Portugal Golden Visa: EU Residency with Asset-Backed Funds

Obtaining EU residency through investment can open doors to global mobility and family security.

This article simplifies the process of gaining residency in Portugal via the Golden Visa program. It highlights the benefits of asset-backed investment funds like the VIDA Fund, addresses common challenges, and offers a straightforward guide to help you take the next step toward a European future.

Understanding the Need for a Reliable Residency Option

Why Residency Through Investment Matters

Global instability drives many high-net-worth individuals to seek stable residency options. Portugal’s Golden Visa program provides a practical path to EU residency, offering security for families facing political or economic uncertainties. It serves as a backup plan, ensuring access to a safe environment and future opportunities for generations.

Beyond stability, Portugal stands out for its safety. It ranks as the 7th safest country globally in the 2025 Global Peace Index. The program also grants visa-free travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, plus access to quality healthcare and education in Portugal. For families, this means a solid foundation for children’s education and career prospects in Portugal, with broader EU access upon citizenship.

Key Challenges in the Golden Visa Process

While appealing, the Golden Visa program comes with hurdles. Protecting your investment is often the top concern, especially after Portugal revised its eligibility rules in October 2023. These changes pushed investors to find secure, compliant options amid a shifting landscape.

Navigating bureaucracy adds another layer of difficulty. The application involves multiple steps, detailed paperwork, and coordination with government bodies. Language barriers and evolving regulations can make this process feel overwhelming, particularly for families applying together.

Transparency is also a frequent issue. Some advisors focus on commissions rather than client needs, leaving investors unclear about fees or investment risks. This lack of clarity complicates decisions about suitable Golden Visa options.

Finding secure investment vehicles is now more critical. Investors need funds that meet Golden Visa standards while offering capital protection, a task made harder by varying levels of oversight and performance histories in available funds.

Why Protecting Your Capital Is Essential

For many Golden Visa applicants, safeguarding their investment outweighs the pursuit of high returns. These individuals often built their wealth through careful planning and prefer options that minimize risk while fulfilling program requirements.

Asset-backed funds address this need. Tied to tangible holdings with inherent value, they provide a safety net compared to speculative ventures. Even in tough market conditions, these assets hold worth and can potentially be sold to recover funds.

Portugal’s hospitality sector offers specific advantages for such investments. In 2024, the sector saw 31 million visitors and generated €27 billion in revenue, according to Portugal’s National Statistics Institute. This growth supports the value of hospitality assets, making them a dependable choice for cautious investors.

Explore how asset-backed investments can help secure your EU residency through Portugal’s Golden Visa.

A Clear Path with VIDA Capital and the VIDA Fund

What Portugal’s Golden Visa Offers You

Portugal’s Golden Visa provides a direct route to EU residency, allowing you and your family to live, work, and study in Portugal. It also enables visa-free travel across the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

One standout benefit is the low residency requirement. You only need to spend 14 days in Portugal every two years to maintain your status, ideal for professionals unable to relocate full-time but seeking EU access for the future.

Family inclusion adds further value. The program covers your spouse, dependent children, and parents or in-laws over 65 or financially dependent on you, ensuring everyone gains residency benefits in Portugal and a path to citizenship.

Keep in mind, new legislation from October 2025 extends the citizenship timeline to 10 years of residency for most applicants. Nationals of Portuguese-language countries (CPLP) and EU citizens qualify after 7 years. If you submit your citizenship application before the new law is finalized, you may still qualify under the previous 5-year rule.

Benefits of Asset-Backed Funds like VIDA Fund

The VIDA Fund, advised by VIDA Capital, focuses on asset-backed investments in Portugal’s hospitality sector. This strategy prioritizes security while leveraging a growing industry, addressing key investor concerns.

Security Through Tangible Assets

The VIDA Fund invests in physical hospitality assets, such as hotels, which hold inherent value. This structure offers protection compared to riskier financial products. If market conditions worsen, these properties can still retain worth or be liquidated.

By acquiring undervalued hospitality businesses and giving them a “second life” through improvements, the fund enhances value. This approach balances safety with growth potential, meeting both preservation and return goals.

Skilled Management Team

The VIDA Fund’s team has managed over €4 billion in assets, executed over 100 private equity deals, and worked with more than 1,000 investors globally. Their expertise in hospitality drives smart acquisitions and effective upgrades.

With an owner-operator mindset, the team actively manages assets. They implement operational and design enhancements to boost performance, ensuring both capital protection and value creation.

Compliance and Oversight

The VIDA Fund operates under regulation by the Portuguese Securities Market Authority (CMVM), adhering to strict legal standards. This oversight builds confidence in the fund’s practices.

Bi-annual audits by Deloitte further ensure accountability. These reviews maintain high financial reporting standards, offering investors clarity and trust throughout the process.

How VIDA Capital Guides Your Journey

VIDA Capital, an advisory firm, supports clients at every stage of the Golden Visa process with personalized service. We tailor our guidance to match your unique goals and situation.

Our process starts with a detailed evaluation of your needs. We provide candid advice on whether the Golden Visa fits your plans, sometimes suggesting other visa options if they’re better suited. This honesty helps you make informed decisions.

We stay in close contact during the investment and application phases, offering updates and quick responses to concerns. Our team is accessible via WhatsApp and even on weekends, ensuring you’re never left waiting.

We also facilitate connections with legal experts, either collaborating with your current counsel or linking you to trusted law firms experienced in Golden Visa applications. This streamlines communication and eases administrative tasks.

Schedule a consultation with VIDA Capital to learn how the VIDA Fund supports your path to EU residency.

Your Guide to Starting the Portugal Golden Visa Process

Step 1: Setting Up Legal and Tax Requirements

Finding the Right Law Firm and Getting a NIF

Your Golden Visa journey begins with legal representation and a Portuguese tax ID, known as a NIF. A skilled law firm is vital to navigate application complexities and ensure compliance with AIMA’s standards. VIDA Capital can connect you with experienced legal partners suited to your needs.

Your lawyer will secure your NIF remotely, a number required for financial transactions in Portugal, including your investment. They’ll also assist in opening a local bank account, often needed for the process and manageable from abroad in most cases.

Investing €500,000 in the VIDA Fund

Next, you’ll invest at least €500,000 in the VIDA Fund to qualify for the Golden Visa. The subscription process is clear, with a 1% fee paid to the fund manager. This step must be finalized and documented before your application.

VIDA Capital supports you through this investment, ensuring all paperwork is complete. We work with fund administrators to confirm your contribution and provide certificates needed for AIMA, keeping everything aligned with regulations.

Step 2: Submitting Your Application and Biometrics

Digital Application to AIMA

Your lawyer submits your Golden Visa application online via AIMA’s portal, as paper submissions are no longer accepted. This includes documents for you and any family members, covering identity, investment proof, criminal records, and tax compliance.

All paperwork must be up-to-date and legally verified. VIDA Capital collaborates with your legal team to ensure everything meets AIMA’s criteria for digital submission, minimizing errors or delays.

Attending the Biometrics Appointment

After initial approval, AIMA schedules a biometrics appointment for identity confirmation. This in-person step, required for all applicants, includes fingerprinting, photos, and document checks.

VIDA Capital helps arrange this appointment and prepares you for what to expect. We can also support families traveling to Portugal specifically for this process with tailored assistance.

As the approval card issuance usually takes a year, you will most likely only need to do a single renewal instead of two in the 5-year period.

Step 3: Receiving and Renewing Your Residency Card

Getting Your Initial 2-Year Permit

Once biometrics are processed, you’ll receive a 2-year residency card. This grants legal residency in Portugal and visa-free Schengen travel for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

You must spend at least 14 days in Portugal over these two years to maintain status. This can be spread across multiple visits or one longer stay. Not meeting this can affect renewal and citizenship eligibility.

Handling Renewals Every Two Years

Renew your card every two years, ideally 30 to 90 days before expiry. You’ll need to show continued investment in the VIDA Fund and proof of meeting residency requirements.

Renewals also require updated criminal records and another biometrics appointment, booked online as of 2025. VIDA Capital helps with documentation and scheduling to keep your residency on track for the full 5 years.

Step 4: Moving to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Applying for Permanent Residency

After 5 years of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent status in Portugal. This requires maintaining your investment and meeting residency conditions during that period.

Permanent residency offers stability without frequent renewals, though you must keep your investment until pursuing citizenship. The process is generally simpler than the initial Golden Visa application.

Navigating the Path to Citizenship

Under October 2025 legislation, citizenship now requires 10 years of residency for most applicants, starting from your first card issuance. CPLP nationals and EU citizens qualify after 7 years.

If you apply for citizenship before the new law takes effect, you may still qualify after 5 years. Requirements include maintaining residency, passing an A2 Portuguese language test, showing basic civic knowledge, and keeping a clean criminal record.

Costs to Plan For

Government and Processing Fees

Expect an initial submission fee of €618.60 per family member, a card issuance fee of €6,179.40 per person, and renewal fees of €3,023.20 per person every two years. Citizenship applications cost €250 per family member.

Legal Support Costs

Legal fees typically range from €16,000 to €20,000 for the entire Golden Visa process. This covers application assistance, document handling, and ongoing support. VIDA Capital can recommend law firms with clear pricing and expertise.

Fund Investment Fees

The VIDA Fund charges a 1% subscription fee on your total investment, paid to the fund manager. This straightforward structure avoids hidden costs, staying competitive within the industry.

Comparing Portugal to Other European Golden Visa Options

Portugal’s Golden Visa stands out with its low stay requirement of just 14 days every two years. Unlike Greece, which requires 7 years of living there for citizenship, or Spain, which no longer offers a program, Portugal allows a citizenship path without relocation. This flexibility makes it a strong choice for a backup plan.

Start your journey to EU residency with VIDA Capital’s guidance and asset-backed investment options.

Common Questions About Portugal’s Golden Visa

Is the Golden Visa program still available in 2025?

Yes, Portugal’s Golden Visa remains active in 2025 and continues to be a sought-after residency option in Europe. Despite updates in October 2023, investment funds like the VIDA Fund are valid routes for eligibility. Portugal’s stability, high safety ranking, and citizenship pathway keep demand strong. AIMA’s improved digital systems have also streamlined processing.

What’s the minimum investment for a Golden Visa through a fund?

You need to invest at least €500,000 in an eligible fund like the VIDA Fund, maintaining it for the residency period, usually 5 years until permanent residency. Additional costs include government fees of about €6,800 per applicant initially, legal fees between €16,000 and €20,000, and a 1% subscription fee for the VIDA Fund. This investment retains potential for returns, though historical performance does not guarantee future results.

Why choose the VIDA Fund for my investment?

The VIDA Fund focuses on tangible hospitality assets in Portugal, providing a safety net through physical properties with real value. Regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Authority (CMVM) and audited bi-annually by Deloitte, it ensures compliance and transparency. With over €4 billion in managed assets and experience in over 100 private equity deals, the team excels in revitalizing undervalued hospitality businesses for added value.

How does VIDA Capital assist during the process?

VIDA Capital offers tailored support throughout your Golden Visa journey, from consultation to citizenship eligibility. We assess if the program suits your goals, sometimes suggesting other visa paths if more fitting. Our team connects you with trusted law firms, provides updates, and remains accessible via WhatsApp and/or on weekends. We handle investment paperwork and renewals with full transparency, ensuring no hidden costs.

Will the new 10-year citizenship rule impact my application?

The October 2025 law extends citizenship residency to 10 years for most, or 7 years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens. If you submit your citizenship application before the law is finalized, you may qualify under the 5-year rule. Starting your Golden Visa now, with processing times of 12 to 18 months, could position you for the shorter timeline. Working with skilled legal counsel ensures proper timing and documentation.

Can I live and work in other EU countries with the Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa grants residency rights only in Portugal, not across the EU. It does allow visa-free travel in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, covering over 26 countries. You can live, work, and study in Portugal immediately upon receiving your card. Full EU rights to live and work elsewhere come only with citizenship, after 10 years under the new law or 5 if you qualify earlier.

Take the First Step with VIDA Capital

Starting your journey to residency through investment doesn’t have to be complex. Portugal’s Golden Visa, paired with asset-backed options like the VIDA Fund, offers a dependable route to EU residency and citizenship.

Portugal’s stability, economic growth, and events like the 2030 FIFA World Cup with an expected €800 million economic impact make it a strategic choice for long-term plans.

The VIDA Fund targets Portugal’s strong hospitality sector, ensuring security for investors. With tourism contributing significantly to the economy, the foundation for these investments remains solid.

VIDA Capital prioritizes clear guidance and personalized support, standing out in an industry often lacking transparency. Our track record with VIDA Fund I, raising over €20 million from more than 50 investors, reflects our focus on client success.

With the new citizenship timeline starting in October 2025, acting now could secure the shorter 5-year path. Portugal’s program offers flexibility with minimal stay requirements and family inclusion, ideal for professionals seeking global options.

Contact a VIDA Capital advisor to begin your Portugal Golden Visa process with secure, asset-backed investments.