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.

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🇵🇹 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

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🛑 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:

• 📊 Investment funds (venture capital/private equity)

• 💡 Scientific research

• 🏛️ Cultural/artistic support

• 🏢 Company formation & job creation

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💼 Golden Visa Investment Options (Post-Real Estate)

Here are the updated qualifying options:

1. 📈 Venture Capital or Private Equity Funds

• Minimum investment: €500,000

• Fund must be registered in Portugal and support local businesses

• Ideal for passive investors

2. 🔬 Scientific Research Donation

• Minimum donation: €500,000

• Directed to public or private scientific institutions

3. 🎨 Cultural Heritage Donation

• Minimum: €250,000

• Supports preservation of Portuguese arts or heritage

4. 🏭 Business Creation

• Create 10+ full-time jobs in a Portuguese company

• 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.

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📋 Golden Visa Application Requirements

To apply, you must provide:

• ✅ Valid passport

• ✅ Proof of qualifying investment

• ✅ Portuguese NIF (tax number)

• ✅ Portuguese bank account

• ✅ Criminal background check

• ✅ Proof of health insurance

• ✅ Declaration of compliance with Portuguese tax and immigration law

• ✅ Family documents (if applying with spouse/children)

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🔄 Golden Visa Application Process

1. Choose your investment route (funds, donation, company)

2. Open a Portuguese bank account and get a NIF

3. Make the investment

4. Submit your Golden Visa application online via AIMA

5. Attend biometric appointment in Portugal

6. Receive your initial residence permit (valid for 2 years)

7. Renew for 3 more years, then apply for citizenship after 5 years

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⏱️ Timeline

• Investment setup: 2–4 weeks

• Application approval: 3–6 months

• Total time to first residence permit: 4–8 months

• Eligible for citizenship after 5 years

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Reunification

You can include:

• Spouse or registered partner

• Children under 18

• Dependent children over 18 (if studying or financially dependent)

• Dependent parents

Each member receives a residence permit tied to your investment.

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🇵🇹 Golden Visa to Citizenship

After 5 years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship:

• Must maintain investment during the 5 years

• Must pass basic Portuguese language exam (A2 level)

• No requirement to live full-time in Portugal (just 7 days/year minimum)

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🛡️ Why Work with Borderless Lawyers?

We provide end-to-end support to make your Golden Visa journey seamless:

• ✅ Fund and investment vetting

• ✅ NIF and bank account setup

• ✅ Legal due diligence

• ✅ Application and biometric support

• ✅ Family reunification

• ✅ Citizenship application planning

We work with reliable fund managers and maintain transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

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🌍 Who We Help

We’ve helped investors from:

• 🇺🇸 United States

• 🇨🇳 China

• 🇮🇳 India

• 🇧🇷 Brazil

• 🇷🇺 Russia

• 🇿🇦 South Africa

• 🇨🇦 Canada

• 🇲🇽 Mexico

• 🇦🇺 Australia

• 🇦🇪 UAE

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🚀 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.