faqs
Your questions, answered.
Got further questions? We're here to help! We've gathered the top 100 most Googled Citizenship by Investment questions & answered them.
Click below to access our full FAQ page and get the answers you need.
Portugal Golden VISA
Starts at €250,000
EU Visa Free
6 Months Processing Time
Portugal | starts at €250,000 | EU visa free
Essential Information
Country: Portugal
Capital: Lisbon
Population: 10.85M
Language: Portuguese, English
Timezone: GMT+1
Currency: Euro (€ EUR)
Program Started: 2012
Portugal’s Residence by Investment Programme offers foreign investors a unique gateway into the European Union. Rich in history and culture, Portugal is one of Europe’s oldest nations, known for its stunning coastline, Mediterranean climate, and exceptional quality of life.
Launched in 2012, the Golden Visa programme has attracted thousands of investors seeking greater freedom, mobility, and access to EU residency rights. With minimal stay requirements and a streamlined application process, Portugal stands out as a highly flexible option for investors and their families.
The country offers excellent infrastructure, world-class healthcare, and top-tier education, making it an ideal base for business or relocation. Participants benefit from visa-free travel within the EU Schengen Area. For those seeking a long-term EU presence, Portugal offers a lifestyle-rich solution backed by a clear legal framework.
EU Citizenship Within Reach, Naturalise in Just 5 Years.
Portugal offers one of the most efficient pathways to EU citizenship among residence-by-investment programmes. Investors are eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship after maintaining legal residency for five years.
During this time, applicants are only required to spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal. To qualify for naturalisation, investors must pass a basic Portuguese language test and maintain a clean legal record. Portugal permits dual citizenship, meaning applicants are not required to renounce their existing nationality.
Upon naturalisation, new citizens gain the full rights of EU citizenship, including the right to live, work, and study anywhere within the European Union. This structured path to full citizenship makes Portugal a top-tier choice for long-term European access.
.jpg)
Flexible Investment Routes From €250K.
The Portugal Golden Visa Programme offers a range of government-approved investment options.
Investors can contribute a minimum of EUR 250,000 in cultural or artistic heritage preservation, or EUR 500,000 in private equity or venture capital funds with at least 60% of their investments made in Portuguese companies.
Other routes include the creation of at least 10 jobs, or the incorporation of a Portuguese company with a EUR 500,000 capital injection and 5 permanent jobs. Investors may also allocate EUR 500,000 to scientific research and development. All investment options must be maintained for a minimum of five years from the date the residence permit is granted.
Certain investments may qualify for a 20% discount if made in low-density population areas. Regardless of the option chosen, the programme offers flexibility, family inclusion, and full residency rights across Portugal.
Minimal Stays, Global Flexibility.
One of the key advantages of Portugal’s Golden Visa is its minimal stay requirement: just 7 days per year on average. This makes it an ideal option for remote investors or business owners with global commitments.
Applicants must be 18 years or older, hold a clean criminal record, and pass due diligence checks. Valid health insurance is also required for the duration of the residence permit. The programme allows the inclusion of a spouse, children, and dependent parents.
There are no restrictions on nationality and no language requirements at the residency stage. Portugal’s straightforward eligibility criteria and low stay obligations make the programme accessible, attractive, and low-maintenance for global investors seeking an EU foothold.
Europe’s Most Attractive Tax Regime.
Portugal offers several tax advantages for new residents, including the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) regime, which can provide significant tax exemptions for a period of 10 years. Under this regime, qualifying individuals may benefit from reduced tax rates on Portuguese-source income and exemptions on foreign-source income, including pensions, dividends, and royalties, depending on treaty agreements.
Importantly, residency through the Golden Visa does not automatically trigger tax residency unless the individual spends more than 183 days per year in Portugal or maintains a habitual residence there.
This makes the programme suitable for investors who wish to retain tax residency in another jurisdiction. Portugal’s combination of lifestyle appeal and tax efficiency continues to attract entrepreneurs, retirees, and high-net-worth individuals seeking flexibility and fiscal optimisation.
What Are the Procedures and Timeline for the Portugal Residency by Investment Program?
Once onboarded with Free From Borders, the Portugal Golden Visa process involves due diligence, investment completion, document preparation, and biometric submission. Applications typically take 6 months to be approved. After 5 years of maintaining residency (with just 7 days per year in-country), clients may apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Can I obtain residency in Portugal while retaining my current passport?
Yes. Portugal’s Golden Visa program permits you to retain your original citizenship, and only requires an average of 7 days per year in Portugal to maintain your residency. Portugal also allows dual citizenship, so you won’t need to renounce your current passport if you choose to apply for naturalisation.
Legal Basis for Portugal Residency by Investment:
The Portugal Golden Visa is governed by Law No. 23/2007, amended by Law No. 102/2017 and further updated in 2023, under the framework for granting residence permits to third-country nationals who invest in Portugal.
Which countries can i travel to Visa Free in the EU?
At present, the Portugal Residency Visa offers visa-free access to the countries listed below. Please note that these are subject to frequent changes and may be updated periodically.
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
We advise consulting with your Free From Borders advisor for the most up-to-date information at the time of your application. We are not responsible for any changes to the above that occur during or after your application is completed, as these changes are beyond our control and at the discretion of foreign governments' border policies.
Discover the programme that’s right for you
Speak with our Private Client Advisors to discover the ideal solution tailored to you.
Join the conversation
Join us on our social platforms for in-depth discussions, articles & all things Citizenship by Investment.
.jpg)