden Visa remains a relevant instrument, there are other routes to obtain residence in the country, such as:
– D7 Visa, for individuals with passive income or retirees: ideal for those who can demonstrate stable passive income.
– Digital Nomad Visa: allows individuals to reside in Portugal while working remotely.
– Residence permit for entrepreneurship: focused on innovation projects and startups.
At Seegman, we usually recommend assessing these alternatives according to the investor’s personal, family and professional profile, in order to define the most suitable immigration strategy.
Our experience as lawyers specialised in the Portugal Golden Visa also allows us to analyse and combine different visa options depending on each client’s personal and family strategy.
The Portugal Golden Visa is currently one of the most attractive routes for those wishing to invest and reside in Europe with legal certainty and real immigration benefits.
In our experience, supporting each client in the design of their investment strategy and correctly preparing the documentation can make the difference between a successful process and a blocked application.
Can family members be included in the Portugal Golden Visa?
Yes. The programme allows applicants to request family reunification for certain family members of the investor, provided that the requirements established under Portuguese law are met.
How long does the process take?
Processing times may vary depending on the investment route, the documentation submitted, administrative availability and AIMA’s workload. It is therefore advisable to plan the process in advance and prepare the documentation correctly from the outset.
Can Portuguese citizenship be obtained through the Golden Visa?
Yes. After five years of legal residence, it is possible to apply for Portuguese citizenship by naturalisation, provided that the applicable legal requirements are met.
Do you want to take the first step towards residence in Portugal?
At Seegman, we offer personalised advice to analyse your case, guide you in selecting the most suitable investment route and support you from start to finish throughout the Portugal Golden Visa application process.
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