The Portugal Golden Visa offers a clear path to EU residency and citizenship, but the costs go beyond the initial investment.
This guide breaks down legal, government, and consultancy fees to help high-net-worth investors plan with confidence. Knowing the full financial picture ensures you can secure your EU future without surprises.
Why Choose the Portugal Golden Visa for EU Residency?
The Portugal Golden Visa is a reliable option for gaining EU residency and a future citizenship path through investment. It appeals to investors looking for global mobility and a backup plan for their families.
Portugal ranks as the 7th safest country in the 2025 Global Peace Index, offering stability and security. You gain visa-free travel across the Schengen area, covering over 26 countries, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The program includes family members like spouses, dependent children, and parents or in-laws over 65 or financially reliant on you.
With a minimal stay requirement of just 14 days every two years, it suits those not ready to relocate. There are no tax obligations unless you move to Portugal, and you get access to public healthcare and education.
Since October 2023, the program has focused solely on fund investments, requiring a minimum of 500,000 euros through approved funds. Personal properties are no longer an eligible investment.
This shift has boosted interest in options like the VIDA Fund, which targets asset-backed opportunities in Portugal’s hospitality sector.
Explore your path to EU residency and citizenship with the Portugal Golden Visa. VIDA Capital offers expert guidance on asset-backed investments in Portugal’s hospitality market.
What Costs Make Up the Portugal Golden Visa Journey?
The 500,000-euro fund investment is the largest part of the Portugal Golden Visa cost, but it’s not the only expense. A full understanding of all fees helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Costs fall into four main categories: the required investment, government fees, legal and advisory fees, and additional expenses. Each plays a role in the process and needs careful planning.
Government fees are fixed charges set by Portuguese authorities for application processing, card issuance, and renewals over five years. They apply to every family member in your application. Legal and advisory fees cover professional help to manage the complex process and ensure compliance, varying by provider and family size. Investment subscription fees, like the 1% charged by the VIDA Fund, go to fund managers for handling your investment.
Additional costs include administrative tasks such as obtaining a tax number, opening a bank account, or legalizing documents.
How Much Are Government Fees for the Portugal Golden Visa?
Government fees for the Portugal Golden Visa are fixed by Portuguese authorities and apply to all applicants. You pay these directly to AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) and other government bodies at specific stages.
|
Fee Type |
Amount per Person |
Payment Stage |
Description |
|
Initial Application Fee |
618.60 euros |
Application Submission |
Paid when submitting your Golden Visa application |
|
Card Issuance Fee |
6,179.40 euros |
Biometrics Appointment |
Paid after approval at the biometrics stage |
|
First Renewal Fee |
3,023.20 euros |
Year 2-3 |
Paid during the first renewal, two years after card issuance |
|
Second Renewal Fee |
3,023.20 euros |
Year 4-5 |
Paid during the second renewal, two years after the first |
Total Government Fees for Single Applicant: About 12,844.40 euros over five years.
Total Government Fees for A Family of Four: Around 51,377.60 euros over five years.
Keep in mind that card issuance often takes a year, so most applicants only need one renewal instead of two within the five-year period. This can lower the total government fees for many.
If you pursue citizenship after the residency period, a separate fee of 250 euros per person applies. Note that in October 2025, Portugal’s Parliament set new citizenship timelines. Applicants must now reside in Portugal for 10 years before qualifying. Nationals of Portuguese-language countries (CPLP) and EU citizens have a shorter seven-year requirement.
What Legal Fees Should You Expect for the Golden Visa?
Skilled legal support is vital for a successful Portugal Golden Visa application. The process involves detailed regulations and strict documentation needs that demand expertise. A trusted lawyer helps ensure compliance, reduces the risk of delays or rejections, and supports you through the five-year residency period.
Legal fees vary based on the firm’s experience, service scope, and your family’s complexity. For a single applicant, initial application fees often range from 7,000 to 8,000 euros. Comprehensive support over five years, including renewals and permanent residency, can cost 10,000 to 30,000 euros for a family of four. For one person, total legal and related fees might be 15,000 to 20,000 euros over the same period.
These fees usually cover application preparation, document checks, due diligence, and submission to AIMA. Lawyers also handle communication with authorities, assist with biometrics and renewals, and advise on maintaining residency rules. They support permanent residency applications after five years and keep you updated on regulation changes.
Extra costs for services like obtaining a tax number, setting up a bank account, or tax advice are often separate. These can add 1,000 to 3,000 euros for an individual or 2,000 to 5,000 euros for a family, depending on your needs. Fees are typically paid in stages as the process unfolds, rather than all at once, helping with cash flow.
Start your journey to EU residency and citizenship with the Portugal Golden Visa. VIDA Capital connects you with trusted professionals for asset-backed investments in Portugal’s hospitality sector.
What Are the Consultancy and Advisory Fees Involved?
Investment funds like the VIDA Fund charge a subscription fee for managing your money. For the VIDA Fund, this is 1% of your invested amount, paid to the fund manager. This fee covers fund oversight, due diligence, and portfolio management, common among Golden Visa fund options.
Additional advisory services might be needed, such as independent investment reviews, cross-border tax planning, or financial strategy for your investment. These services can cost between 2,000 and 10,000 euros, based on complexity.
VIDA Capital focuses on clear communication about all fees. As an advisory firm, we guide clients to trusted legal partners and recommend suitable visa paths based on personal goals. We may suggest options like the D7 visa for those relocating sooner or advise against the Golden Visa if it doesn’t fit your timeline. This honest approach builds trust and prioritizes your needs.
How Much Does the Portugal Golden Visa Cost in Total?
|
Cost Category |
Description |
Estimated Cost (Single Applicant) |
Estimated Cost (Family of 4) |
|
Minimum Investment |
Required amount for eligible funds like the VIDA Fund. Personal properties are not eligible. |
500,000 euros |
500,000 euros |
|
Government Application Fees |
Covers submission, card issuance, and renewals over five years. |
~12,844 euros |
~51,377 euros |
|
Legal Fees |
Support for application, due diligence, authority liaison, biometrics, and renewals over five years. Varies by firm. |
16,000 – 20,000 euros |
15,000 – 30,000+ euros |
|
Investment Subscription Fee |
Percentage paid to the fund manager. |
1% of investment (5,000 euros) |
1% of investment (5,000 euros) |
|
Ancillary Costs (Estimate) |
Fees for tax number, bank account, document legalization, and specific tax advice if needed. |
1,000 – 3,000 euros |
2,000 – 5,000 euros |
|
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST (minimum) |
534,844 euros |
573,377 euros |
Disclaimer: These estimates can vary based on personal circumstances, chosen partners, and government changes. VIDA Capital offers clear guidance but cannot guarantee third-party costs.
Common Questions About Portugal Golden Visa Legal Fees
What is the usual range for legal fees?
Legal fees often range from 16,000 to 20,000 euros for a single applicant over five years. For a family of four, expect 15,000 to 30,000 euros, including renewals and permanent residency, depending on the firm and case details.
Are legal fees paid all at once or over time?
You typically pay legal fees in installments tied to application and renewal stages, rather than upfront. Payments often occur at key steps like submission and approval.
Do legal fees include all costs, or are there extras?
Legal fees usually cover core application work and authority liaison. Separate costs for tax numbers, bank accounts, document legalization, and specific tax advice can add up, so confirm what’s included in quotes.
Why hire an experienced law firm for the application?
An experienced firm understands complex rules, ensures compliance, and lowers the risk of issues, improving your chances of success with the Golden Visa.
What other fees might apply beyond legal costs?
Beyond legal fees, you might pay fund subscription fees like the VIDA Fund’s 1%, plus advisory costs for tax planning, investment reviews, or residency strategies, varying by need.
Begin your path to EU residency and citizenship with the Portugal Golden Visa. VIDA Capital offers expert support for investments in Portugal’s hospitality sector.
Plan Your EU Future with Clear Cost Guidance
The Portugal Golden Visa stands out as a valuable route to EU residency and citizenship, but understanding all costs is key to a smooth process. Beyond the 500,000-euro investment, expect additional fees for government processing, legal support, and advisory services, often totaling 35,000 to 55,000 euros or more.
Navigating this process requires skilled guidance to meet regulations and achieve success. From application to the five-year residency and beyond, professional support matters. VIDA Capital provides clear fee information, connects investors with reliable legal partners, and guides you to secure opportunities through the VIDA Fund.
Portugal’s ranking as the 7th safest country worldwide, low stay requirements, and citizenship path make this program a strong choice for global mobility. Family inclusion, Schengen travel benefits, and access to European opportunities add lasting value.
Grasping the full cost—from the base investment to government and legal fees—supports smart planning. With total expenses often between 535,000 and 575,000 euros for one person, and higher for families, thorough budgeting prevents unexpected costs.
