Portugal Residency by Investment : Secure EU Residency Through the Golden Visa

What is Portugal Residency by Investment?

Portugal’s Residency by Investment program offers non-EU applicants a clear path to legal residency through qualifying investments in the country.

Residency by investment differs from other residency routes in that it does not require relocation or proof of income from employment. Instead, it provides a structured and regulated pathway through capital investment. The Portugal Golden Visa stands out as Europe’s leading investment migration option, trusted by thousands for its reliability and strong track record.

Why Choose Portugal’s Residency by Investment?

Portugal’s Residency by Investment program is one of Europe’s most respected, offering both the stability of EU residency and the flexibility global investors value.

A Portuguese residence permit allows visa-free travel across all 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Unlike traditional residency routes, the Golden Visa does not require full relocation. Investors need to spend only seven days per year in Portugal to maintain their status. However if investors do want to move to Portugal, they have the full rights to through this visa.

Portugal combines exceptional mobility with a high quality of life, strong economic stability, and a welcoming culture, a program designed for those seeking flexibility today and freedom for the future.

How Can I Get Residency by Investment in Portugal?

To qualify, applicants must meet Portugal’s official criteria:

Be a non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss national
Have a clean criminal record
Make a qualifying investment under the Golden Visa framework
Maintain the investment and residency status for at least five years

How to Apply for the Portugal Golden Visa

Applying for Portugal’s Residency by Investment program is straightforward with La Vida’s expert guidance. Our team and legal partners will support you through every step of the process.

Step 1 – Consultation and Planning

Begin with a consultation with La Vida’s team to confirm your eligibility and determine if the Portugal Golden Visa suits your goals. We’ll introduce trusted legal representatives and qualified fund managers to help you select an eligible investment.

Step 2 – Preparation and Pre-Application

Your lawyer will assist with opening a Portuguese bank account and obtaining a tax number (NIF). Once your investment is chosen, a pre-application is submitted online to the Portuguese immigration authority (AIMA).

Step 3 – Biometrics Appointment in Portugal

After review, you’ll attend a scheduled appointment in Portugal to provide your biometric data and officially submit your application.

Step 4 – Approval and Residency Cards

Following approval, your residency cards are issued and valid for two years. These can be renewed as long as you maintain your qualifying investment and pay the relevant renewal fees.

The process is transparent, secure, and supported by La Vida’s compliance-driven approach and client management systems.

How Much Does Portugal Residency by Investment Cost?

The minimum investment required is €500,000, made through a regulated Private Equity or Venture Capital fund approved by the Portuguese authorities.

Associated Costs
In addition to the investment amount, applicants should budget for:

Legal fees: From €5,000 in the first year, with around €1,500 every two years for renewals.
Government fees: Approximately €6,394 per applicant for the initial permit, and €3,488 at each renewal stage.

La Vida provides full cost transparency and works exclusively with authorised funds and trusted legal partners to ensure a compliant, secure investment process.

Different Ways to Get Residency in Portugal

Portugal offers several residency routes, each designed for different circumstances:

Golden Visa – Residency by Investment:
The primary route for investors, requiring a €500,000 fund investment. Offers the most flexibility and minimal physical stay requirements (7 days per year).
D7 Visa – Passive Income Residency:
Ideal for retirees or individuals with stable income from abroad. Requires full-time residence in Portugal.
Talent Visa – For Skilled Professionals:
Aimed at those with recognised skills or job offers in Portugal.

While several pathways exist, the Golden Visa remains the only most popular Residency by Investment program – providing residency rights through financial contribution rather than relocation or income proof.

Can I Get a Portuguese Passport through Residency by Investment?

Yes. Portugal offers one of the fastest routes to citizenship in Europe through the Golden Visa program.

After five years of maintaining residency, investors may apply for Portuguese citizenship, and in turn, EU citizenship.

To qualify, you must:

Maintain legal residency for five years
Demonstrate basic knowledge of the Portuguese language (A2 level)
Show genuine ties to Portugal, such as periodic visits or property ownership

Once granted, Portuguese citizenship allows visa-free access to 190+ countries and the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU. Portugal’s Passport is ranked one of the strongest in the world.

Why Choose Portugal Residency by Investment with La Vida?

La Vida is a global leader in Residency and Citizenship by Investment. With over a decade of experience and thousands of successful clients worldwide, we bring expertise, trust, and transparency to every application.

Why investors choose La Vida:

Trusted advisors with deep experience in the Portugal Golden Visa
Global reputation for professionalism and compliance
Secure client portal for application management and documentation tracking
Dedicated support from first consultation to final residency approval

Our focus is on simplifying the process, safeguarding your investment, and helping you secure your future in Europe with confidence.

Begin Your Journey Today.

Contact La Vida’s expert advisors to discuss your options for Portugal Residency by Investment and discover how to structure your investment for success.