The Portugal Golden Visa program offers high-net-worth individuals a reliable way to achieve European permanent residency.
This guide walks you through the process from investment to residency, highlighting the distinct benefits of Portugal’s program and its value as a long-term backup plan for global families.
Secure your EU residency and a path to citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa. VIDA Capital provides tailored guidance for investments in Portugal’s expanding hospitality sector.
Why Choose European Permanent Residency Through Portugal?
A Backup Plan for Stability and Mobility
With global uncertainties on the rise, many affluent families look for ways to diversify financially and geographically. A solid backup plan has become essential, not just a luxury. Portugal stands out as a safe haven, ranked as the 7th safest country in the 2025 Global Peace Index.
Its political stability, growing economy, and prime location make it a gateway to Europe, Africa, and the Americas, offering families a secure base for the future.
Temporary vs. Permanent Residency: Planning for the Long Haul
Temporary residency offers initial access to Portugal, but it requires renewals and ongoing compliance. After five years in the Golden Visa program, you can apply for permanent residency, which provides lasting stability without the need for frequent renewals. This status can eventually lead to EU citizenship after ten years, allowing full freedom to live, work, and study across the European Union, a key benefit for families focused on long-term European integration.
Portugal’s Golden Visa: A Flexible Option in Europe
In 2025, Portugal’s Golden Visa remains highly competitive among European residency programs. Unlike Greece, which demands seven years of residence with at least 183 days annually for citizenship, or Spain, which no longer offers a Golden Visa program, Portugal requires only 14 days every two years. This minimal stay makes it ideal for global investors who need flexibility while securing European residency for their families.
Step 1: Grasping the Portugal Golden Visa and Investment Choices
Who Qualifies for the Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa targets non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens over 18 with a clean criminal record. You must source your investment funds from outside Portugal. The program grants a temporary residency permit, which can progress to permanent residency and, later, citizenship. Applicants need to show financial capacity and maintain their investment for five years. It also covers immediate family, supporting multi-generational plans.
Investment Requirements: Focus on Funds
Since changes in October 2023, the program requires a minimum investment of €500,000 in qualified investment funds. Personal properties are no longer eligible. This shift has boosted interest in managed funds that meet Golden Visa criteria while offering capital protection and growth potential. Funds provide professional oversight, diversification, and liquidity options after the holding period, making them a practical choice.
Why Choose Investment Funds for Compliance?
Moving to regulated funds highlights Portugal’s focus on transparency and attracting significant capital. These funds operate under strict oversight, ensuring detailed reporting and alignment with national economic goals. For investors, this means greater confidence and clarity, especially in sectors like hospitality, which supports tourism and jobs in Portugal.
Step 2: Working with VIDA Capital for Residency and Investment
How VIDA Capital Simplifies Your Golden Visa Journey
Navigating the Golden Visa process demands knowledge of both investment and immigration rules. VIDA Capital, as an advisory firm, connects these areas, offering a unified service for your investment and residency application.
This streamlined support reduces the risk of errors that can occur when dealing with multiple providers. Our personalized approach ensures your investment fits both financial goals and residency needs while staying compliant with Portuguese laws.
Investing in Hospitality with the VIDA Fund
The VIDA Fund focuses on asset-backed opportunities in Portugal’s hospitality sector, meeting Golden Visa requirements. It acquires and transforms existing hospitality properties, giving them a second life rather than building new ones.
With 31 million visitors and €27 billion in revenue in 2024, Portugal’s tourism sector shows strong potential. Events like co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup add to this growth. Keep in mind, historical returns are not a guarantee of future returns, and all investments carry risks.
Concierge Support for a Hassle-Free Process
VIDA Capital offers detailed support beyond investment advice, helping with every stage of the Golden Visa process. A dedicated advisor works with legal partners to handle documentation and provide updates over the years. This tailored service ensures you have clear, timely guidance, recognizing the importance of achieving European residency for your family.
Secure your EU residency and path to citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa through VIDA Capital’s focused assistance.
Step 3: Applying for the Golden Visa and Meeting Requirements
Starting with the Basics: NIF and Bank Account
Before applying, you need a Portuguese Fiscal Number (NIF) and a local bank account, as outlined by program guidelines. These steps are essential for making your investment and completing the application. Both can be managed remotely with legal support. A lawyer ensures compliance with banking and tax rules, smoothing out the initial phase.
Submitting Your Application and Next Steps
Your legal counsel submits the Golden Visa application online, covering you and any family members included. Once approved by AIMA, Portugal’s immigration authority, an in-person biometrics appointment in Portugal is required for all applicants. This is the only mandatory visit during the initial process, making it convenient for those with global commitments. Having a lawyer guide this step ensures all documents are accurate and complete.
Renewing Residency and Staying in Portugal
Initial residency permits last two years, followed by renewals for two more two-year periods. Portugal requires just 14 days every two years, a flexible rule compared to other European programs. Since approval often takes a year, you’ll likely only need one renewal within the five-year period. Renewals involve updated criminal checks, biometric updates, and proof of continued investment compliance.
Keeping Your Investment for Eligibility
You must maintain the €500,000 investment in qualified funds for five years to stay eligible for renewals and permanent residency. VIDA Capital offers regular updates on fund performance and monitors compliance, giving you assurance that your investment aligns with Golden Visa rules as you work toward long-term goals.
Step 4: Moving from Temporary to Permanent Residency
Including Your Family in the Golden Visa
The program allows you to include spouses or partners, dependent children up to 26 if single, financially dependent, and full-time students, and dependent parents or in-laws over 65 or reliant on you. This ensures entire families benefit from one investment, gaining access to education and healthcare in Portugal while building toward EU citizenship.
Achieving Permanent Residency After 5 Years
After five years of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency in Portugal. This step offers greater stability, removing the need for frequent renewals. It also provides flexibility in investment choices after the holding period ends, marking a key milestone for families planning a lasting European presence.
Step 5: Lasting Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa
Enhanced Mobility with EU Residency
With a temporary residency permit, Golden Visa holders can travel visa-free across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Capital Protection Through the VIDA Fund
The VIDA Fund invests in tangible hospitality assets in Portugal, offering intrinsic value compared to intangible or volatile securities. Tourism is projected to contribute 22.6% to Portugal’s GDP by 2035, bolstered by events like the 2030 FIFA World Cup co-hosting. This environment supports hospitality investments, though historical returns are not a guarantee of future returns.
Living Well in Portugal: Safety and Growth
Portugal’s rank as the 7th safest country globally offers peace of mind for families. Its growing economy, quality healthcare, solid education, and reasonable cost of living make it an appealing long-term home. A mild climate, strategic location, and welcoming culture add to its draw for Golden Visa families looking to build connections over time.
|
Program Feature |
Portugal Golden Visa |
Greece Golden Visa |
Spain Golden Visa |
|
Minimum Stay Requirement |
14 days / 2 years |
Minimal, but requires relocation for citizenship later |
No longer available |
|
Path to Citizenship |
Yes (10 years) |
Yes (7 years of residence) |
Not applicable |
|
Investment Focus (2025) |
Funds (€500,000) |
Property/Funds |
Not applicable |
Secure your EU residency and path to citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa. VIDA Capital guides you through asset-backed investments in Portugal’s hospitality sector.
Portugal Golden Visa: Common Questions Answered
What Does the Golden Visa Program Offer?
Portugal’s Golden Visa grants non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens temporary residency through a €500,000 investment in approved funds. It requires just 14 days in Portugal every two years. After five years, you can seek permanent residency, and after ten years, citizenship becomes an option, providing full EU rights to live, work, and study anywhere in the Union.
Must I Move to Portugal to Keep My Residency?
No, you don’t need to relocate to maintain Golden Visa residency. The program’s flexibility, with only 14 days required every two years, suits global investors seeking a backup plan without disrupting their international commitments. This minimal stay applies through permanent residency, though citizenship requires basic language skills and integration steps.
What Costs Come with the Golden Visa Beyond the Investment?
Besides the €500,000 investment, expect government fees of about €6,000-€10,000 per family member over five years, legal fees of €16,000-€20,000, and fund subscription costs that vary. Other expenses might include document translation, language courses, and travel for biometrics. VIDA Capital ensures transparency to help you plan for all costs.
Is the Golden Visa Still Active in 2025?
Yes, the Golden Visa program is fully operational in 2025, accepting new applications. Updates in October 2023 shifted focus to fund investments, enhancing compliance and security. Portugal continues to attract international investors through this program as part of its economic strategy, offering a dependable path to EU residency and citizenship.
How Does the VIDA Fund Stand Out?
The VIDA Fund focuses on tangible hospitality assets in Portugal, offering value security compared to funds with intangible holdings. It directly manages properties to boost operational value. Paired with VIDA Capital’s advisory support for the Golden Visa process, it combines investment focus with immigration guidance for a complete experience.
When Can I Apply for Permanent Residency and Citizenship?
You can apply for permanent residency after five years of temporary residency, maintaining your investment and minimal stay requirements. Citizenship eligibility now requires ten years of residency under 2025 updates, or seven years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens. Portugal’s low physical presence rules make this more accessible compared to other European paths with stricter residency demands.
Build Your European Future with the Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa provides a clear route to European residency and citizenship, offering security and mobility for families planning ahead. With investments in Portugal’s growing hospitality sector and expert support from VIDA Capital, you can achieve these goals while maintaining your global lifestyle.
As an advisory firm, VIDA Capital connects investment strategy with immigration know-how, guiding clients from start to finish. Our focus on clarity, personal attention, and asset-backed investments builds confidence in your financial and residency decisions.
Portugal’s low stay requirements, family inclusion options, and path to EU citizenship make it a strong choice for high-net-worth families. Its safety, quality of life, and economic growth create a place where families can establish roots while securing opportunities for future generations.
Secure your EU residency and path to citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa. VIDA Capital offers dedicated guidance for investments in Portugal’s hospitality industry.
