Blog Article
What is the Portuguese Investor Visa?
The Portuguese Investor Visa—commonly referred to as the Golden Visa Portugal—is one of Europe’s most popular residency-by-investment programs. Launched in 2012, it allows non-EU citizens to secure Portuguese residency through qualifying investments in the country.
Main Insights
What the Portuguese Investor Visa (Golden Visa) is and who it's for
Investment routes available (funds, business, research, etc.)
How VIDA Capital helps guide your application and investment
Key benefits of the visa, from travel to tax
Overview
Portugal’s Golden Visa—formally the Portuguese Investor Visa—is one of Europe’s leading residency-by-investment programs. Designed for non-EU citizens, it provides a flexible path to EU residency and eventual citizenship through qualifying investments.
It’s especially attractive for high-net-worth individuals and globally mobile families seeking a secure, low-commitment route into the European Union.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Portuguese Investor Visa, you must:
- Be a non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizen
- Hold a clean criminal record
- Make a qualifying investment in Portugal
- Keep the investment for at least 5 years
- Spend 7 days in Portugal during the first year and 14 days every subsequent 2 years
- Maintain valid private health insurance in Portugal
Investment Routes (Valid Until End of 2024)
Choose from the following qualifying investments:
1. Fund Investment
Invest €500,000 in a regulated Portuguese venture capital or private equity fund.
2. Business Investment
Invest €500,000 in a Portuguese business and create at least 5 full-time jobs.
3. Scientific Research
Donate €500,000 to a Portuguese research institution.
4. Cultural Heritage Support
Donate €250,000 to the preservation of national cultural heritage.
5. Job Creation (Direct)
Create 10 jobs (or 8 in low-density areas) through your own business in Portugal.
Note: Real estate investments no longer qualify for the Golden Visa as of late 2023.
Benefits of the Portuguese Golden Visa
- Residency Rights: Live, work, and study in Portugal
- Visa-Free Travel: Access to 27 Schengen countries
- Low Stay Requirements: Just 14 days every 2 years
- Path to Citizenship: Apply for Portuguese passport after 5 years
- Family Inclusion: Extend residency to close family members
- Attractive Tax Benefits: Especially for non-residents or under NHR regime
- Strong EU Legal Protections: Political and economic stability in a Eurozone country
Have questions or ready to take the first step? Let's Chat.
Send a message directly to your personal consultant, we’re here to guide you through every stage of the Golden Visa process.
Who Can You Bring With You?
The visa allows family reunification, including:
- Spouse or long-term partner
- Dependent children under 18
- Children aged 18–26 if single and in full-time education
- Dependent parents (65+) of applicant or spouse
- Minor siblings under guardianship
Documentation Typically Required:
- Valid passports
- Birth/marriage certificates
- Police clearance
- Private health insurance
- Proof of financial support for dependents
- Evidence of investment
Tax Implications
Portugal offers favorable tax conditions for both residents and non-residents.
Non-Tax Residents:
- No tax on foreign income
- No inheritance or wealth tax
- No tax on foreign pensions or dividends
Tax Residents:
May benefit from the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime:
- 10-year tax exemption or reduction period
- 20% flat income tax on qualifying Portuguese income
- Reduced taxes on global income under certain conditions
Why Choose VIDA Capital?
VIDA Capital helps investors navigate Portugal’s Golden Visa program from start to finish:
- Access to qualified fund investments
- Compliance with all regulatory requirements
- Partnership with top legal and immigration experts
- Fully regulated by the CMVM
- Audited annually by Deloitte
We simplify the process and ensure your application is secure, aligned with your goals, and built on a high-quality investment strategy.
Final Thoughts
Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of the most efficient, low-barrier paths to EU residency and citizenship. It offers true global mobility, tax efficiency, and legacy planning for international families—all without the need to relocate full-time.
If you’re planning for long-term security and strategic diversification, the Portuguese Investor Visa is an opportunity worth exploring.
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Have questions?
Send a message directly to your personal consultant, we’re here to guide you through the entire process.
Alternatively you can also Whatsapp Maggie here.
Or send an email: ir@vida-cap.com