The Portugal Golden Visa — officially the ARI (Autorização de Residência para Investimento) — grants residency rights to non-EU investors who make a qualifying investment in Portugal. After 5 years, Golden Visa holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship and an EU passport. Minimum physical presence requirements are among the lowest of any European residency-by-investment programme: just 7 days in the first year.

2026 Investment Options (Real Estate No Longer Qualifies)

Since October 2023, residential real estate investment no longer qualifies for the Golden Visa. Current options:

• Investment Funds / Venture Capital: €500,000 minimum in Portuguese VC or regulated investment funds
• Company Creation: €500,000 capital + 5 permanent jobs (or €350,000 + 8 jobs in low-density areas)
• Arts & Cultural Heritage: €250,000 donation to arts, culture, or national heritage preservation
• Scientific Research: €500,000 donation to public or private scientific research institutions

Key Benefits

• Path to EU citizenship: after 5 years of valid residence permits
• Minimal physical presence: 7 days/year (first year), 14 days per 2-year renewal
• Family reunification: spouse, children, and dependent parents included
• Schengen travel: visa-free access across 26 Schengen countries
• IFICI tax regime: if you become tax resident, 20% flat rate for 10 years may apply

Application Process (5 Steps)

1. Choose your investment option and confirm eligibility with a specialist
2. Obtain NIF + open Portuguese bank account — can be done remotely by power of attorney
3. Make the qualifying investment and obtain all required documentation
4. Submit ARI application via AIMA portal, schedule biometrics appointment in Portugal
5. Renew every 2 years (maintaining investment), apply for citizenship after 5 years

Tax Implications

A Golden Visa is a residency permit, not automatic tax residency. Spending fewer than 183 days/year in Portugal means you remain a non-resident for tax purposes — Portuguese tax applies only to Portuguese-source income.

If you choose to become a full Portuguese tax resident, the IFICI regime offers a 20% flat tax rate on Portuguese-source income for 10 consecutive years — highly advantageous for investors and internationally mobile professionals.