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
- Mínimo fijado por el Estado, antes de costes oficiales.
- Processing time
- 6–8 months
- Plazo habitual una vez presentado el expediente completo.
- Visa-free destinations
- 186
- Destinos sin visado previo. El acceso puede cambiar.
- Family inclusion
- Yes
- Comprueba qué familiares pueden incluirse antes de solicitar.
- Residency requirement
- 7 days/yr
- Tiempo mínimo en el país para mantener tu estatus.
Official sources: Autorização de residência para investimento (art. 90.º-A) (accessed 1 de octubre de 2026); Tabela de taxas (Portaria 307/2023) (accessed 1 de octubre de 2026)
Last reviewed 1 de octubre de 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.
Renovación y vía a la ciudadanía
El permiso se renueva en plazos fijos mientras mantengas la inversión. La residencia permanente o la ciudadanía pueden llegar según la ley nacional, normalmente tras una residencia más larga y requisitos de integración.
Confirma las condiciones de renovación vigentes con la fuente oficial antes de comprometerte.
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
Riesgos y diligencia debida
Ten en cuenta estos puntos antes de transferir fondos.
- El solicitante principal y los familiares adultos pasan controles de antecedentes y de origen de fondos.
- Las solicitudes pueden denegarse y algunas vías de inversión no son reembolsables.
- Los umbrales, las normas y el acceso sin visado pueden cambiar con poco aviso.
- Trabaja solo con agentes autorizados y verifica de forma independiente los títulos de inmuebles o fondos.
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 Ciudadanía por inversión | 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.
¿A cuántos destinos pueden viajar sin visado los titulares de Portugal Golden visa?
186 destinos según los datos publicados actuales. El acceso puede cambiar, compruébalo antes de viajar.
¿Portugal Golden visa me convierte en residente fiscal?
El estatus por sí solo no te convierte en residente fiscal. Depende de dónde vivas y de las normas de cada país, así que busca asesoramiento fiscal independiente.
¿Puede Portugal Golden visa llevar a la ciudadanía?
El permiso se renueva en plazos fijos mientras mantengas la inversión. La residencia permanente o la ciudadanía pueden llegar según la ley nacional, normalmente tras una residencia más larga y requisitos de integración. Confirma las condiciones de renovación vigentes con la fuente oficial antes de comprometerte.
¿Qué controles incluye una solicitud de Portugal Golden visa?
El solicitante principal y los familiares adultos pasan controles de antecedentes y de origen de fondos. Las solicitudes pueden denegarse y algunas vías de inversión no son reembolsables.
Explore further
Related programmes, guides and tools for the Portugal Golden visa.