How to Obtain the Portuguese Golden Visa (2024+ Rules)
Looking to live in Portugal while investing in its economy? The Portuguese Golden Visa offers residency through investment—ideal for global investors seeking EU access, visa-free travel, and a path to citizenship.
At Borderless Lawyers, we guide you through the updated rules and help you apply with confidence and full legal support.
🇵🇹 What Is the Portuguese Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa (ARI – Autorização de Residência para Investimento) is a Portuguese residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU nationals to live in Portugal, travel freely in the Schengen Zone, and apply for citizenship after 5 years.
✔️ Residency without full-time relocation
✔️ Only 7 days/year stay required
✔️ Family reunification allowed
✔️ Apply for citizenship after 5 years
✔️ Ideal for investors and global entrepreneurs
🛑 Important Update: No More Real Estate Route
Portugal has officially closed the real estate investment option for Golden Visa applicants.
New eligible investments focus on:
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📊 Investment funds (venture capital/private equity)
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💡 Scientific research
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🏛️ Cultural/artistic support
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🏢 Company formation & job creation
💼 Golden Visa Investment Options (Post-Real Estate)
Here are the updated qualifying options:
1. 📈 Venture Capital or Private Equity Funds
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Minimum investment: €500,000
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Fund must be registered in Portugal and support local businesses
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Ideal for passive investors
2. 🔬 Scientific Research Donation
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Minimum donation: €500,000
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Directed to public or private scientific institutions
3. 🎨 Cultural Heritage Donation
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Minimum: €250,000
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Supports preservation of Portuguese arts or heritage
4. 🏭 Business Creation
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Create 10+ full-time jobs in a Portuguese company
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Or invest €500,000+ and create 5+ jobs
💡 Borderless Lawyers partners with vetted funds and business specialists to match you with the safest investment route.
📋 Golden Visa Application Requirements
To apply, you must provide:
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✅ Valid passport
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✅ Proof of qualifying investment
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✅ Portuguese NIF (tax number)
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✅ Portuguese bank account
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✅ Criminal background check
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✅ Proof of health insurance
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✅ Declaration of compliance with Portuguese tax and immigration law
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✅ Family documents (if applying with spouse/children)
🔄 Golden Visa Application Process
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Choose your investment route (funds, donation, company)
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Open a Portuguese bank account and get a NIF
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Make the investment
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Submit your Golden Visa application online via AIMA
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Attend biometric appointment in Portugal
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Receive your initial residence permit (valid for 2 years)
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Renew for 3 more years, then apply for citizenship after 5 years
⏱️ Timeline
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Investment setup: 2–4 weeks
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Application approval: 3–6 months
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Total time to first residence permit: 4–8 months
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Eligible for citizenship after 5 years
👨👩👧👦 Family Reunification
You can include:
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Spouse or registered partner
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Children under 18
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Dependent children over 18 (if studying or financially dependent)
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Dependent parents
Each member receives a residence permit tied to your investment.
🇵🇹 Golden Visa to Citizenship
After 5 years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship:
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Must maintain investment during the 5 years
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Must pass basic Portuguese language exam (A2 level)
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No requirement to live full-time in Portugal (just 7 days/year minimum)
🛡️ Why Work with Borderless Lawyers?
We provide end-to-end support to make your Golden Visa journey seamless:
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✅ Fund and investment vetting
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✅ NIF and bank account setup
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✅ Legal due diligence
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✅ Application and biometric support
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✅ Family reunification
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✅ Citizenship application planning
We work with reliable fund managers and maintain transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
🌍 Who We Help
We’ve helped investors from:
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🇺🇸 United States
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🇨🇳 China
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🇮🇳 India
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🇧🇷 Brazil
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🇷🇺 Russia
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🇿🇦 South Africa
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🇨🇦 Canada
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🇲🇽 Mexico
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🇦🇺 Australia
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🇦🇪 UAE
🚀 Ready to Invest in Your Future?
📩 Contact Borderless Lawyers today for your free Golden Visa consultation. We’ll help you choose the right investment, avoid legal pitfalls, and secure your EU residency—quickly and efficiently.