How to get Portugal's Golden Visa: Eligibility, benefits, process

Launched in 2012 Portugal’s Golden Visa is an investment based residence scheme that is designed to bring foreign investment. It is well liked by non EU Nationals since it provides a way to Portuguese residency, one should follow local laws that can eventually lead to citizenship.

It also proposes benefits like visa-free travel in the Schengen Area not just for the applicants but also for their family members. After five years, they may apply for citizenship. The qualifying requirements, application procedures, and family benefits associated with the Golden Visa are all covered in this guide.

Portugal’s Golden Visa allows applicants to include their spouse, children, dependent parents and letting the whole family to live, work, and study in Portugal. One of the major perk is that visa holders and their family members have the same work rights as Portuguese citizens. This program makes it easier for families to settle and enjoy life in Portugal through investment.

Self-Application Process

1. Choose an investment: The visa offers multiple options including real estate, capital transfer, job creation, or investments in research, culture, or venture capital.


2. Gather documents: Prepare necessary documents, including passports, proof of investment, criminal records, and Portuguese tax IDs.


3. Open a bank account: Open a Portuguese account to transfer investment funds.


4. Make the investment: Transfer funds and keep all related documentation.


5. Submit application: Apply online through SEF, providing all required details and documents.


6. Biometrics appointment: Attend a SEF appointment in Portugal for fingerprinting and photos.


7. Receive residency cards: Upon approval, receive your residency cards, valid for two years.


8. Renewal and citizenship: Renew the visa every two years; after five years, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

Benefits of Portugal Golden Visa

You can qualify for residency by contributing a minimum of €250,000 which is one of the lowest investment thresholds in Europe.

To maintain your residency permit you are not required to travel to Portugal. It will be sufficient to spend an average of seven days in the country each year.

You can be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship in five years. This is one of the quickest in Europe,

Once you become a Portuguese citizen, you get visa-free access to 191 countries.

Documents needed:

You need to provide the following documents in order to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa Program

1) Copy of a passport or other government-issued travel document,

2) Proof of evidence of the qualifying investment made by the main applicant individually:

3) Declaration from a Portuguese financial institution confirming the transfer of funds,

4) Criminal record of the current country of residence and it must be issued within three months of the form submission.

5) A completed form authorizing SEF to access criminal records in Portugal,

6) A sworn declaration of compliance with the minimum investment requirements for the necessary time period of five years,

7) Documents outlining good standing with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority & Social Security system,

8) Receipt of ARI application payment.

Opening a Portuguese Bank Account

Portuguese banks make it quite easy to open a bank account for non-residents and foreigners. The banking and maintenance fees are also quite low compared to the rest of Europe. Just follow the below steps :

Passport or government-issued travel document

NIF number

Portuguese phone number

Proof of address from your country of residence

Proof of income