Portugal Golden Visa Overview
A briefing on Portugal's residency-by-investment programme - qualifying routes, capital requirements, minimum-stay obligations, and the route to permanent residence.
Minimum stay and residence-timing figures are set out in AIMA's ARI programme page and the Lei da Nacionalidade.
Investment Pathways
Investment Funds
Subscription of units in qualifying Portuguese venture capital or private equity funds regulated by CMVM. A passive instrument offering capital preservation and a five-year holding horizon.
Job Creation
Establishment of a commercial entity creating at least ten permanent full-time positions in Portugal, or €500,000 deployed into an existing company while creating five.
Research & Cultural
Contribution to scientific research or the recovery and maintenance of national cultural heritage through accredited institutions. The lowest qualifying threshold.
Investment Requirements
€500,000 for the qualifying investment fund route. Lower thresholds apply to research and cultural-heritage contributions; the job-creation route is measured in positions rather than capital. Neither the property-purchase route nor the €1,500,000 capital-transfer route qualify following Lei n.º 56/2023.
Investments must be maintained for a minimum of five years from the date of initial Golden Visa approval.
All investment capital must originate from outside Portugal and be fully documented as legally sourced.
Since Lei n.º 56/2023, residential and commercial real estate purchases no longer qualify. Fund, job-creation, research and cultural-heritage routes remain in force.
From Application to Approval
Assessment
Initial eligibility review and investment preference discussion with our advisory team.
Investment
Fund selection, due diligence, and capital transfer to the qualifying vehicle.
Application
Document preparation, certified translations, and formal submission to AIMA.
Biometrics
In-person appointment in Portugal for biometric data capture.
Approval
Residence permit issued; access to Schengen area commences.
Provenance
Written by Michael Vincent (CEO)
Legally reviewed by Review pending
Last reviewed: 31 August 2026 · Last legally verified: Not yet verified
Primary sources
- AIMA: Autorização de Residência para Investimento (ARI) - official programme page
- Diário da República: Lei n.º 23/2007 (Regime de entrada, permanência, saída e afastamento de estrangeiros)
- Diário da República: Lei n.º 56/2023 (Mais Habitação) - removal of the property and capital transfer routes
- Diário da República: Lei da Nacionalidade (Lei n.º 37/81, consolidated)
Ready to proceed?
Review the full investment route dossier or request an eligibility assessment to determine which pathway best aligns with your capital and objectives.