program overview
Advising on the Portugal Golden Visa since launch in 2012
The Portugal Golden Visa is one of Europe’s most successful residency-by-investment programs, attracting global investors with its flexibility, accessible investment thresholds and long-term benefits. Introduced in 2012, it helped bring the concept of “Golden Visas” into the mainstream and served as a model for other countries, including Italy and Greece.
Since its launch, the program has generated over €6 billion in foreign investment. As a market leader in this field, La Vida has proudly supported more than 1,000 investors and families from over 160 countries in securing Portuguese residency through the Golden Visa route.
From €500k + costs
Fund Investment
Full family residency
Flexible. No requirement to reside.
Citizenship from
7-10 years
In October 2012, the Portuguese government launched the “Visto Gold” – and gave the world a phrase. Translated to English, “golden visa” was adopted by the EU, the international financial press, and investors globally as the umbrella term for residency and citizenship by investment. When Spain, Greece, Malta and others followed, there was already a name for what they were offering.
La Vida built www.goldenvisas.com around that term from the start – and our Portugal page, the leading page of its kind, has been informing investors from its earliest days, welcoming over one million visitors during that time.
Which means when you work with us, you’re working with a team that has seen this program through every change, challenge and opportunity since the beginning.
Investing €500,000 in a qualifying private equity or venture capital fund is currently the most popular route to securing a Portugal Golden Visa. This option allows individuals and their families – including dependent children – to obtain Portuguese residency without the need for active business management or relocation.
While other eligible routes exist, such as job creation or cultural contribution, the fund investment remains the only passive option that may also offer a return on investment.
Beyond the core investment, the Portugal Golden Visa process involves additional costs such as legal representation and government application fees.
To apply for the Portugal Golden Visa, applicants must meet a few standard criteria beyond the core investment and related fees. This includes opening a Portuguese bank account, holding valid health insurance, and providing proof of a clean criminal record. As part of the application process, biometric data must also be submitted in person during a visit to Portugal.
Once granted, the Golden Visa is valid for two years and can be renewed every two years, as long as the investment is maintained and the applicant spends at least 2 weeks in Portugal within each renewal period.
La Vida’s experienced advisors understand the landscape. Contact us today to begin your journey toward EU residency.
One of the most attractive features of the Portuguese Golden Visa is the ability to apply for permanent residency after five years, or citizenship after ten years without the need to reside in Portugal full-time. During this period, applicants and their families are only required to spend a minimum of 14 days in the country every two years to maintain their residency status. Read more on the recent changes to Portuguese Citizenship.
The residency permit granted through the program allows visa-free travel across the EU Schengen Area. Once Portuguese citizenship is obtained, it also provides the right to live, work, and study anywhere within the European Union, along with the benefits of holding an EU passport.
Several countries offer residency and citizenship through investment. La Vida offers the most established golden visa programs available.
Consult with La Vida’s team of experts to help decide if Portugal’s residency investment is suitable for you and your family. If so, we can then help you appoint a legal representative from several we can recommend and introduce private equity fund managers to advise on qualifying investments.
La Vida will work with you and your appointed legal representative in Portugal to prepare for your Golden Visa application. This includes opening a Portuguese bank account and NIF number before finalising your investment choice. At this point a pre-application can be submitted online.
Following a review of your pre-application by the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (AIMA), you will need to attend in person in Portugal at a pre-appointed meeting with AIMA at which point your biometrics (fingerprints) will be taken and you will officially make the golden visa application.
You then wait for final approval of your application. On approval your residency cards will be forwarded to you. These are valid for two years when they can be renewed subject to retaining your investment throughout and paying the appropriate renewal fees.
Portugal’s Golden Visa is widely recognised as one of the most attractive residency-by-investment programs in Europe. Its key benefits include:
Read more on the Portugal’s top benefits here.
Between 2012 and 2023, real estate investment was one of the main pathways to securing a Portugal Golden Visa. However, as of October 2023, the legislation has changed. Under the current rules, the Golden Visa is now only available through direct company investment (creating jobs) or by investing in approved Private Equity or Venture Capital Funds. Real estate investment is no longer an eligible option.
These funds must be regulated under Portuguese law, have a minimum maturity of five years, and allocate at least 60% of their capital to companies headquartered in Portugal.
La Vida works as an introducer to a curated selection of regulated fund managers, ensuring access to qualifying opportunities. Please note that while we facilitate introductions, we do not offer investment advice. For more details, refer to our full disclaimer.
There are several approved Private Equity and Venture Capital funds available for those applying for the Portugal Golden Visa. These funds vary in sector focus, structure, and expected return. For detailed information and personalised introductions, we can connect you with regulated fund managers who are authorised to provide investment advice. To help you understand more, we’ve also prepared a general guide to Private Equity investing in Portugal, covering the basics of how these funds work within the Golden Visa framework.
Portugal Investment in this Agrobusiness fund qualifies for Portugal’s new Golden Visa program.
Portugal Investment in this strategic football focused investment fund qualifies for Portugal’s Golden Visa program.
Portugal Investment in this sustainable energy fund qualifies for Portugal’s new Golden Visa program.
Secure a Plan B Residency in the European Union
Over €6 Billion Generated in Investment Since 2012
Diverse Investment Opportunities in Multiple Sectors
Build A Family Legacy – Include Children and Parents
Expand Your
Global Opportunities – Business and Education
Although the Portugal Golden Visa does not require full relocation, it grants investors the freedom to reside in Portugal and experience its lifestyle, culture, and all the privileges of residency if they wish.
Portugal offers one of Europe’s best lifestyles with over 300 days of sunshine, beautiful beaches, fresh food, and a relaxed pace of life. Ranked amongst the world’s safest countries, it boasts excellent infrastructure, fast internet, modern transport, and easy global connections. English is widely spoken, making it ideal for international residents.
Portugal’s healthcare system is ranked 22nd globally, surpassing the UK and US in cost-efficiency. Both public and private systems are accessible, with private clinics offering top-tier service. Many doctors speak English and are trained internationally, offering peace of mind for global families.
Portugal’s economy is thriving, led by tech, tourism, manufacturing and green energy. Lisbon is now a key European tech hub, attracting startups and AI investment. Over 60% of Portugal’s electricity is renewable, placing it among the top 10 globally. Tourism has always been a key pillar for Portugal, but this hit record highs in 2025, generating €29 billion and attracting 32.5 million visitors.
Most Golden Visa holders remain non-tax-resident in Portugal, since the program’s minimum stay requirement – 7 days in the first year, 14 days per two-year renewal after that – sits comfortably below the 183-day threshold that would trigger Portuguese tax residency. As a non-resident, you’re only taxed on Portuguese-source income, your worldwide income and investment fund gains are not taxed in Portugal.
If you choose to relocate and become a Portuguese tax resident, it’s important to know that the previous Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime closed to new applicants on 1 January 2024. It has been replaced by a narrower scheme, IFICI (often called “NHR 2.0”), offering a 20% flat tax rate for up to 10 years. However, this is only applicable for those working in specific high-value sectors like scientific research, innovation, or qualifying tech and startup roles. IFICI does not cover passive income, pensions, or investment fund returns, so it will not apply to most Golden Visa investors relying on capital or fund income.
Tax is a major factor for investors considering a Golden Visa. According to La Vida’s analysis of global income tax rates, high earners in many developed economies face marginal rates of 50% or more – a key driver behind the growing interest in residency-by-investment programs like Portugal’s.
Because tax treatment depends on your personal residency status, income sources, and home country’s tax treaty with Portugal, we recommend speaking with a qualified Portuguese tax adviser before making investment or residency decisions. La Vida can introduce you to trusted, independent tax advisers as part of the application process.
We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the Portugal Golden Visa below. For more personalised guidance, feel free to contact our advisors.
In a crowded market full of agents, it can be hard to know who to trust – but our numbers speak for themselves. La Vida is experienced in the Portuguese Golden Visa since its first days in 2012. We work with all the key regulated fund managers in Portugal, giving you direct access to fully compliant investment opportunities tailored to your goals. Start your journey with a partner that brings expertise, scale, and results.
Portugal is one of several countries in Europe offering a golden visa program. Visit the pages below for further options.
La Vida offers a choice of several golden visas programs for investment in residency and citizenship
18+
Programs we offer Worldwide
164
Countries where we have served clients
129074
Advice given to prospective investors
Antigua & Barbuda
St Lucia
Grenada
St Kitts
Dominica
Hungary
Malta
Greece
Italy
Latvia
Turkey
Vanuatu
Canada
USA
Nauru
New Zealand
Panama
Cyprus
Sao Tome
UAE
