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.
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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
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.
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.
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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.
