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Golden Visa
Golden Visa
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT IN PORTUGAL
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT IN PORTUGAL
The Residence Permit Program for Investment Activity (ARI), popularly known as the “Golden Visa”, has been, since its implementation in 2012, a relevant gateway for foreign investors seeking residence in Portugal. However, recent legislative changes, which took place between 2024 and 2025, have redefined the eligibility criteria and the types of investment accepted.
Golden Visa 2025: The New Path to Investing and Living in Portugal
Golden Visa 2025: The New Path to Investing and Living in Portugal
On February 16, 2023, the Portuguese Government expressed its intention to end the Golden Visa program, particularly in its aspects related to the acquisition of real estate, as part of a set of measures aimed at mitigating the housing crisis in the country. This decision was formalized on October 7, 2023, with the elimination of the real estate investment option from the program.
Although the processes already submitted continued to be processed on the competent platforms, all new applications for the Golden Visa program were rejected.
Despite the end of the real estate component, the Golden Visa program remains active through other investment modalities. Currently available options include:
• Capital Transfer: For foreign citizens with the availability to invest a minimum value of 1.5 million euros in financial assets in Portugal.
• Job Creation: For foreign citizens who wish to establish companies in Portugal that create at least 10 permanent jobs in the national territory.
• Investment in Scientific Research: For foreign citizens who invest at least 500,000 euros in research activities conducted by public or private institutions.
• Preservation of Cultural Heritage: For foreign citizens who demonstrate interest and contribute at least 250,000 euros to the artistic production or recovery of Portuguese cultural heritage.
• Investment Funds or Venture Capital: For foreign citizens who invest at least 500,000 euros in funds intended for the capitalization of Portuguese companies.
Recent Legislative Changes
Recent Legislative Changes
- Obtain a reduced tax rate for income earned in Portugal and a worldwide exemption for investors who qualify for the new IFICI+ tax program;
- In Portugal there is no inheritance tax and donations between close relatives are also tax exempt;
- Only residents who remain in Portugal for more than six months per year must pay tax on income earned in Portugal;
- Very favorable jurisdiction for taxation of cryptocurrencies.
Tax benefits
Tax benefits
Long-term benefits
Long-term benefits
- After five years, one of the shortest timeframes in the Golden Visa programs in the world, investors can apply for Portuguese citizenship, guaranteeing themselves, their families and future generations access to a Portuguese passport.
- A Portuguese passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 191 countries.
- Portugal allows dual citizenship.
To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, applicants must meet the following specific criteria:
Eligibility and Requirements for Portugal Golden Visa
Eligibility and Requirements for Portugal Golden Visa
Nationality: The candidate must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Age Requirement: The primary applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
Criminal record: The candidate should ideally have a clean criminal record in his/her current country of residence and in Portugal.
Open a bank account in Portugal after obtaining a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF).
All non-Portuguese documents must be authenticated by means of an apostille and translated into Portuguese.
The capital to be invested must already be deposited in a Portuguese bank account and the investor must be prepared to prove the legality of the origin of the funds.
The investor must maintain the investment for at least 5 years.
The investor must present proof of health coverage.
Proof of regularity with Social Security and the Portuguese tax authorities.
Investment Options: Among the options, investing in Portuguese funds stands out for those looking for a simple path to residency. This investment can be made personally or through a sole proprietorship company domiciled in Portugal. The investment must be maintained for at least 5 years.
Upon completion of the investment, you will need a statement from the Portuguese bank attesting that the minimum investment amount has been transferred and a statement from the fund management company confirming that you have successfully completed your investment.
