Portugal residence by investment
Business Investment
To get a Portugal golden visa, a foreigner can invest EUR 500,000 in a local company. The business must be registered in the Republic, have its head office in its territory and provide at least five new jobs over a three-year period.
Starting a business and creating new jobs
An investor can set up their own company that will provide a minimum of ten jobs (or eight if they open a business in an area with low population density). There is no minimum investment threshold with this option.
Investments in funds
Buying units with a five-year or more maturity in a venture capital or investment fund is a popular option for those who want to apply for a Portugal golden visa. The minimum investment threshold is EUR 500,000. At least 60% of the fund's investments must be made in an organisation with its head office located in the country. At the same time, they must not be related to real estate.
Contribution to the development of scientific projects
Investments of EUR 500,000 or more in the scientific activities of local companies. If the company is located in an area with low population density, the minimum investment can be reduced to EUR 400,000.
Investments in cultural heritage sites
This is the option with the lowest cost of Portugal golden visa for investment. According to this option, the applicant must donate a minimum of EUR 250,000 for the development of artistic production, restoration and preservation of the cultural heritage of the Republic. The minimum investment threshold in areas with low population density is EUR 200,000.
Conditions for obtaining a residence permit in Portugal
The main applicant must be of legal age, have funds from outside the Republic to fulfil the investment conditions and have health insurance. When submitting documents, they need to prove the absence of debts in the state and have no criminal record.
When applying for an economic visa, the principal investor may include their family members in the application. Eligible members are:
- Spouse
- Minor children
- Financially dependent children under the age of 26 living with the investor or pursuing higher education
- Financially dependent parents
Comparison with other types of Portuguese residence permits
| Criteria for comparison | Portugal golden visa through investment | Other types of visas |
|---|
| Period of compulsory stay in the Republic per year |
7 days |
183 days |
| Necessity of permanent residence for passport issuance |
No |
Yes |
| Necessity to buy or rent a home |
No |
Yes |
Investment costs in Portugal: from EUR 250,000
The minimum investment threshold to participate in the program is:
- EUR 250,000 to support cultural activities
- EUR 500,000 to support scientific activities
- EUR 500,000 for the purchase of units in a fund
- EUR 500,000 to set up a business or invest in an existing business
In addition to meeting the minimum investment requirements, there are other costs that accompany the application. These include registration fees, legal fees, as well as health and visa issuance fees. The application fee is EUR 605 for each program participant and the card costs EUR 6,045. Health insurance costs a minimum of EUR 400 per person.
Applicants should also be prepared for the following costs:
| Expenses | Amount |
|---|
| Fund commission on investment |
Up to 7.5% |
| Annual fund commission |
0,5–3% |
| Income tax for tax non-residents |
0% |
| Income tax for tax residents |
14% |
