The Portugal Golden Visa is a well-established residence by investment program in Europe, and as of 2026, it remains one of the most popular options for people seeking residency in Portugal and the European Union (EU). It grants residence, not citizenship by investment.
This program is for anyone looking to migrate or secure a Plan B, as they are granted a residence permit by making a qualifying investment and completing the application process.
The stay requirement is minimal (averaging seven days a year), allowing you to maintain residency without relocating or spending significant time in the country. After five years on the Portuguese Golden Visa, you can apply for permanent residency.
This complete guide covers the Portugal Golden Visa requirements, investment options, and application steps in 2026.
Portugal Golden Visa at a Glance
Portugal Golden Visa: Latest Updates in 2026
The Portugal Golden Visa has gone through several changes over the years, with the biggest developments happening in late 2025 and early 2026.
Portugal introduced Lei 61/2025, which added a two-year wait before residents could apply for the D6 Family Reunification Visa. There are exceptions, though, as Golden Visa holders are exempt from waiting.
However, the most significant Portugal Golden Visa news was published as Lei Orgânica no. 1/2026. The Nationality Law changes increased the residency time for citizenship and introduced additional requirements for applications.
What changed and didn’t in 2026
- The Golden Visa investment routes were unchanged. Residency rights and the five-year permanent residency wait time were also unchanged.
- The naturalization period rose from five years to ten for most nationals, and to seven for EU and CPLP nationals.
- The period now counts from the date your first residence card is issued, no longer from the date you applied.
- Citizenship applications already pending on 19 May 2026 stay under the previous law.
Proposed changes in November 2026
The two minority ruling parties in Portugal’s government proposed several changes to Article 3 of the Immigration Act (Law no. 23/2007) before Parliament votes on the 2027 State Budget at the end of November.
Through amendment no. 2692C-2, the Portugal Golden Visa’s investment fund route’s minimum investment amount remains at €500,000 but will require that at least 80% is invested as new share capital in companies headquartered in Portugal.
This will increase the percentage invested in Portuguese companies by 20%, and the funds must arrive “through the reinforcement of the share capital.” What this means is that funds that hold debt, listed securities, or other instruments that don’t add to company capital might no longer qualify.
Other proposed amendments include:
- Reducing the scientific research donation from €500,000 to €250,000, aligning it with the cultural donation route.
- Introducing a new Social Care investment option aimed at building or renovating social support facilities for children, young people, older people, or people with disabilities, or facilities for integrating foreign residents.
- The Social Care investment option will be added to the biennial review process to assess its impact.
What happens next: The two parties that proposed the amendments for inclusion in the 2027 State Budget don’t hold a parliamentary majority and rely on the approval or non-refusal from other parties.
The next step is for the parliamentary committee to vote on any fiscal amendments, with a final vote on the State Budget as a whole scheduled for 24 November.
If the amendments pass the committee vote and the 2027 State Budget vote, they will likely be incorporated into the official requirements for the Portugal Golden Visa from 1 January 2027.
What is the Portugal Golden Visa?
Also known as the Portugal Investment Visa, the Portugal Golden Visa is a residency program that allows eligible non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals to obtain residency in Portugal through a minimum qualifying investment.
One of the biggest drawcards of the Golden Visa is the low stay requirement. Holders are only required to spend seven days in Portugal in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period.
It grants you the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, to travel visa-free within the Schengen Area, to include eligible family members, and to apply for permanent residency after five years.
After living in Portugal for ten years (seven years for EU and CPLP citizens), if the legal requirements are met, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Officially called Autorização de Residência para Investimento (ARI), it was launched in 2012 to attract foreign investment and boost economic growth.
While Portugal has several residency visas catering to different circumstances, the Golden Visa is the only program that grants residency through a qualifying investment with a minimal stay requirement.
It is best suited for investors, entrepreneurs, and internationally mobile families who want to establish a long-term presence in Europe and diversify their options across jurisdictions.
“Portugal’s Golden Visa offers two things that matter most to international investors: flexibility during the journey, and security at the destination. The physical presence requirement is just 35 days over five years. And at year five, permanent residency brings a genuinely protected status — one that the law shields from the standard absence rules. That is a powerful combination.”
Joana Mendonça, General Counsel at Global Citizen Solutions
⚠️ Portugal Nationality Law Changes 2026
In May 2026, Portugal's president, António José Seguro, approved several amendments to the Nationality Law that affect long-term residency permit holders. The most significant change requires that most nationals have 10 years of legal residency and 7 years for EU and CPLP citizens before becoming eligible for citizenship.
These changes are now in force. However, the updated Nationality Law does not affect the time required for permanent residency, which remains 5 years.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2026.
Portugal Golden Visa Benefits
In our Global Intelligence Unit’s Global Residency and Citizenship by Investment Report, Portugal ranked 5th, noting that “among top-tier jurisdictions, Portugal remains the most accessible and affordable option.”
Low physical presence requirement
One of the Portugal Golden Visa benefits is the flexibility, as it doesn’t require relocation. The minimum stay is seven days in the first year and 14 days for each subsequent two-year period. You don’t have to spend most of your time in Portugal or become a tax resident unless you want to.
The right to live, work, and study in Portugal
The Portugal Golden Visa establishes your legal residency status in Portugal, giving you and your eligible family members the right to live, work, and study in the country.
You can enter Portugal at any time, stay for as long as you like while your permit is valid, and use public services, including state education and the national health system (SNS) once you register for a user number.
Schengen travel
As a Golden Visa Card holder, you can enter and travel freely across the 29 countries of the Schengen Area without applying for separate visas. This includes France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and most of continental Europe.
The standard Schengen entry rule allows stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period in other Schengen countries outside Portugal.
Family inclusion
The Portugal Golden Visa extends to your eligible family members through the family reunification mechanism under the ARI regime.
Included family members receive the same rights as the main applicant, including the right to travel within the Schengen Area, live and work in the country, and study at Portuguese schools and universities.
They also share the path to permanent residency after five years, making the Golden Visa’s legacy-planning structure an important consideration.
According to the Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA), your family members can apply for family reunification under the ARI process alongside your Golden Visa application, or later.
This is different from the standard D6 Family Reunification Visa, which is used by family members of someone who already holds legal residence in Portugal. For example, holders of the Portugal D7 Visa or the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa.
Permanent residence and citizenship potential
After five years of maintaining your Golden Visa investment and meeting the legal requirements, you can apply for permanent residency in Portugal.
It is no longer linked to the qualifying investment, so once you obtain it, you do not need to maintain the original investment to retain your right to reside in Portugal. It also requires renewal only every five years, and the administrative burden is considerably lower.
Permanent residency holders also have more lenient stay requirements. Where a temporary residency holder can’t be outside of Portugal for more than six months, the timeline for permanent investment residency holders remains at the original requirement of an average of seven days a year.
Portuguese citizenship is a separate process governed by the Nationality Law, and it is not automatic.
Under Portugal’s revised Nationality Law, promulgated in May 2026, the standard residence period required for naturalization has been extended to ten years for most non-EU, non-EEA nationals and to seven years for EU nationals and citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP).
With Portuguese citizenship, you can apply for a passport and have the right to vote, and it doesn’t have to be renewed.
Who qualifies for the Portugal Golden Visa?
There are several Golden Visa Portugal requirements that you must fulfil before making a minimum investment into one of the qualifying routes.
Main applicant requirements
- You must be a non-EU, non-Swiss, and non-EEA national
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have the ability to maintain the investment
- You must be able to prove the legal source of the investment funds
- You must have no criminal record and pass a Golden Visa background check
- You must spend at least seven days in Portugal in the first year, and at least 14 days in each subsequent two-year period
In addition to the Portugal investment visa requirements, you’ll need to open a bank account in Portugal. This is a separate process from the visa, and banks have their own requirements before opening an account and accepting a transfer.
Eligible family members
You can include several family members in your Golden Visa application. These include:
- Your spouse or legal partner
- Children under 18 years of age
- Dependent children under the age of 26, provided that they are single, financially dependent, and enrolled as full-time students
- Parents of the main applicant or their spouse/partner, who must be financially dependent if they are under 65 years of age.
You can also add family members later, as Golden Visa holders are exempt from the two-year wait that Lei 61/2025 introduced for family reunification.
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options in 2026
Every Portugal Golden Visa application must be supported by a qualifying investment.
Since real estate purchases and capital transfers no longer qualify, you need to choose one of the current eligible routes and ensure that the investment is made, documented, and maintained in line with the program rules.
Investment fund route
In 2026, the Portugal Golden Visa fund investment route is one of the most popular options. It requires a minimum investment of €500,000 into an eligible Portuguese investment fund that qualifies under the Portugal Golden Visa.
The fund must be constituted under Portuguese law, have a maturity of at least five years at the time of investment, and invest at least 60% of its value in commercial companies headquartered in Portugal.
The option excludes any fund that has direct or indirect real estate ties, but you can choose from the energy, industry, and technology sectors.
Funds are managed by fund managers accredited by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), and regulation is an important part of the due diligence process. CMVM rules require funds to meet several conditions, including:
- Report the valuation of their net assets on a semi-annual basis. That means investors may have their participation unit price revised every six months
- Employ independent accredited accounting firms such as PwC, KPMG, or EY for annual audits
- Disclose their fees in the management regulation document. That means investors should know the management entities’ fees and custodian bank charges
American investors can also use their Individual Retirement Account (IRA) funds to invest, but this strategy requires careful navigation of both Portugal’s Golden Visa requirements and IRS regulations.
The Portugal Golden Visa investment carries risks, and returns aren’t guaranteed. It’s always best to consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Who is this best suited for?
The Golden Visa investment fund is best suited for people who want a professionally managed investment that requires little to no operational role.
Arts and cultural heritage contribution
The Golden Visa Cultural Production route involves a contribution of at least €250,000 (or €200,000 for eligible projects located in low-density areas) to a cultural initiative approved by the Portuguese authorities.
Pre-approved by the Portuguese government through the Bureau for Cultural Strategy, Planning and Assessment (GEPAC), these projects aim to promote Portuguese culture, fund restoration efforts of national heritage, and highlight the Portuguese arts.
It’s important to keep in mind that this route is a donation, is not designed to produce any returns, and that there are a limited number of projects available.
Who is this best suited for?
- Investors primarily focused on residency and citizenship objectives
- Individuals comfortable making a non-recoverable contribution
- Applicants seeking a lower qualifying amount compared to other routes
- Those who value supporting cultural or heritage initiatives in Portugal
Scientific research contribution
To advance scientific research in Portugal, you can make a contribution of at least €500,000 (or €400,000 in low-density areas) for research activities conducted by public or private scientific institutions that are part of the national scientific and technological system.
These projects are focused on healthcare, biotechnology, engineering, environmental research, artificial intelligence, or other strategic fields vital for the country’s development.
Historically, though, this route hasn’t been as popular as others, as there are only a few projects available each year and they’re allocated quickly.
Creation of jobs
You can create at least ten full-time jobs. In low-density population areas, this number is reduced to eight. All these positions must align with Portugal’s labor and social security standards.
The route requires an ongoing commitment to business operations, workforce management, and regulatory compliance. Keep in mind that this option can be difficult to execute and comply with ongoing requirements.
Recent data shows that only a few applications have been lodged using this route. According to our 2026 Portugal Golden Visa statistics, only 23 residence permits were issued for people who created ten or more jobs from the scheme’s start until 2023.
Investment in a Portuguese company
The Portugal Golden Visa business investment route requires a minimum investment of €500,000 in a Portuguese company, either through incorporation or increasing share capital. If you set up a new company, it must create five permanent jobs.
If you invest in an existing company, it must either create at least five permanent jobs or maintain at least ten jobs, with at least five of them permanent, for a minimum of three years.
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options Comparison
The minimum Portugal Golden Visa investment amount is determined by the route that you choose. Some routes lower the amount by 20% when the project is located in a low-density area.
| Minimum amount | Refundable/Returns | Involvement | Holding period | Risks | Suited for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment fund | €500,000 | It is possible to recover your investment when it matures, but it’s not guaranteed. | Low | Maturity of at least five years. | Low fund performance, additional fees, and limited liquidity | Investors who want a managed investment with low personal involvement. |
| Cultural contribution | €250,000 (€200,000 low-density) | No, since it’s a donation | Very low | None, as it requires a one-off contribution. | There are a limited number of approved projects available | Applicants focused on residency, and not focused on any returns. |
| Scientific research contribution | €500,000 (€400,000 low-density) | No, since it’s a donation | Very low | None, because it’s a one-off contribution | There are few projects available and usually allocated quickly. | Applicants who want to support scientific research without a return on investment |
| Job creation | Ten jobs (eight low-density) | The business might generate a return, but it’s not guaranteed. | High | The jobs must be maintained through permit renewals. | The business must adhere to Portugal’s employment and compliance obligations. | Good option for experienced employers or previous business owners. |
| Company investment | €500,000 | You might receive equity value if the business succeeds, but it’s not guaranteed. | Medium to high | The created jobs must be filled for a period of at least three years. | Business failure and labor-law risk are always a threat. | Previous or existing business owners are the best candidates. |
Investment Routes That No Longer Qualify
While the Golden Visa remains open in 2026, real estate purchases and capital transfers no longer qualify as eligible investments in Portugal.
Previously, if you bought Golden Visa Portugal real estate worth more than €500,000, or a property with construction dating back more than 30 years valued at €350,000 or more, you could have qualified for the Golden Visa.
The Portuguese government removed real estate investment to increase Portugal’s supply of rental housing, combat real estate speculation, and restrict rent increases.
The capital transfer route required you to transfer at least €1.5 million.
Portugal Golden Visa Requirements
Once you confirm that you meet the main eligibility criteria, the next step is to assess whether you can meet the financial, legal, and documentation requirements needed to submit a complete Golden Visa application.
As a Lisbon-based firm with in-house lawyers, Global Citizen Solutions has a dedicated team for clients, ensuring that all your documents are accurate and that you meet all legal requirements.
| Requirement | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Investment | You must make the minimum investment in the chosen qualifying option. |
| Source of funds | The funds must be legally obtained and officially documented. |
| Portuguese NIF | It is mandatory for non-residents to have a Portuguese tax identification number and fiscal representation. |
| Portuguese bank account | You’ll need to open a local bank account for investments and payment handling. |
| Documentation | Identity, tax, investment, criminal, and supporting documents are required |
| Minimum stay | To maintain the Golden Visa, you must spend 7 days in Portugal in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent year. |
Minimum stay requirement
You are required to spend at least seven days in Portugal in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period.
Maintaining the qualifying investment
To remain compliant with the Golden Visa, you must maintain your chosen investment route for five years. You sign a declaration to keep the investment for the period, and if you sell or withdraw before the visa ends, your renewal can be refused.
Required documents and legalization
You must submit the following documents to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa Program:
- Completed Portugal Golden Visa application form
- Copy of your passport
- Declaration confirming the transfer of funds from abroad
- Proof of health insurance
- Background check or a police clearance letter
- Declaration of honor promising to maintain the investment for five years
- Documents showing good standing with tax authorities and with Social Security
- Receipt showing that you have already paid the application processing fee
All documents issued by a non-Portuguese entity must be legalized, and an apostille is required if the issuing country is a member of the Hague Convention.
Portuguese NIF and bank account
You are required to get a NIF and open a bank account in Portugal. A Golden Visa lawyer, immigration specialist, or fiscal representative can obtain a NIF on your behalf and help you open a bank account.
Portugal Golden Visa Application Process
Our consultants guide applicants through the documentation and Portugal Golden Visa application process, minimizing delays and avoiding common pitfalls.
Step 1. Onboarding: Schedule the initial discussions with the Global Citizen Solutions onboarding and legal teams, where they will explain the process as a whole, answer questions, help you choose one of the qualifying investment options, and complete the process according to the regulations.
Step 2. Documentation: Gather all necessary documents for yourself and any family members. Ensure that all documents are translated, notarized, or certified. We will analyze all your documents to ensure that everything is complete and correct.
Step 3. Bank account and NIF: As your legal representative, we assist with obtaining a NIF and opening a Portuguese bank account.
Step 4. Make the investment: We can begin securing your investment and will guide you through the necessary paperwork required to ensure a successful investment.
Step 5. Online application: Your Portugal Golden Visa application must be submitted through the ARI Portal by a legal representative in Portugal, who will guide you through the necessary documentation and submission.
Step 6. Pre-approval: Your application will be pre-approved on the basis that you fulfill the necessary requirements.
Step 7. Biometrics visit: Once your application is pre-approved, AIMA schedules your Portugal Golden Visa biometrics appointment, which you attend in person in Portugal. For files submitted by the end of 2025, this is currently happening around 12 months after submission.
Step 8. Golden Visa issuance: After your biometrics, your Golden Visa has to be approved by AIMA, and you must pay the government permit issuance fee. We’ll then collect the residence cards on your behalf and send them to you.
Country-Specific Considerations
While the Golden Visa is available to all non-EU citizens, there are a few considerations for citizens of specific countries:
Considerations for US applicants
The Golden Visa is available for US citizens, and in 2024, they made up the majority of applications. In addition to meeting the general requirements, US citizens must also submit an FBI Identity History Summary, apostilled by the US Department of State.
Also, keep in mind that most Golden Visa funds are treated as PFICs, so you must file Form 8621 every year since a QEF election needs the fund’s annual PFIC statement. If your foreign account exceeds $10,000 at any point in the year, you must also file an FBAR.
British Golden Visa applicants
British citizens can apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa. Since Brexit, UK nationals are considered third-country citizens and no longer have automatic freedom of movement in the Schengen Area.
UK nationals rank among the top five nationalities obtaining Golden Visas in recent years. AIMA data also shows more than 47,000 UK nationals are currently registered as residents in Portugal, making the British community one of the largest foreign communities in the country.
Portugal Golden Visa Processing Time in 2026
Depending on AIMA’s backlog and case complexity, processing from the online application submission to the biometric appointment has taken between 18 and 24 months for older files.
After completing biometrics, you can expect an additional 9 to 12 months before your residence permit is issued.
But there is some good news. According to Global Citizen Solutions’ General Counsel Joana Mendonça, Golden Visa processing timelines are improving.
“The gap between submission and biometrics is now running at approximately 12 months, with applicants who submitted by the end of 2025 being scheduled for Q4 2026. Card issuance remains the slower stage of the process and has not yet kept pace with the volume of appointments being processed.”
Mendonça adds that “this puts Global Citizen Solutions in a position to provide our clients with clearer timeline estimates than we have been able to in recent months.”
For a general 2026 Portugal Golden Visa timeline, document preparation takes about two to three months, submission to biometrics takes around 12 months, and biometrics to card issuance takes around 9 to 12 months.
Renewals, Ongoing Compliance and Exit Options
Portugal Golden Visa renewal requirements
The initial Golden Visa residency card is valid for two years and is renewed on AIMA’s dedicated Golden Visa renewals portal for another three years. You need proof that the investment is being maintained, proof of the stay requirement, and an updated criminal record.
What happens after five years?
When the stipulated five years come to an end, you have one of two options. The first option is that you renew the Golden Visa and keep making the investment.
The second option is applying for permanent residency. You’ll no longer be tied to the conditions of the Golden Visa, and you can exit your investment according to the rules of the fund contract and maturity.
Permanent Residency and Citizenship Timeline
Golden Visa residency (Years 1 to 5): You’ll receive a residence permit under the ARI regime. You must maintain the qualifying investment, meet the minimum stay requirement, and renew the permit as required.
Permanent residency (Year 6 onward): After maintaining five years as a Golden Visa residence permit holder, you can apply for permanent residency in Portugal if you meet the legal requirements, including proving an A2-level proficiency in basic Portuguese and meeting the residence conditions. The administrative burden is reduced, your right to reside in Portugal is no longer dependent on the conditions of the Golden Visa, and you can sell your investment.
Portugal citizenship (Year 10 onward, or Year 7 for EU and CPLP nationals): Citizenship is a separate legal application and not part of the Golden Visa. Under the 2026 Nationality Law, you are eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship after ten years of legal residence (seven for EU and CPLP nationals), counted from the date your first residence card is issued.
Portugal Golden Visa to permanent residence
After five years of maintaining your Golden Visa, you can transition to permanent residency. Applications are made to AIMA, and there are several supporting documents that you’ll need to comply with under the eligibility requirements:
- Passport or other valid travel document
- Proof of means of subsistence, such as rental income, passive income, or being self-employed
- Proof of your address in Portugal
- Proof of compliance with tax (and having a tax number), social security obligations, and health insurance
- Proof of a temporary residence permit (residence card) for at least five years
- Certificate of A2-level proficiency in basic Portuguese
Portugal Golden Visa to Portuguese citizenship
You might be eligible for Portuguese citizenship after ten years of legal residence if you are a non-EU citizen, or after seven years of residency if you are an EU or CPLP citizen.
Citizenship is a separate application from the Golden Visa, and the two aren’t linked.
When does the citizenship clock start?
The backward calculation of when your permanent residency or citizenship timelines start is from the date of your first residence card’s issuance. Following recent legal amendments, the time you spent waiting for AIMA to process your application and issue your card no longer applies.
Portuguese language and integration requirements
Since May 2026, anyone applying for permanent residency or citizenship needs to prove an A2-level proficiency in basic Portuguese. Additionally, citizenship also requires that you pass a test on Portuguese culture, history, symbols, and civic principles.
Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Portugal allows dual citizenship. However, there are some countries that don’t, such as India, the Netherlands, and Singapore. If you are a citizen of those countries, you might have to renounce your citizenship to become Portuguese.
The US also allows dual nationality, so becoming Portuguese later doesn’t require you to give up your US citizenship.
US citizens fall under the ten-year residence requirement for naturalization, and your US tax obligations continue after you become Portuguese.
Portugal Golden Visa Costs in 2026
In 2026, the government fees for submitting, granting, and renewing the residence permit for a single applicant come to about €19,400 over five years. However, several additional costs are often overlooked by applicants.
| Cost type | What to account for |
|---|---|
| Qualifying investment | Minimum investment or donation required for the selected route |
| Fund-related fees | Subscription, management, or performance fees (if applicable) |
| Government fees | Application, processing, card issuance, and renewal fees for the main applicant and family members |
| Legal fees | Professional support, document review, and application handling |
| Documentation costs | Translation, apostille, certification, and courier costs |
AIMA government fees
AIMA may amend the fees without prior notice, but as of 2026, the application fee for a single applicant is €842.80, the residency permit issuance fee is €8,418.90, and the renewal fee is €4,210.30, plus a further €842.80 analysis fee at each renewal.
These are the standard rates. Applications and renewals filed through AIMA’s digital channels are charged 25% less: €632.10, €6,314.20, and €3,157.80.
| Application | Permit Issuance | Per Renewal *Expect to renew twice in a five-year period | Total Over 5 Years | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Applicant | €842.80 | €8,418.90 | €5,053.10 | €19,367.90 |
| Couple | €1,685.60 | €16,837.80 | €10,106.20 | €38,735.80 |
| Family of Four | €3,371.20 | €33,675.60 | €20,212.40 | €77,471.60 |
The total government fees over five years for a single applicant amount to €19,367.90 at the standard rates, or €14,526.10 at the digital rates.
Legal, fund and ancillary costs
The minimum investment and government fees are only one part of the costs involved. Before you submit your application, you must factor in other fees such as translations, apostilles, certifications, courier services, and travel costs.
Portugal Golden Visa and Tax Considerations
Golden Visa residence and tax residence are separate. You can hold a Portuguese Golden Visa without automatically becoming a tax resident in Portugal.
Here is a quick glance at some tax rules in Portugal:
- Tax residency is distinct from Golden Visa residency. You can maintain your Golden Visa status without becoming a tax resident.
- Portugal operates a worldwide tax system, meaning residents are taxed on their worldwide income.
- Portugal does not have a wealth tax, but property taxes will apply when buying real estate.
- Gains on cryptocurrency held for less than 365 days are taxed at 28%, while gains on crypto held for 365 days or more are generally exempt for individuals.
- Portugal has signed treaties with numerous countries to avoid double taxation, including most EU countries, the USA, the UK, Canada, and Brazil.
- Portugal does not have a formal inheritance tax. However, there is a Stamp Duty applicable to the transfer of assets through inheritance.
Does a Portugal Golden Visa make you a tax resident?
No, it doesn’t, unless you choose to be a tax resident. You become a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in Portugal in any 12-month period, or if you have a home there that you appear to intend to keep as your habitual residence.
The Golden Visa itself doesn’t make you a tax resident, but if you choose to spend more than 183 days in Portugal a year, you might be considered a tax resident.
Taxation of Golden Visa investments
If you hold a Golden Visa fund but aren’t a Portuguese tax resident, any distributions or gains you make are usually taxed in the country where you are a tax resident, although Portugal may still have taxing rights depending on the fund and any tax treaty that applies. It’s worth having a qualified tax advisor review how your fund is treated in both countries before you subscribe.
IFICI tax incentive
If you decide to become a tax resident in Portugal and meet the qualifying requirements, you could also apply for the Tax Incentive Scheme for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI). It replaced the NHR program for new applicants from 2024 but only covers specific qualifying professions and activities.
Is the Portugal Golden Visa Right for You?
Whether the Portugal Golden Visa is the right route for you depends on what your goals are. It’s a good option if you can accept a ten-year timeline to citizenship plus an additional two years or more for the citizenship application to be processed. It’s important to note that the Golden Visa isn’t a citizenship by investment scheme.
It’s probably not a good fit if you’re looking for fast citizenship, want to rather invest in real estate, or need access to your capital investment within five years.
Why Work with Global Citizen Solutions?
- Local presence with in-house legal and investment expertise
- Trusted by 15,000+ clients worldwide
- Over a decade of advisory expertise
- Dedicated relationship manager
- Transparent fees and guidance
- Support beyond approval
