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Portugal Golden Visa Program 2025
Portugal Residency by Investment (RBI) Program 2025
A Complete Guide
Minimum: EUR 200,000 +
Processing Time: 12 - 24 months
Return to Golden Visa (Residency by Investment) Countries 2025
Introduction
The Portugal Golden Visa program, officially known as the Portugal Residency by Investment (RBI) scheme, is one of the most sought-after investment residency programs in Europe. Launched in 2012, it provides a streamlined pathway for non-EU nationals to obtain Portugal economic residency through strategic investments. As of 2025, the program has undergone significant reforms, shifting its focus from real estate to Portugal Investment Fund Investment, Portugal Venture Capital Fund Investment, Portugal Business Investment, and Portugal Donation models.
With its investor-friendly policies, a Portugal Investor Visa grants access to the European Union (EU) and a potential route to Portugal Permanent Residency (PR) and Portugal Citizenship, making it an attractive option for global investors seeking Portugal second residency. The visa program has facilitated billions of euros in foreign direct investment, bolstering the Portuguese economy and enhancing its global appeal. Investors also benefit from Portugal's stable government, well-regulated banking sector, and access to thriving industries such as technology, tourism, and renewable energy.
Country Profile
Portugal is a strategically located, politically stable, and economically vibrant country in southwestern Europe. Boasting a Mediterranean climate, world-class infrastructure, and an affordable cost of living, Portugal is a top destination for expatriates and investors.
Key Highlights:
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A high standard of healthcare and education.
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A safe and welcoming environment with low crime rates.
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A thriving technology and innovation sector, supported by government incentives.
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A strong financial system supporting Portugal Investment Visa holders.
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An expanding tourism sector contributing significantly to GDP.
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Competitive corporate tax incentives for investors.
With a steadily growing GDP driven by foreign investments and a diversified economy, Portugal remains a top choice for investors looking for long-term gains. Additionally, Portugal ranks high in global indices for quality of life, sustainability, and ease of doing business. Its non-habitual resident (NHR) tax regime attracts professionals, retirees, and digital nomads looking for tax advantages.
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Official Name: Portuguese Republic
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Capital: Lisbon
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Population: Approximately 10.3 million (as of recent estimates)
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Area: 92,212 square kilometres (35,603 sq. mi)
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Location: A country in southwestern Europe, located on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain and the Atlantic Ocean.
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Currency: Euro (EUR)
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Official Language: Portuguese
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Spoken Languages: Portuguese (predominantly), Mirandese (recognized minority language)
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Time Zone: Western European Time (WET), UTC +0; Daylight Saving Time: UTC +1
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Driving Side: Right
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Climate: Mediterranean climate along the coast, oceanic climate in the north. Average temperatures range from 50°F (10°C) in winter to 82°F (28°C) in summer.
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Government: Semi-presidential republic
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Major Industries: Tourism, textiles, footwear, cork production, automotive
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Main Exports: Vehicles, machinery, agricultural products, textiles
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Famous For: Fado music, Porto wine, Algarve beaches, historic cities like Lisbon and Porto
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Motto: "Esta é a ditosa pátria minha amada" ("This is my beloved happy homeland")
Financial Requirements
To qualify for a Portugal Golden Visa, applicants must make a minimum investment in one of the approved categories. The latest Portugal Residency by Investment (RBI) regulations have eliminated real estate as an option, focusing on alternative investment pathways:
1. Portugal Investment Fund Investment: A minimum investment of €500,000 in qualified funds that support high-growth sectors such as technology, energy, and infrastructure. This method allows investors to diversify their portfolios while benefiting from professional fund management.
2. Portugal Venture Capital Fund Investment: A minimum of €500,000 in designated venture capital funds that focus on innovative startups and high-growth enterprises. These funds support Portugal's entrepreneurial ecosystem and contribute to job creation.
3. Portugal Business Investment: Establish a business and create a minimum of ten new jobs (eight new jobs in a low population density area). Or invest a minimum of €500,000 in a company that creates at least five new jobs or maintains at least ten jobs for local workers. These methods support the local economy and aligns with the government’s vision for employment growth.
4. Portugal Donation: A minimum €250,000 (€200,000 in a low population density area) contribution towards arts, culture, or national heritage preservation. This method fosters cultural sustainability and preserves Portugal’s rich historical heritage. Or donate a minimum €500,000 (€400,000 in a low population density area) towards research activities of public or private national scientific and technological institutions.
These revised financial thresholds ensure that the Portugal Investor Visa promotes long-term, sustainable economic growth. Investors must ensure their investments remain compliant with Portuguese immigration authorities and continue to meet financial requirements over time.
General Requirements
To be eligible for the Portugal Investment Visa, applicants must:
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Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national.
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Maintain the investment for at least five years.
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Spend a minimum of seven days per year in Portugal, ensuring minimal residency obligations.
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Have a clean criminal record with no previous convictions in Portugal or their home country.
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Provide proof of Portugal tax compliance, including tax identification numbers and clearances.
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Hold valid health insurance for the duration of residency.
Meeting these requirements allows investors to benefit from Portugal second residency and a potential pathway to Portugal Permanent Residency (PR) and Portugal Citizenship after five years. Portugal also has language proficiency and integration requirements for those seeking naturalization. Portugal Dual Citizenship is permitted.
Family Inclusion
One of the most attractive aspects of the Portugal Golden Visa is its ability to extend residency to family members, including:
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Spouse or legally recognized partner.
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Dependent children under 26, provided they are enrolled in full-time education.
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Parents of the main applicant or spouse, if financially dependent.
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Minor siblings under legal guardianship.
Family members receive the same benefits as the primary investor, making Portugal economic residency an ideal choice for those seeking stability and security for their loved ones. This inclusivity strengthens family unity while ensuring multiple generations benefit from Portugal’s advantages.
Benefits
A Portugal Residency by Investment (RBI) offers numerous advantages:
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Visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone, allowing unrestricted movement.
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Path to Portuguese Permanent Residency (PR) or Portuguese Citizenship in five years without full-time residence requirements, making it one of the fastest naturalization programs in the EU. Portugal Dual Citizenship is permitted.
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Access to Portugal's world-class healthcare and education, including free public schooling and affordable private institutions.
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Business-friendly environment, fostering economic growth and innovation with startup incentives and venture capital opportunities.
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Portugal tax benefits, including potential eligibility for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, which provides tax reductions or exemptions on foreign income, pensions, and capital gains.
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A high quality of life with a temperate climate, stunning coastlines, and rich cultural experiences.
Process & Procedures
The application process for a Portugal Golden Visa follows these steps:
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Choose an Investment Type: Select a qualifying Portugal Investment Fund Investment, Portugal Venture Capital Fund Investment, Portugal Business Investment, or Portugal Donation.
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Prepare Required Documents: Gather passport copies, proof of investment, Portugal tax clearance, bank statements, and a clean criminal record certificate. Legal translations may be required for non-English or non-Portuguese documents.
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Submit the Application: Applications are now fully digitized and submitted online through the Portuguese immigration portal. Legal representation is recommended for a seamless process.
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Attend a Biometric Appointment: Investors and dependents must visit Portugal for biometric data collection at an official AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) office.
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Approval & Residency Card Issuance: Once approved, a Portugal Investor Visa is granted, valid for two years and renewable thereafter.
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Maintain Investment & Stay Requirement: Comply with the seven-day stay requirement per year and maintain the investment for five years.
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Apply for Portugal Permanent Residency (PR) or Portugal Citizenship: After five years, investors may apply for Portugal Permanent Residency (PR) or a Portuguese Passport, provided they meet language and integration criteria. Portugal Dual Citizenship is permitted.
Conclusion
The Portugal Golden Visa remains one of the most attractive Portugal Residency by Investment (RBI) options in Europe, providing global investors with access to a stable economy, visa-free EU travel, and a pathway to Portugal Permanent Residency (PR) and Portugal Citizenship. With new investment options such as Portugal Investment Fund Investment, Portugal Venture Capital Fund Investment, and Portugal Business Investment, the program has adapted to support sustainable economic growth while maintaining its appeal.
For investors seeking Portugal economic residency, Portugal second residency, or a tax-friendly European base, the Portugal Investment Visa is an excellent choice. With its investor-friendly policies, Portugal continues to be a top destination for those looking to secure their future in Europe.
FAQs
The Portugal Golden Visa program, officially known as Portugal Residency by Investment (RBI), is one of the most attractive Portugal Investor Visa options for non-EU nationals. This program grants residency through Portugal Investment Visa pathways, including Portugal Investment Fund Investment, Portugal Venture Capital Fund Investment, and Portugal Business Investment. Here are the most frequently asked questions about the program as of 2025.
1. What is the Portugal Golden Visa program?
The Portugal Golden Visa is a Portugal Residency by Investment (RBI) program designed to attract foreign investors through Portugal Investment Visa options. It allows non-EU citizens to obtain residency in Portugal by making a qualifying investment, leading to a Portugal Second Residency and potential Portugal Permanent Residency (PR) and Portugal Citizenship. Portugal Dual Citizenship is permitted.
2. What are the latest investment options for Portugal Golden Visa?
As of 2025, the Portugal Golden Visa program no longer includes real estate investment. The qualifying options are:
a) Portugal Investment Fund Investment – Minimum €500,000 investment in qualified Portugal Venture Capital Fund Investment or other regulated investment funds focusing on sectors such as technology, industry, and energy
b) Portugal Business Investment – Establishing or investing in a company that creates or maintains at least 5-10 jobs in Portugal with a minimum €500,000 investment required in some cases.
c) Portugal Donation to Scientific or Technological Research – A minimum €500,000 (€400,000 in a low population density area) donation to public or private research institutions.
d) Portugal Donation for Cultural or Heritage Preservation – A minimum of €250,000 (€200,000 in a low population density area) donation to support cultural and heritage projects.
3. What are the key benefits of Portugal Golden Visa?
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Residency in Portugal – Right to live, work, and study in Portugal.
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Schengen Travel – Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area.
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Family Inclusion – Spouse, children, and dependent parents qualify.
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Portugal Economic Residency – Legal residency with minimal stay requirements.
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Portugal Permanent Residency (PR) and Portugal Citizenship – Eligibility after 5 years, subject to Portuguese language and residency requirements. Portugal Dual Citizenship is permitted.
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Portugal Tax Benefits – The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime offers reduced Portugal tax rates for certain income types.
4. What are the residency requirements for Portugal Golden Visa holders?
Holders must stay in Portugal for:
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At least 7 days in the first year
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At least 14 days every two years thereafter
These flexible requirements make Portugal Economic Residency an attractive option for global investors.
5. How long does it take to process a Portugal Golden Visa application?
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Application processing typically takes 6-12 months, but recent digitalization efforts aim to reduce delays.
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Portugal Golden Visa applications can now be submitted online, reducing administrative backlogs.
6. Can I include my family in my Portugal Golden Visa application?
Yes, Portugal Golden Visa allows family reunification, covering:
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Spouse or legal partner
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Dependent children
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Dependent parents
Each family member receives the same Portugal Residency by Investment (RBI) benefits.
7. Can Portugal Golden Visa holders apply for Portugal Permanent Residency (PR) or Portugal Citizenship?
Yes. After 5 years, investors may apply for Portuguese Permanent Residency (PR) or Portuguese Citizenship, provided they:
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Maintain their qualifying Portugal Investment Visa
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Pass a basic Portuguese language test
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Demonstrate ties to Portugal
This makes Portugal Golden Visa one of the fastest routes to an EU passport. Portugal Dual Citizenship is permitted.
8. How does Portugal tax Golden Visa holders?
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Portugal Golden Visa holders are not automatically tax residents.
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Portugal tax residency applies if you stay 183+ days per year in the country.
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The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime offers attractive tax benefits for new residents.
9. Is real estate still a qualifying investment for Portugal Golden Visa?
No, real estate investments no longer qualify for Portugal Golden Visa as of October 2023. Investors must now choose one of the following:
a) Portugal Investment Fund Investment
b) Portugal Venture Capital Fund Investment
c) Portugal Business Investment
d) Portugal Donation for Cultural Projects or Scientific and Technological Research
10. What are the next steps to apply for Portugal Golden Visa?
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Choose your investment (Portugal Investment Fund Investment, Portugal Venture Capital Fund Investment, Portugal Business Investment or Portugal Donation).
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Gather necessary documents (passport, proof of funds, criminal record check, etc.).
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Submit your application via the official online portal.
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Attend a biometric appointment in Portugal.
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Receive your residency card and start enjoying Portugal Second Residency benefits.
This Portugal Golden Visa FAQ ensures that all relevant Portugal Residency by Investment (RBI) FAQs are covered, making it a valuable resource for investors considering Portugal Economic Residency.