Residency by Investment
Portugal Golden Residence Programme
Known as The Golden Residence Permit Programme, Portugal’s Residence by Investment Programme has been operating since October 2012.
It is the ideal solution for non-European citizens seeking the freedom to live and work in Portugal and travel across the Schengen Area.
Portugal’s mild climate, rich culture, exceptional cuisine and exquisite scenery have encouraged many high-net-worth individuals to make this wonderful Iberian nation their second home.
It boasts several potentially lucrative avenues for investment, with opportunities rife in manufacturing, tourism, and green energy.
- Minimum investment
- €250,000
- Residence requirement
- 7 days in the first year, 14 days in consecutive years
- Processing time
- 3–6 months
Unlock Your Path to Living in Portugal with Portugal’s Golden Residence Programme
Benefits of Residence by Investment in Portugal
- The right to live, work, study, and undertake business in Portugal.
- Exceptional levels of safety and security, excellent education opportunities, and high-quality healthcare.
- Can be renewed for an initial two-year period, then for consecutive five-year periods.
- Eligible for permanent residence after five years.
- Family reunification
- May, upon fulfilment of certain requirements (including a language requirement), be eligible for citizenship after six years of residence.
General Requirements
- Aged 18 or over
- Good character
- Third country (i.e. non-EU, EEA or Swiss) national
- Valid Schengen Visa
- Good standing with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority and Social Security
- Travel requirement to supply biometrics
- Residence requirement of seven days within the first year and 14 days every subsequent two years
- Interview requirement
- No language requirement for residence
Investment Options
Applicants can choose between several investment options:
- 01
Capital Transfers
- Applicants can choose between a series of capital transfers. Processing fees apply.
- Investment in support of artistic production or recovery of maintenance of national cultural heritage: €250,000*.
- Investment in research activities of public or private entities that are part of the national scientific and technological system: €500,000*.
- Investment in investment funds or venture capital funds in non-real estate collective investment entities, incorporated under Portuguese legislation, whose maturity, at the time of investment, is at least 5 years old and at least 60% of the value of investments made in companies headquartered in Portugal: €500,000.
- Incorporation of a company headquartered in Portugal, combined with the creation of 5 permanent jobs, or to reinforce the social capital of a company already incorporated and headquartered in Portugal, with the creation of at least five permanent jobs or maintenance of at least ten jobs, with a minimum of five permanent employees, for a minimum of 3 years: €500,000.
- 02
Create at least 10 jobs in Portugal*. Processing fees apply.
*For these options, the minimum investment amount or the number of jobs created is reduced by 20% where the investment is made in low population density areas.
Additionally, the following fees apply:
- Residency Permit Issue Fees Per applicant (other than minors born in Portugal):
€5,817.60
- Initial Application Fees Per applicant: €581.76
Permit Renewal Fees also apply for applicants who wish to renew their permit, as follows:
- Permit Renewal Fees Per Applicant: €2,908.80
- CS Global Partners Professional Fees
Path to Portuguese Citizenship
The Portuguese Residence by Investment Programme is solely for residency, however upon fulfilment of certain requirements, individuals may be eligible for citizenship after five years of legal residence in Portugal.
After residing in Portugal for five years, applicants can apply for citizenship via naturalisation. Requirements for naturalisation include being at least 18 years of age, basic knowledge of the Portuguese language, can demonstrate successful integration, and have not been convicted for a crime that corresponds to a penalty to or more than three years according to Portuguese law.
If successful, naturalised citizens can apply for a Portuguese passport.
Application Process
Applicants must have made their investment before applying and submit the proof of investment as well as their intentions to maintain it for at least five years.
- 1
Step 1
Interested applicants must submit an application at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Services (SEF).
- 2
Step 2
Submit the application along with documentation.
- 3
Step 3
Pay all the relevant fees.
- 4
Step 4
Wait for confirmation from the SEF.
- 5
Step 5
Schedule an appointment to submit your application at a local branch of the SEF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Government Advisory
CS Global Partners – Government Advisory
CS Global Partners is the world leading international legal advisory firm, London-headquartered, providing high-net-worth individuals and families with citizenship and residency solutions. As a trusted partner of many governments, CS Global Partners works directly with governments and is mandated to promote some of the world’s longest-standing citizenship programmes, giving clients accurate, up-to-date guidance straight from the source.
For advice shaped by real expertise, contact CS Global Partners.
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