Golden Visa

Portugal Golden Visa 2026

The Portugal Golden Visa program in Portugal is still one of the best ways to get a residency in Europe. The country has great weather, is safe, and has easy access to good healthcare. 

There are a lot of differences between the Golden Visa and other Portuguese visa types. This visa doesn't need proof of passive income, unlike the D7 or D9 visa. All options for investing in real estate have been taken out of the program. 

To get a Portugal Golden Visa 2026, you need a lot of money. For donations to cultural heritage, the least amount you can give is €250,000. To subscribe to a fund, you need to have €500,000 in qualifying venture capital or private equity. After five years, the program gives you a way to become a permanent resident.

Who Should Get the Golden Visa?

The Portugal Golden Visa is a good fit for certain types of investors and people with certain lifestyle goals. Knowing how to fit helps you avoid making expensive mistakes on your Golden Visa application and wasting time.

Good For

• People with a lot of money: Those with €250,000 to €500,000 available for investment. Capital must be able to be used for at least five years of fund lock-up periods.

• Minimal presence seekers: Investors who want to live in Europe but don't want to move. Maintenance only needs to be done for 14 days over two years.

• Global business owners: Entrepreneurs who need access to the Schengen Zone access to do business in Europe. The visa lets you travel freely between 27 European countries.

• Family residency planners: Parents who want their kids to have European citizenship options for their future education. You can include dependents in the same Golden Visa application.

NOT For

• Real estate investors: The program has completely cut out all ways to invest in property. People who want to buy property in Portugal must use other visa options.

• People who want citizenship quickly: Now, the path to European citizenship takes ten years. People who want to become citizens more quickly should look into other European programs instead.

• Investors who want to be hands-on: Fund investments don't give you much control over how to spend your money. Active investors might think that the structure is too limiting for their tastes.

Advantages of the Golden Visa for Portugal

The Golden Visa gives investors who want European residency by investing a lot of benefits.

• Access to the Schengen Zone: You can travel freely between 27 European countries without a visa. You can now move freely throughout the entire Schengen area without a visa.

• Two-year residence permit: Initial approval gives you long-term legal residency status that can be renewed. After that, you can extend for three more years.

• Path to permanent residency: To get permanent residency, you must apply after living legally in the country for five years straight. 

• Include family: Include spouses, children, and parents who depend on you in the same application. Family members can join without having to pay separate amounts.

• Flexible stay requirements: At first, you only need to stay for 14 days over two years. This is great for Golden Visa investors who want to keep their global lifestyles.

• Work and business rights: Golden Visa holders can work or start businesses without any restrictions. Having access to Portuguese and EU markets opens up many doors.

• Available tax benefits: You can apply for the IFICI regime to pay less in taxes. 

Requirements for the Golden Visa

All of the ways to get a Golden Visa through Portugal Golden Visa investment have the same basic eligibility requirements. You must meet these requirements before you can start your application process.

• Minimum age requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply. There is no upper age limit for Golden Visa applications.

• Non-EU citizenship status: Only people who are not citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland can apply. After Brexit, British citizens became eligible.

• Clean background checks: Countries of origin must provide criminal record clearance within 90 days of submission.

• Foreign investment funds: All investment money must come from outside of Portugal with bank documents proving the transfer.

• Minimal physical presence: Stay for at least 14 days over two years for the first permit; 21 days over three years for renewals.

List of Required Documents

At AIMA, thorough documentation is what determines whether or not an application is accepted. Get your paperwork ready at least eight to twelve weeks ahead of time.

• Valid passport: Must remain valid for three months after the visa period ends. Include clear color copies of biographical pages.

• Portuguese Tax Number (NIF): Required for all Portugal Golden Visa program investment routes before making cultural donations or fund subscriptions.

• Criminal record certificates: Background checks from your home country and any place where you lived for more than a year.

• Proof of investment: Documentation showing either fund subscription confirmation or cultural donation certificate with matching amounts.

• Health insurance coverage: Must cover at least €30,000 in repatriation costs and be valid throughout the Schengen area for all family members.

• Bank transfer documentation: Letter from a Portuguese bank confirming arrival of funds from foreign accounts with clear proof of foreign origin.

Expert Assistance For Your Portugal Golden Visa!

Our package includes a legal white glove experience where our lawyers assist you with every step of the way. As well as assisting with fund selection, it includes:

1. Eligibility and strategy check
   Lawyers review your nationality, background, and goals.
   They confirm you qualify and help you choose the right investment route.
   Examples include investment funds, job creation, or cultural donation.
   They also flag risks early, such as tax exposure or family dependency issues.

2. Document planning and checklist
   They build a full checklist tailored to you and your family.
   This includes passports, criminal records, proof of funds, and civil documents.
   Lawyers ensure documents meet Portuguese rules on format, validity, and apostilles.
   Mistakes here are one of the main causes of delays.

3. Tax number and bank account setup
   Before applying, you need a Portuguese tax number and bank account.
   Lawyers handle this remotely through power of attorney.
   They coordinate with banks and tax offices so funds can be transferred legally.

4. Investment execution
   Lawyers review contracts and subscription documents before you invest.
   They confirm the investment qualifies under Golden Visa law.
   For funds, they verify CMVM registration and compliance.
   For donations or business routes, they check legal structure and timing.

5. Online application submission
   Lawyers prepare and submit the application to AIMA, Portugal’s immigration authority.
   They upload all documents in the correct order and format.
   They monitor the portal for errors, rejections, or system issues.

6. Biometric appointment coordination
   Once approved, biometrics are required in Portugal.
   Lawyers book appointments, advise on travel timing, and prepare you for the visit.
   They often attend or support clients on the day.

7. Application follow up and problem solving
   Lawyers respond to requests for additional documents.
   They deal with delays, system backlogs, and legal updates.
   If rules change mid process, they adjust strategy to keep you compliant.

8. Residence card issuance
   After biometrics approval, lawyers track card issuance and delivery.
   They confirm card details are correct and valid.

9. Renewals and long term planning
   Golden Visas require renewals.
   Lawyers handle renewals, compliance checks, and stay requirements.
   They also plan ahead for permanent residence or citizenship if you want that path.

In short, lawyers do more than paperwork.
They reduce risk, prevent delays, and keep your application aligned with Portuguese law from start to finish.

Professional help can help you deal with complicated rules and changes in the law more easily for your Portugal Golden Visa 2026 application. Get free consultation!