Quick answer
The Portugal Golden visa requires a minimum investment of €500,000. Government processing typically takes 6–8 months. A spouse and dependants can usually be included in one application. Residency requirement: 7 days/yr.
At a glance
- Minimum investment
- €500,000
- Government minimum, before official costs.
- Processing time
- 6–8 months
- Typical timeline once a complete file is submitted.
- Visa-free destinations
- 186
- Destinations without a prior visa. Access can change.
- Family inclusion
- Yes
- Check which dependants qualify before you apply.
- Residency requirement
- 7 days/yr
- Minimum time in the country to keep your status.
Official sources: Autorização de residência para investimento (art. 90.º-A) (accessed October 1, 2026); Tabela de taxas (Portaria 307/2023) (accessed October 1, 2026)
Last reviewed October 1, 2026 by Citizen Sure editorial team
Figures are pending review by a qualified adviser. Always confirm current rules with the official source before investing.
Service fees are not shown here: your adviser prepares a written quote for your family and route. Government and due diligence fees are paid to the authority.
The Portugal Golden Visa route grants a residence permit to investors who make a qualifying investment and meet the eligibility and background-check requirements. It is designed for families who want a lawful base in Portugal while keeping their existing nationality. Key facts at a glance: minimum investment from €500,000; typical processing time 6–8 months; stay requirement: 7 days per year; travel document access to 186 destinations without a visa in advance. Spouses and children can usually be included, subject to the programme's dependant rules. Every application is reviewed against source-of-funds and source-of-wealth evidence, police records and international screening databases. Preparing clean, certified and translated documents up front is the single biggest factor in avoiding delays. Programme rules, investment thresholds and government fees change frequently. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice — confirm the current requirements with a qualified adviser before you commit funds.
Is this programme right for you?
The Portugal Golden visa tends to suit applicants when most of these apply.
- You can commit at least €500,000 to a qualifying investment
- You can plan around a processing time of 6–8 months
- You want your spouse and children in the same application
- You can meet the residency requirement: 7 days/yr
Investment options
Official minimums for each qualifying route. Government and third-party costs are listed as estimates and change with family size.
Who is eligible
- Main applicant aged 18 or over
- Clean criminal record and successful due diligence checks
- Lawful, documented source of funds
Family members
- Spouse or partner
- Children under 18
- Adult children in full-time study
Timeline
Typical steps from first call to approval.
Eligibility assessment
We review your goals, family profile and source of wealth, and confirm which investment options fit.
Documents and due diligence
We prepare certified, translated documents and pre-screen the file against the government's checks.
Investment and submission
You complete the qualifying investment through regulated channels and the application is filed.
Approval and issuance
After approval, permits or passports are issued and we plan renewals and next steps with you.
Documents checklist
The core documents most applicants prepare. Your adviser gives you the complete list for your nationality and family.
- Valid passport for every applicant
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Police clearance from countries of residence
- Proof of address
- Source of funds and source of wealth evidence
- Bank reference letters
- Medical certificate and health insurance where required
- Certified translations and apostilles
Benefits
Lawful residence
A residence permit in Portugal for you and your family.
Light presence rules
Stay requirement: 7 days per year.
Family inclusion
Spouses and children can usually be included in one application.
186
Visa-free and visa-on-arrival destinations
Open the visa-free mapTax overview
This jurisdiction offers tax advantages to new residents.
General information only, pending review by a tax adviser. Your tax position depends on where you are resident, not only on your new status.
Renewal and citizenship path
The permit is renewed at set intervals while you keep the qualifying investment. Permanent residence or citizenship may follow under national law, usually after longer residence and integration requirements.
Confirm the current renewal terms with the official source before you commit.
Pros and cons
Strengths
- Low stay requirement: 7 days in the first year and 14 days in later years
- Spouse, children, dependent parents and some siblings can join through family reunification
Things to weigh
- Real estate does not qualify
- Investments must be held for at least 5 years
- Research and cultural routes are non-refundable
Risks and due diligence
Plan for these points before you transfer any funds.
- The main applicant and adult dependants go through background and source of funds checks.
- Applications can be refused, and some investment routes are not refundable.
- Thresholds, rules and visa free access can change at short notice.
- Work only with licensed agents and verify property or fund titles independently.
Not sure this is the right route?
Answer a few questions and see which programmes fit your budget, family and timeline.
How it compares
| Programme | Minimum investment | Processing time | Visa-free destinations | Residency requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal Golden visa | €500,000 | 6–8 months | 186 | 7 days/yr |
| Greece Golden visa | €400,000+ | 3–6 months | 186 | No minimum stay |
| UAE Golden visa | AED 2,000,000 | 7–10 working days (Dubai) | 180 | No minimum stay |
| Malta Citizenship by investment | Closed (2025) | 12–14 months | 186 | 12 months |
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum investment for the Portugal Golden visa?
The official minimum is €500,000. Government, due diligence and third-party costs are extra and depend on family size.
How long does the Portugal Golden visa take?
Government processing typically takes 6–8 months once a complete application is filed. Preparing documents usually adds a few weeks.
Can I include my family?
Yes. A spouse and dependent children can usually be included; some programmes also accept dependent parents.
Do I need to live there?
Yes: 7 days/yr.
Do I get my investment back?
It depends on the route. Contributions are not refundable. With property, bond, deposit or fund routes you keep the asset and can usually sell or redeem it after the holding period.
How many destinations can Portugal Golden visa holders visit without a visa?
186 destinations, based on current published data. Access can change, so check before you travel.
Does Portugal Golden visa make me tax resident?
Holding the status alone does not make you tax resident. Tax residence depends on where you live and on each country's rules, so take independent tax advice.
Can Portugal Golden visa lead to citizenship?
The permit is renewed at set intervals while you keep the qualifying investment. Permanent residence or citizenship may follow under national law, usually after longer residence and integration requirements. Confirm the current renewal terms with the official source before you commit.
What checks are part of a Portugal Golden visa application?
The main applicant and adult dependants go through background and source of funds checks. Applications can be refused, and some investment routes are not refundable.
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