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📅 Last Updated: April 2026
🇪🇺 EU Residency by Investment
Portugal Golden Visa 2026:
The Complete Investment Guide
The Portugal Golden Visa offers EU residency through qualifying investments from €250,000, with only 7 days per year in Portugal required. After 5 years, apply for Portuguese citizenship — one of the world’s most powerful passports.
Minimum Investment
€
0
Minimum Stay Per Year
7
days
Path to Citizenship
0
yrs
Visa-Free Countries
0
+
What Is the Portugal Golden Visa Program?
The Portugal Golden Visa — officially known as the ARI (Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento) — is a five-year residence by investment programme established in 2012 for non-EU/EEA nationals. It grants a renewable Portuguese residence permit in exchange for a qualifying investment, without requiring the applicant to relocate to Portugal.
The programme is governed by the Portuguese Immigration Law and administered by AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) — formerly known as SEF. Applicants receive a residence permit card valid for two years, renewable for a further three years, and can thereafter apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship.
✓ Why the Golden Visa is different from other Portugal visas: Unlike the D7, D2, or D8 visas, the Golden Visa does not require you to live in Portugal as your primary residence. You only need to visit Portugal for a minimum of 7 days in the first year and 14 days in the subsequent two-year periods — making it the most flexible European residency programme available.
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options 2026
Following the closure of the real estate route in October 2023, the Golden Visa now offers five qualifying investment categories. The most popular route — chosen by the majority of applicants — is the €500,000 investment fund option.
⭐ Most Popular
Investment Fund Units
€500,000
Investment in qualifying Portuguese venture capital or investment fund units. Funds must be committed to companies incorporated in Portugal with at least 60% of portfolio in domestic companies. Minimum 5-year maturity. Real estate funds do not qualify. This is the most flexible and professionally managed route.
Scientific Research Contribution
€500,000 (€400,000 in low-density areas)
Capital transfer to public or private research entities that are part of Portugal’s national scientific and technological system. Suitable for applicants with an interest in academic or innovation ecosystems.
Cultural Heritage & Arts Support
€250,000 (€200,000 in low-density areas)
Support of artistic production or the recovery and maintenance of national cultural heritage recognised by the Portuguese government. This is the lowest investment entry point for the Portugal Golden Visa programme.
Company Formation + Job Creation
€500,000 + 5 Jobs
Incorporate a commercial company in Portugal and create a minimum of 5 permanent jobs maintained for at least 3 years. Alternatively: increase the share capital of an existing Portuguese company and create or maintain 10 jobs.
New Job Creation Only
No minimum investment
Create a minimum of 10 new permanent jobs in Portugal (8 in low-density areas). This route has no fixed capital threshold but requires substantial business activity and Portuguese employment creation.
Real Estate Investment
❌ Closed
The real estate route was permanently closed on 7 October 2023. Property purchase no longer qualifies for the Portugal Golden Visa under any circumstances.
Which investment option is right for you? TEG Consultancy works with vetted fund managers and investment advisors to help clients select the most suitable qualifying investment. We do not earn commissions from fund recommendations — our advice is independent and based on your financial goals. Speak with an advisor →
Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa
- Visa-free travel across all 26 Schengen Area countries from day one of permit issuance
- Right to live, work, and study in Portugal for you and your family
- Minimal stay requirement — just 7 days per year (14 days over the first 2-year period)
- Include your family — spouse/partner, children, and dependent parents under the same application
- Pathway to Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of legal residency (subject to current rules)
- Dual citizenship allowed — Portugal permits you to keep your existing passport(s)
- Access to Portuguese public healthcare (SNS) and world-class education
- High quality of life — 300+ days of sunshine, low crime, excellent food, and a welcoming culture
- Stable EU investment destination — Portugal consistently ranks among Europe’s most politically stable economies
- No requirement to transfer funds to Portugal permanently — investments can generate ongoing returns
Who Is Eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa is open to all non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals who meet the following conditions:
- You are over 18 years of age
- You have a clean criminal record (from your country of residence and any other country where you have lived)
- You have not been denied entry to Portugal or the Schengen Area
- You have a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity
- You have made (or are committed to making) one of the qualifying investments listed above
- You can demonstrate the legal origin of your investment funds (AML due diligence required)
⚠ Nationality restrictions: Citizens of countries under EU or UN sanctions may face additional scrutiny or ineligibility. TEG Consultancy conducts a full eligibility check before any application is submitted to ensure your case meets all legal requirements.
Family Members Who Can Be Included
Family Member | Condition |
Spouse or civil partner | Legally married or in a recognised civil union |
Children under 18 | Biological or legally adopted; no additional conditions |
Adult children (18+) | Must be financially dependent on the main applicant and studying in Portugal or abroad |
Parents of the applicant | Must be financially dependent on the main applicant; over 66 years or demonstrated dependency |
Parents of the spouse | Same conditions as parents of the applicant |
Siblings under 18 | If the main applicant is the legal guardian |
Portugal Golden Visa Costs & Government Fees (2026)
In addition to the qualifying investment itself, applicants should budget for the following government and administrative fees:
Fee | Amount (Per Person) | Notes |
Application Analysis Fee | ~€605 | Paid to AIMA upon submission; non-refundable |
Residence Card Issuance | ~€6,045 | Paid upon approval of the first 2-year permit |
Permit Renewal Fee | ~€3,023 | Payable when renewing for the 3-year period |
NIF (Tax Number) Registration | ~€50–€100 | Required before application; can be done remotely |
Legal / Consultancy Fees | Varies | TEG Consultancy fees — contact us for a transparent quote |
Due Diligence (AML Check) | ~€1,000–€2,500 | Varies by complexity and applicant nationality |
Government fees are subject to change. Always verify the latest amounts at aima.gov.pt or with your TEG Consultancy advisor.
Portugal Golden Visa Application Process — Step by Step
1
Initial Eligibility Assessment (Week 1–2)
TEG Consultancy reviews your nationality, assets, income sources, criminal record, and family situation to confirm eligibility and recommend the best investment route for your goals.
2
Obtain Portuguese NIF (Tax Number) — Can Be Done Remotely
Your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is required to open a Portuguese bank account and make your investment. TEG Consultancy can obtain your NIF remotely using a power of attorney.
3
Open a Portuguese Bank Account
A Portuguese bank account is required to receive your residence permit card and make the qualifying investment. TEG Consultancy assists with account opening at major Portuguese banks.
4
Make the Qualifying Investment
Transfer funds and complete your chosen qualifying investment. For fund investments, TEG Consultancy works with your chosen fund manager to ensure the investment is properly structured and documented.
5
Document Preparation & AIMA Application Submission
TEG Consultancy compiles all required documents, arranges certified translations and apostilles, and submits your Golden Visa application to AIMA through the official online portal.
6
Biometric Appointment in Portugal
You (and family members included in the application) visit Portugal for your AIMA biometric data collection appointment. TEG Consultancy schedules and prepares you for this appointment.
7
Residence Card Issuance (Months 12–24)
Upon approval, AIMA issues your 2-year Golden Visa residence card. TEG Consultancy tracks your application progress and notifies you immediately upon card issuance.
8
Renewal, Permanent Residency & Citizenship (Year 5+)
TEG Consultancy handles your permit renewal and, after 5 years of legal residency, guides you through the Portuguese citizenship naturalisation process — including language test preparation and application filing.
From Golden Visa to Portuguese Citizenship
After 5 years of legal residency under the Golden Visa, applicants can apply for Portuguese citizenship — without giving up their existing nationality. Portuguese citizenship grants the right to live and work in all 27 EU member states and provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 185 countries worldwide, including the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Citizenship Requirements
- 5 years of legal residency in Portugal (Golden Visa permits count)
- Basic Portuguese language proficiency (A2 level or higher)
- Clean criminal record throughout the residency period
- Demonstrated ties to Portugal (cultural integration)
- No significant tax debts to the Portuguese state
⚠ April 2026 Legislative Update: The Portuguese Parliament approved amendments in April 2026 that could extend the citizenship timeline to 10 years for most nationalities (7 years for EU and CPLP citizens). These changes are not yet law — they are pending Presidential review. Applicants who submit under current rules may be protected by transitional provisions. TEG Consultancy monitors this closely and advises all clients proactively. Get the latest update →
Frequently Asked Questions — Portugal Golden Visa
Is the Portugal Golden Visa still available in 2026?
Yes. The Portugal Golden Visa is fully operational in 2026. While the real estate investment route was closed in October 2023, the programme continues through investment fund units, scientific research contributions, cultural heritage support, and job creation routes. Demand for the fund investment option has increased significantly since the real estate closure.
Can I get a Portugal Golden Visa by buying property in 2026?
No. The real estate purchase route was permanently closed on 7 October 2023. You cannot obtain a Portugal Golden Visa by purchasing residential or commercial property. However, you can still purchase property in Portugal for personal use — it simply will not count as the qualifying investment for the Golden Visa. The current qualifying routes are investment funds, research contributions, cultural heritage, and job creation.
How long does it take to get a Portugal Golden Visa?
The total process typically takes between 12 and 24 months, depending on the investment type, document preparation speed, and AIMA’s current backlog. The biometric appointment waiting time alone can take 6–12 months. TEG Consultancy prepares complete, error-free applications to avoid the common delays that significantly extend processing times for self-prepared applicants.
Do I need to live in Portugal to keep my Golden Visa?
No. The Golden Visa only requires a minimum of 7 days in Portugal during the first year and 14 days over each subsequent 2-year period. This is the most flexible European residency programme in terms of stay requirements, making it ideal for investors who maintain active lives in their home country while securing EU residency as a backup plan.
Which Portugal Golden Visa investment option has the best returns?
Investment fund performance varies by fund manager, strategy, and market conditions. TEG Consultancy works with clients to connect them with vetted fund managers and independent financial advisors for investment selection. Generally, fund investments offer professional management, portfolio diversification, and liquidity options after the 5-year minimum lock-in period. We do not earn commissions on investment recommendations and provide fully independent guidance.
Can my children and parents be included in my Golden Visa application?
Yes. Children under 18 can be included without conditions. Adult children must be financially dependent on the applicant and studying full-time. Parents can be included if they are financially dependent on the main applicant. Each dependent family member requires their own AIMA biometric appointment and pays the same government fees as the main applicant.