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Do you want to invest in Portugal and obtain European residency? The Golden Visa in Portugal has become one of the most attractive ways to achieve this. At Seegman, as lawyers specialized in immigration and international mobility, we have advised dozens of international investors who are seeking not only legal security, but also to maximize the tax and residency advantages that Portugal offers. In this article, we analyze the requirements for the Golden Visa in Portugal, the minimum investment required, the main benefits, and the available alternatives.
The Golden Visa Portugal, also known as the Residence Permit for Investment (ARI), is a program launched in 2012 to attract foreign investment to the country. It is mainly aimed at citizens from outside the European Union who wish to obtain a valid residence permit in Portugal, with the possibility of traveling freely throughout the Schengen area.
In our experience, the most common profiles are entrepreneurs, real estate investors, tech entrepreneurs, and families seeking a long‑term European residency plan with access to quality education and healthcare.
For this reason, at Seegman we have a team of lawyers specialized in Golden Visa Portugal who provide personalized advice to every international investor.
One of the most frequent questions is: how much do you need to invest in Portugal to obtain the Golden Visa?
| Type of investment | Minimum amount | Notes |
| Investment funds or venture capital | €500.000 | Regulated financial instruments |
| R&D projects | €500.000 | Research and development in Portugal |
| Portuguese companies | Creation of 10 jobs | Direct generation of local employment |
| Support for culture and heritage | €250.000 | Donation to cultural or heritage projects |
Our consultancy for Golden Visa Portugal helps identify the investment modality that best suits each client’s profile, assessing risks and tax benefits.
Applying for the Golden Visa in Portugal requires thorough preparation of documentation. The main documents required by the Portuguese authorities are:
– Valid passport and previous visas in force.
– Criminal record certificate.
– Proof of financial solvency and source of funds.
– Investment certificate (depending on the chosen modality).
– Proof of valid health insurance in Portugal.
In our experience, it is essential to prepare these documents in advance, as validation by the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) may require sworn translations and legalizations.
At Seegman we provide legal services for foreign investors in Portugal, ensuring that all documentation meets the required standards without formal errors that could delay the process.
The Golden Visa is initially granted for two years, with the possibility of renewal every two years, provided that the investment is maintained and the minimum stay requirements in the country are met (7 days in the first year and 14 days every two‑year period)
After five years, holders may apply for permanent residency in Portugal or even Portuguese nationality, making the Golden Visa a gateway to European citizenship.
Obtaining the Golden Visa in Portugal offers benefits that go far beyond residency:
– Right to live and work in Portugal.
– Free movement throughout all Schengen countries.
– Access to the Portuguese education and healthcare systems.
– Ability to include immediate family members (spouse, children, and ascendants).
– Option to obtain Portuguese citizenship and a European passport after five years.
As specialists in Golden Visa and residency in Portugal, we have seen how this program becomes not only a migration pathway, but also a strategy for family and wealth planning.
Although the Golden Visa Portugal remains a flagship instrument, there are other ways to obtain residency in the country, such as:
– D7 Visa (for retirees or passive income earners): ideal for those who can demonstrate stable passive income.
– Digital Nomad Visa: allows you to reside in Portugal while working remotely.
– Entrepreneur residence permit: focused on innovation projects and startups.
At Seegman we usually recommend evaluating these alternatives according to the investor’s, family’s, and professional profile, in order to ensure the best migration strategy.
Our experience as lawyers specialized in Golden Visa Portugal also allows us to analyze and combine different visa options depending on each client’s personal and family strategy
The Golden Visa in Portugal is today one of the most attractive solutions for those who wish to invest and reside in Europe with legal certainty and real migration benefits.
In our experience, supporting each client in designing their investment strategy and preparing the documentation correctly makes the difference between a successful process and a blocked application.
Yes. The program allows the inclusion of the spouse, dependent children, and direct ascendants as part of the application
Usually between 6 and 12 months, depending on the type of investment and the SEF’s administrative workload.
Yes. After five years of legal residence with Golden Visa, it is possible to apply for Portuguese nationality, provided that the legal requirements are met
At Seegman we provide personalized advice to analyze your case, guide you in selecting the most advantageous investment modality, and accompany you from start to finish in the process of applying for your Golden Visa Portugal.
Our team in Lisbon and Madrid supports investors from all over the world at every step of the process. Book an initial consultation and start your path to residency in Portugal today with the highest legal security.
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