Paperwork can be tedious and overwhelming. Plus, it can get messy quite quickly when you factor in the unknown of applying for residency in a foreign country without speaking the language or being familiar with the bureaucratic processes.
As a boutique investment migration consultancy, our Portugal Golden Visa consultants help expats like yourself apply for residence permits in Portugal (and over ten other countries). Our mission is to make your application process seamless and hassle-free.
In this article, we cover our services in-depth and explain how we can help you successfully apply for a Portugal Golden Visa.
You’ll also find out more about:
⚠️ Portugal Nationality Law Changes 2025
On June 23, 2025, the Portuguese Government announced plans to amend the Nationality Law and the legal framework governing immigration. The proposals have passed the plenary vote on October 28, 2025, which marks a significant step forward in the legislative process.
Among the measures under discussion are an increase in the residence requirement for nationality from five years to ten years – seven years for nationals of CPLP and EU countries – and a change to how residency time is calculated, so that the clock would start when residency is issued rather than when the application is submitted.
These changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review. At that stage, the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended, including any transitional provisions or possible grandfathering rules, but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
Can I do the Golden Visa application myself?
It is possible to lodge your application by yourself. However, the paperwork and required documents are long.
Many Golden Visa applicants who have attempted it themselves have found themselves having to reapply several times because they left out a crucial document.
Portugal is notorious for its complex bureaucratic system, and even Portuguese residents find using it slow and frustrating. Ultimately, the possibility of error can increase when you submit your Portugal Golden Visa application.
Mistakes in the paperwork can cause delays, which could lead to not getting your Portuguese residency permit in time before arriving in the country.
Given that acquiring the Golden Visa is a timely matter, any small delays at the beginning lead to a longer waiting time, especially if you hope to get Portuguese citizenship and consequently European citizenship.
Our Portuguese Golden Visa consultants are exact in determining what paperwork is needed, the process of obtaining each document, and everything else, so that when you lodge your application, you can rest assured that it will run smoothly.
Why work with a Golden Visa consultant?
Working with a Golden Visa consultant can be beneficial for several reasons:
Expertise and experience
Our consultants are typically well-versed in the specific regulations and requirements of the Portugal Golden Visa program. They stay updated on any changes in Portuguese law, ensuring your application adheres to the latest standards.
Navigating the application process can be complex, but a consultant’s experience can help streamline it. They can guide you through each step, ensuring all necessary documents are correctly prepared and submitted, and provide international investors with personalized service.
Time and efficiency
A Golden Visa consultancy firm can save time by handling administrative tasks, paperwork, and communication with relevant authorities. This allows you to focus on your daily responsibilities without being overwhelmed by the intricacies of the application process.
The Golden Visa application process involves a lot of details, and even a small mistake can lead to delays or rejection. Consultants are familiar with potential pitfalls and can help you avoid common errors.
Network and local connections
Our Portugal immigration consultants often establish networks and connections with the local government and institutions. This can expedite the application process and address any issues.
Customized advice
Golden Visa consultants can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation. They can assess your eligibility, financial situation, and investment preferences to guide you toward the most suitable investment option under the Golden Visa program.
Language barrier
A consultant can help bridge the language gap if you are not fluent in Portuguese. They can communicate with relevant authorities on your behalf, ensuring all communication is clear and accurate.
Risk mitigation
Golden Visa consultants can help you assess the risks of different investment options. They can provide insights into market trends, potential pitfalls, and the overall viability of specific investment opportunities.
Post-approval assistance
Beyond the application process, consultants can assist with post-approval matters, such as helping you settle into Portugal, understanding your rights and obligations, and addressing any issues that may arise.
While working with a consultant can be beneficial, choosing a reputable and experienced professional or agency is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful Golden Visa application process.
Six Ways Portuguese Golden Visa Consultants can Help
Our industry-leading experts deliver full-scale residency or citizenship solutions related to investment migration and relocation.
From helping you file your immigration application to providing professional legal requirements and tax advice, our team is wholly committed to your Portugal Golden Visa journey.
1. Onboarding:
Our Portugal Golden Visa agency of consultants can provide newcomers with an overview of the program. This includes explaining this program’s benefits, requirements, and various investment options. It also involves collecting the paperwork and documents.
2. Opening a Portuguese bank account and acquiring a NIF number:
Consultants open bank accounts in Portugal for global investors transferring capital and making investments . This is a crucial step for handling financial transactions related to the Golden Visa investment. They can also assist in obtaining a unique tax identification number (NIF), a mandatory requirement for conducting financial transactions and fulfilling tax obligations in Portugal.
3. Consulting on investment Options, eligibility criteria, and requirements:
Golden Visa consultants offer in-depth consultations on various investment options, such as venture capital funds and job creation. They can help applicants choose the most suitable investment route based on their preferences and financial situation.
Our team will also assess applicants’ eligibility, considering factors like financial capacity, legal requirements, and the type of investment chosen. This helps ensure that the chosen investment aligns with the Golden Visa program criteria.
4. Consulting on paperwork required:
Golden Visa applications involve a significant amount of paperwork. Consultants provide detailed guidance on the documents needed for the application, ensuring that all required information is accurately compiled and submitted.
5. Assisting in lodging the online application:
We’ll assist you by submitting your application online. This includes navigating the platform, entering relevant details, and ensuring that all required documents are uploaded correctly.
6. Option to collect the residence card on your behalf:
Some consultants may offer the convenience of collecting the residence card on behalf of the applicant. This can be particularly helpful for individuals unable to be present in Portugal during certain stages of the application process.
These services aim to simplify the Golden Visa application journey, providing comprehensive support from the initial onboarding stages to the final steps of collecting the residence card. The goal is to enhance efficiency, minimize errors, and ensure a smooth applicant experience.
About the Portugal Golden Visa Program
Portugal’s Golden Visa is a Portuguese government-mandated residency by investment program. The scheme was introduced in 2012 to attract foreign investment to the country and boost Portugal’s economy and has since become one of the most popular residency by investment programs in the word.
The Golden Visa grants applicants and their family members the right to live, work, and study in Portugal.
After five years of keeping their investment in Portugal and being a legal resident of the country, Golden Visa investors can obtain permanent residency in Portugal and get Portuguese citizenship (and consequently EU citizenship) and a passport.
To be eligible for the program, you must be a non-EU citizen and make a qualifying investment in Portugal.
There’s a wide variety of attractive investment options to pick from, including venture capital funds and cultural donations. The most popular route to Portugal residency was through a real estate investment in residential properties or commercial properties, however, this investment avenue is no longer eligible. The option to apply with capital transfers equal to or exceeding €500,000 has also been discontinued.
Despite the capital transfer and property investment routes no longer qualifying for the program, there are still several compelling options to choose from.
⚠️ Update on Portugal's Nationality Law Changes
On 28 October 2025, Portugal's parliament approved key amendments of the Nationality Law, including increasing the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 10 years, and 7 years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens. This will significantly impact how visa holders and residents acquire citizenship.
However, these changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review where the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
Golden Visa program investment opportunities
- Investment fund subscription: Contribute at least €500,000 to a qualified Portugal Golden Visa investment fund, such as a venture capital fund, a private equity fund, or a mutual fund. At least 60 percent of the fund’s value must be invested in commercial companies based in Portuguese national territory.
- Investment or donation in an artistic production or reconstruction of national cultural heritage with a donation of at least €250,000 (Read more: Cultural Production Golden Visa Portugal)
- Scientific research: Science or technology research contribution of at least €500,000
- Creation of ten jobs: Creation and maintenance of ten jobs during the required period
- Share capital and job creation: Incorporation of a commercial company or reinforcement of a company’s share capital, in either case with an investment of €500,000, combined with the creation of five or maintaining ten jobs (including five permanent jobs)
If unsure about Golden Visa investment pathways, you can find statistics on the top nationalities and investment routes to residency in ourPortugal Golden Visa statistics article.
Take a look at our Portugal Golden Visa Ultimate Guide by local experts
Benefits of the Portuguese Golden Visa Program
The attractive benefits of being a Portuguese Golden Visa holder are one of the main reasons why Portugal attracts so many foreign investors each year. Legal residents of Portugal have visa free travel to the 27 EU countries in the EU’s Schengen Area.
Another highlight of the Portugal Golden Visa benefits is the residency requirements are easier to meet than those for Golden Visas elsewhere in the world. With a Portuguese Golden Visa and if you mainly visit Portugal, you must stay in Portugal a minimum average of seven days per year (or 14 days for each two-year period), with at least seven days in the first year.
Five years after residency, you qualify for a European passport. The opportunity to affordably invest your money in a buoyant market is also a key benefit, with a minimum investment requirement of €250,000.
In addition, the tax benefits for Golden Visa holders mean that you don’t need to pay extra taxes on income produced outside Portugal.
Most importantly, the Golden Visa allows investors and their families to enjoy the benefits of living in Portugal and enjoy EU residency benefits, including miles of Atlantic coastline, natural beauty, year-round sunshine, safety, and a high quality of life.
Five years until you qualify for a Portuguese passport
Short stay requirement
Qualifying investments start from €250K
Whole family is eligible
Freely circulate throughout Europe
Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa?
- Global approach by local experts: A team of experienced local case executives, immigration lawyers, and investment specialists based in Portugal.
- Independent service:We are not a marketing agency for any projects. You will access all eligible routes for the Golden Visa, with over 40 vetted qualifying investment options, so you can decide on the best option for you.
- 100% approval rate: We have the unique distinction of never having had a Golden Visa case rejected and have helped hundreds of clients from more than 35 countries.
- All-encompassing solution: Our dedicated onboarding and immigration teams will assist you throughout the process and beyond with a single channel of communication.
- Transparency: Our fees are clear and detailed, covering the entire process with no hidden costs.
- Privacy: Your personal data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
To see the full list of reasons why to work with Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa, you can find out more here: Why Work with Global Citizen Solutions for Your Golden Visa Portugal Application?
