Portugal’s Golden Visa program is a five-year residency-by-investment scheme for citizens outside the European Union. The residence permit program grants qualifying investors and their family members the right to live, work, and study in Portugal and permits free movement in Europe’s Schengen Area.

To date, the Portugal Golden Visa statistics show the program to be top-rated among investors. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Portuguese Golden Visa statistics for 2023, released by AIMA in 2024. It showcases how international and renowned the scheme is among non-EU nationals and what the program’s future holds.

You’ll also find out more about:

Portugal Golden Visa Data for 2023

Nationality breakdown

In total, there were 66,943 requests for nationality acquisition opinions, of which:

  • 567 permits were issued to people of American nationality
  • 306 permits were issued to people of Chinese nationality
  • 234 permits were issued to people of United Kingdom nationality
  • 199 permits were issued to people of Indian nationality
  • 219 permits were issued to people of Brazilian nationality

Investment breakdown

For the 2024 report, AIMA didn’t give specific details on the individual investment types for the Golden Visa. However, in 2023, the program saw a whopping €70,895,742.39 in investments, the total investment in real estate property purchasing was €50,076,668.39, and the total investment in capital transfer was €20,819,074.00.

Here’s a breakdown of the investments:

  • 99 applicants purchased real estate
  • 49 for properties valued at €400,000 or more
  • 50 for renovated properties valued at €280,000 or more
  • 57 applicants chose capital transfer
  • 50 for Portuguese investment funds

The Portugal Golden Visa Investment Fund option is also proving popular, particularly in the face of changes to the program. Since January 2022, investors have been blocked from buying property in urban cities such as Lisbon and Porto, along with other investment route changes.

Take a look at our Portugal Golden Visa Ultimate Guide by local experts

Click Here Arrow Icon

All-Time Portugal Golden Visa Statistics: 2012-2023

Portugal Golden Visa Approval Rates

  • Until the present day, Portugal has issued Golden Visas for 15,619 main applicants
  • 21,978 residence permits were issued for family members who accompanied the main applicants as their dependents

Top Nationalities

Over the years, the Portuguese Golden Visa investment residence permit program has attracted investors from around the globe.

Since the program’s start, China has had the largest number of applicants. However, despite Chinese nationals still being the majority, their share of the program is decreasing as investors from other nationalities, such as Brazil and the United States, have also been applying. The program is also becoming increasingly popular in other countries, such as South Africa and Turkey.

The table below provides a clear representation of the highest number of applicants for the Portugal Golden Visa Program.
Portugal Golden Visa top investment nationalities

In a departure from previous years, AIMA didn’t provide any granular details on 2023’s Golden Visa investment types or the value of all the investments into the country. However, the Golden Visa scheme has attracted significant investments, totaling €7,318,438,201 at the end of 2023, and 11,3834 residence permits have been issued for real estate investment, 1,312 visas were granted for Capital Transfer investors, and 23 residence permits were issued for people who created ten or more jobs.

The chart below displays the breakdown of investment types applicants have pursued from 2012, including the last data for real estate investments and venture capital funds.

Portugal Golden Visa 2023 Top 5 Investments.

Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?

GLOBAL APPROACH BY LOCAL EXPERTS

  • GCS has offices located across Portugal.
  • Members of the US-Portugal and UK-Portugal Chambers of Commerce in Portugal, and the Investment Migration Council (IMC).
  • Our expert team can help you throughout your journey to secure your Visa. 

100% APPROVAL RATE

  • Our successful track record in applications provides reassurance to applicants. 
  • We have helped clients from more than 35 countries secure residency in Portugal.

ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION

  • With a single channel of communication, our approach ensures that you have complete clarity on your application. 
  • Our BeGlobal® Onboarding System allows for a total flow of information.

TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY

  • Our pricing is clear and detailed, you will not face any hidden costs.
  • All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.

Frequently Asked Questions About Portuguese Golden Visa Statistics

How many people have applied for the Portugal Golden Visa since the program started?

Since 2012, over 12,718 residence permits have been awarded to foreign investors, with 20,424 family members enjoying Portugal Golden Visa family benefits.

What country has invested the most in the Portugal Golden Visa?

According to data obtained from Portugal SEF, China remains the main country in which residence permits are granted. By June 2021, China was the leading force behind Portugal’s Golden Visa investments, with 44 percent already attributed to contributions.

According to Portugal Golden Visa data, what's the most popular investment option?

The most popular investment option for the Portugal Golden Visa is now investing in Venture Capital or Private Equity Funds, as real estate is no longer a qualifying choice.

What is the total investment through Portugal Golden Visa since its launch?

Since its launch in October 2012, the Golden Visa scheme attracted investments totaling €7,318,438,201.77 by the end of 2023.

What is the approval rate for Portugal Golden Visa applications?

The Portugal Golden Visa program boasts an exceptionally high approval rate. In 2022, the country approved 98.5% of all citizenship applications, which includes those for Golden Visas. However, it’s worth noting that only 0.9% of the approved residency permits were granted to Golden Visa applicants.

What is the average processing time based on recent statistics?

The average processing time for the initial Portugal Golden Visa application is 6 to 12 months. However, time frames can vary depending on individual circumstances.

How many family members have benefited from the Portugal Golden Visa?

21,978 Residence permits have been issued to family members who accompanied the main applicants as their dependents.

How has the Portugal Golden Visa program changed over time in terms of investment types?

The new legislation, which came into force in October 2023, significantly changed the types of investments that qualify for the scheme. Capital transfer and real estate investment options are no longer eligible for the program.

What is the average investment amount per Portugal Golden Visa applicant?

The average investment amount for Portugal Golden Visa applicants falls between €250,000 and €500,000.

More About Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal Golden Visa: New Rules and Complete Guide 2025
More Info arrow icon
Portugal Golden Visa Changes, Updates and News for 2025
More Info arrow icon
Changes to the Portugal Golden Visa rules likely to go ah...
More Info arrow icon
D7 Visa vs Golden Visa Portugal: Which Option Is Right fo...
More Info arrow icon