Navigating the Portugal Golden Visa program requires a clear understanding of the application fees and costs involved over the 5-year journey to permanent residency.
This guide breaks down every expense, from government fees to legal and investment costs, so you can plan your finances with confidence and focus on securing residency in Portugal.
The €500,000 minimum investment is just the starting point. You’ll also encounter processing fees, legal expenses, and fund subscription charges at various stages. Start your path to EU residency and citizenship with VIDA Capital’s expert guidance.
What Makes the Portugal Golden Visa a Strong Choice for Residency?
The Portugal Golden Visa offers non-EU investors a practical way to gain temporary residency and eventually apply for permanent residency after 5 years. It’s a popular option for those seeking mobility in Europe, financial stability, and a secure future for their families.
You begin with a 2-year temporary residency permit, renewable for two additional 2-year periods. During these 5 years, maintain your investment and spend at least 14 days in Portugal every two years. After this period, you can apply for permanent residency.
Sticking to these investment and residency rules is key to staying on track. For investors in regulated options like the VIDA Fund, focusing on Portugal’s hospitality sector, you get both eligibility for the Golden Visa and a focus on capital preservation.
Compared to other European programs, Portugal stands out. Spain no longer has a Golden Visa program as of April 2025, and Greece requires 7 years of living there for citizenship. Portugal offers a path to EU citizenship without needing to relocate permanently, making it a competitive choice.
Key Terms to Understand Golden Visa Costs
Knowing the specific fees tied to the Golden Visa helps with budgeting. AIMA, Portugal’s immigration authority, oversees the application process and sets the official fee structure for all applicants.
Government fees are the standard costs charged by AIMA for processing applications, issuing permits, and handling renewals. These apply to everyone, no matter the investment type or nationality.
Legal fees cover the cost of hiring specialized attorneys to guide you through the process. Given the detailed nature of immigration rules, having a lawyer by your side is vital for a smooth experience.
Investment fees relate to charges from funds like the VIDA Fund, including subscription costs. These vary depending on the fund’s structure, so clarity from the start is important.
Costs apply per family member, scaling with the size of your household. This includes the main applicant, spouse or common-law partner with proof of relationship, dependent children who are full-time students and unmarried, and parents or in-laws over 65 or financially dependent.
Detailed Look at Portugal Golden Visa Fees for 2025
Government Fees: What to Pay at Each Step
Government fees for the Golden Visa follow a set schedule tied to application stages. The initial processing fee is €618.60 per family member, paid when you submit your application to cover administrative work.
The permit issuance fee, the largest government cost, is €6,179.40 per person. You pay this during your biometrics appointment when AIMA grants your temporary residency.
Renewal fees happen during the 5-year period, at €3,023.20 per person per renewal. Typically, renewals occur at the 2-year and 4-year marks. 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.
If you aim for citizenship, expect an additional €250 per person when applying. Under new rules from October 2025, you must reside in Portugal for 10 years to qualify for citizenship, or 7 years if you’re from a Portuguese-language country or an EU citizen.
|
Fee Type |
Amount (per family member) |
Payment Point |
|
Initial Submission |
€618.60 |
With initial application |
|
Card Issuance |
€6,179.40 |
At biometrics appointment |
|
First Renewal (Year 2) |
€3,023.20 |
At 2-year renewal |
|
Second Renewal (Year 4) |
€3,023.20 |
At 4-year renewal |
|
Citizenship Fee (Optional) |
€250 |
With citizenship request (after 10 years) |
Legal Fees: Why Expert Support Matters
Hiring legal experts is critical for navigating the Golden Visa process without issues. Legal fees for the 5-year journey usually range from €16,000 to €20,000, often paid in installments linked to key steps like application submission and renewals.
These steps include preparing your initial application, coordinating biometrics, handling renewals, and assisting with permanent residency. Quality legal support ensures your documents are correct and deadlines are met.
VIDA Capital can connect you with experienced law firms specializing in Golden Visa applications. These firms know the details of fund investments and work to align your legal needs with AIMA’s requirements.
Investment Costs: Fees with the VIDA Fund
The minimum investment for the Golden Visa through a fund is €500,000 since changes in October 2023 removed personal properties as an option. For the VIDA Fund, a 1% subscription fee applies to the total invested amount, paid to the fund manager.
Confirm with fund managers if other charges exist, as structures differ. The VIDA Fund focuses on Portugal’s hospitality sector, acquiring and revitalizing assets for a second life, aligning with Golden Visa rules and the country’s tourism growth of €27 billion in 2024 from 31 million visitors.
Explore asset-backed investments in Portugal’s hospitality sector with VIDA Capital’s guidance. Historical returns are not a guarantee of future returns.
Other Costs to Keep in Mind
Beyond government and legal fees, plan for additional expenses during the process. These can include document legalization, translations, and compliance checks not covered by official fees.
Legalization and apostille costs depend on your home country but are needed to validate documents. Translations are required for foreign records like birth or marriage certificates.
Due diligence fees may apply, especially for complex financial backgrounds, to meet anti-money laundering rules. Travel expenses for biometrics in Portugal should also be budgeted, particularly for non-European residents.
How to Budget Smartly for Your Golden Visa Journey
Grasping the full range of Golden Visa costs upfront helps you budget effectively for the 5-year path. This includes the €500,000 investment, government fees, renewals, and legal support.
Planning ahead prevents financial surprises and keeps you focused on the benefits of Portuguese residency and potential EU citizenship. For a family of four, government fees alone add up over 5 years, excluding legal and investment costs.
Portugal offers valuable perks with this investment. You gain visa-free travel in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, access to local healthcare and education, and the right to live, work, and study in Portugal. The low residency requirement of 14 days every two years makes it a flexible “Plan B” for families.
Ranked as the 7th safest country in the 2025 Global Peace Index, Portugal also boasts a growing economy and tourism sector. Events like co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, expected to bring over €800 million in impact, add value to hospitality investments.
Plan your path to EU residency with VIDA Capital’s support in hospitality-focused investments.
What’s Changing in European Residency Programs?
Europe’s residency-by-investment landscape is shifting, with fewer options available. Portugal remains one of the few countries providing a clear route to EU citizenship without requiring permanent relocation.
The hospitality sector in Portugal is a standout area for investment. Tourism revenue hit €27 billion in 2024, with non-residents driving 70.3% of overnight stays, up 4.8% from the prior year.
By 2035, the World Travel & Tourism Council forecasts tourism will account for 22.6% of Portugal’s GDP, boosting opportunities for funds like the VIDA Fund, which focuses on giving undervalued hospitality assets a second life.
Since October 2023, personal properties are no longer a qualifying investment for the Golden Visa. The €500,000 minimum through funds has increased interest in options like the VIDA Fund that meet residency criteria.
How to Handle Payments for Golden Visa Fees
Paying fees correctly ensures compliance with Portugal’s banking and AIMA rules. Using the AIMA portal for online payments is a practical choice for many applicants.
International applicants should opt for SEPA bank transfers if in Europe, or other approved channels if outside. Payment options might differ if applying in Portugal or through a consulate abroad.
For fund investments, the €500,000 transfer to options like the VIDA Fund happens at subscription, before your Golden Visa application goes to AIMA. This confirms compliance early on.
AIMA can update fees anytime, so check current rates with your lawyer or advisory firm. Working with VIDA Capital helps you stay informed on changes and meet all requirements.
Common Questions About Golden Visa Costs
When Do You Pay Golden Visa Fees?
Fees are spread over the 5-year residency period, tied to steps like application submission, permit issuance, and renewals. The €500,000 fund investment is paid upfront, while government fees align with process milestones.
Do Fees Change Based on Family Size?
Government fees for processing, issuance, and renewals are the same per person, so costs rise with more family members. Legal fees often have a base rate for the primary applicant, with lower additional costs for dependents.
What Are the Benefits of Online Payment?
Paying through the AIMA portal offers convenience and efficiency over the 5-year process. International applicants should use approved methods like SEPA transfers or other recognized channels.
What’s the Total Cost for a Family to Gain Residency?
For a family of four, government fees over 5 years are substantial, on top of the €500,000 investment, legal costs of €16,000 to €20,000, and subscription fees. Clear budgeting is essential for success.
Can Government Fees Increase Over Time?
AIMA can adjust fees without notice. Stay updated through official sources, your legal team, or advisory firms like VIDA Capital to avoid surprises in your budget planning.
Your Clear Path to Residency with VIDA Capital
Understanding Golden Visa fees is the foundation of a well-planned journey to permanent residency and potential EU citizenship in Portugal. Costs go beyond the initial €500,000 investment, including government charges, legal support, and fund fees over 5 years.
VIDA Capital prioritizes clarity, ensuring you know every financial detail from start to finish. This transparency supports effective budgeting while focusing on the benefits of Portuguese residency and mobility in Europe.
The Golden Visa remains a top residency option in Europe, offering Schengen visa-free travel for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, access to Portugal’s healthcare and education, and a citizenship path. For those valuing security and mobility, it’s a practical choice.
With Portugal’s tourism sector growing, boosted by events like the 2030 FIFA World Cup co-hosting, hospitality investments gain appeal. The VIDA Fund targets undervalued assets for revitalization, aligning with both residency goals and financial strategy.
As your advisory partner, VIDA Capital offers dedicated support throughout the Golden Visa process. From first steps to permanent residency, our tailored approach ensures compliance and confidence every step of the way.
Secure your path to EU residency with VIDA Capital’s expert guidance in hospitality investments.
