Residency By Investment
Secure Your Second Passport Through Business and Real Estate Investment in Portugal
Portugal Golden Visa Program 2024
Overview | Country Information | Benefits | Eligibility | Book a Consultation | Faqs
In January 2024, Portugal’s Parliament enacted significant amendments to the Golden Visa program, reshaping the eligibility criteria and investment pathways. As of October 2023, real estate investments no longer qualify for the program, marking a shift towards alternative investment options such as venture capital funds, scientific research, and job creation
The Portugal Golden Visa, officially known as the Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento (ARI), remains one of the most attractive residency-by-investment programs in Europe. Offering a streamlined application process, the recent 2024 updates ensure that the program continues to attract investors globally while contributing to Portugal’s economic development
By maintaining a minimal residency requirement of just seven days per year and providing a clear path to Portuguese citizenship after five years, the Golden Visa is a prime choice for investors seeking EU residency and eventual citizenship
Why Choose Fast Passport Boutique?
At Fast Passport Boutique, we are proud to leverage years of expertise in the Portugal Golden Visa program, delivering personalized guidance to our clients at every step of portugal immigration. We understand that each investor’s situation is unique, and our team of seasoned golden via consultants in Toronto ensures a smooth, efficient process that aligns with your financial and personal goals
We specialize in offering citizenship by investment solutions through Portugal residency Program and work closely with you to determine the most suitable investment route, such as:
- Investment in venture capital funds,
- Scientific research or technological innovation,
- Job creation programs.
Our firm stands out for:
- Tailored investment strategies to maximize the long-term benefits of Portuguese residency,
- Access to exclusive investment opportunities, and
- Expertise in navigating the complexities of the updated Golden Visa legislation.
Portugal Overview
Portugal is an extremely favourable country in Europe for many who wish to settle down and live in a friendly, beautiful, relatively low-cost country which also offers the safety and hospitality of its natives to newcomers.
With the ongoing housing crisis in Portugal, the government has changed its Golden Visa Program to tackle current economic issues.
While the program isn’t closed, Portugal no longer allows applicants to make purchases for real estate and real estate-related funds as qualifying investments to get residency in Portugal. Still, certain Portuguese funds will remain a valid choice for prospective investors.
As remaining investment options are much higher in price, Fast Passport Boutique recommends looking into Portugal’s D7 Visa. It is one of the most affordable European residency programs right now, with just a minimum of €7,200 yearly passive income to qualify or enough passive income to fully support you without relying on your salary.
Discover the benefits of the Portugal D7 visa below.
Investment
Minimum investment of €500,000
Processing Time
Processing time of three to six months.
Key Benefit
Visa free travel to over 171 countries
With the real estate acquisition route closed, Fast Passport Boutique offers an exclusive option for obtaining the Portugal Golden Visa: Venture Capital Investment Fund Donation. This involves a €500,000 capital transfer, or shares acquisition in non-real estate collective investment entities, which provide a guaranteed payback and a path to citizenship
Venture Capital Investment Fund Donation
Key Benefits of the Venture Capital Route:
- Guaranteed Payback: Investors can begin receiving payback every six months starting from year six of the investment.
- Residency with Minimal Stay: Only seven days per year of residency required to maintain your permit.
- Fast Track to Citizenship: Apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of holding your Golden Visa.
This option not only meets the updated Golden Visa requirements but also offers a flexible, low-risk investment structure that is aligned with Portugal’s growing focus on technological and scientific innovation.
What Is The Eligibility Criteria For Portugal Golden Visa?
To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, applicants must make a qualifying investment and meet specific eligibility criteria. This includes:
- Investment fund contributions (minimum €500,000),
- Scientific research contributions (minimum €500,000),
- Job creation through business investment.
As of 2024, real estate investments are no longer eligible. However, Portugal’s Golden Visa remains a flexible and accessible pathway for non-EU investors, offering a clear route to permanent residency and eventual citizenship
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a non-EU/EEA national,
- Must have a clean criminal record,
- Minimum investment amount starts at €250,000 for low-density regions through cultural or scientific donation.
Portugal Citizenship Program Process
The application process for the Portugal Golden Visa involves several structured steps. Our team at Fast Passport Boutique ensures that every stage is handled smoothly, minimizing delays and optimizing success rates
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your eligibility and preferred investment route.
- Document Preparation: Our experts will assist you in gathering and preparing the required documents, such as proof of funds, background checks, and legal certifications.
- Investment Completion: Finalize your chosen investment, whether in venture funds or other eligible areas.
- Application Submission: Submit your application to the Portuguese authorities through the streamlined online portal.
- Residency Approval: Once approved, you will receive your residency permit, allowing you to start enjoying the benefits of living and working in Portugal.
Portugal Citizenship by Investment Eligibility Criteria
- Venture Capital/Private Equity Fund: €500,000
- Research Activities Donation: €500,000
- Company Creation: Either 10 employees or €500,000 + 5 employees
- Spouse
- Children under the age of 18
- Dependent adult children who are full-time students (under 26 years of age)
- Dependent parents
- Siblings under 18 years of age
- The Golden Visa is initially valid for one year, renewable after that for two-year periods (you must maintain investment for five years)
- You can apply for permanent residence or a Portuguese passport after five years of temporary residence
Get full guide about the process
Benefits of Portugal Golden Visa
Process
- Portuguese residence in 4-6 months
- Portugal allows dual citizenship. No need to renounce your current citizenship
- No long-term residency requirement (First year, seven days and 14 days for two-year periods after that)
- No interview, language skills, education or management experience is required
- Include spouse and dependent children and parents in one application
Global Mobility
- Portugal Golden visa allows you to travel visa-free within the entire Schengen Area
- Apply for Citizenship after 5 years
- Travel visa-free or visa on arrival to over 170 countries worldwide
Wealth Protection
- If you reside less than 6 months out of the year in Portugal, you are considered a non-tax resident; as a result, you will only pay taxes on income gained in Portugal
- Double tax treaties with 80 countries (ensuring that you only pay taxes in Portugal or the other countries but not in both)
- No inheritance tax in Portugal
- Benefit from a favourable tax regime for the first 10 years
Country Information
Portugal is one of Europe’s most welcoming countries for expats, offering a stable political climate, high quality of life, and access to top-tier healthcare and education systems. With a low cost of living and a safe environment, Portugal is the perfect destination for families, retirees, and investors.
Located on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal provides visa-free access to the entire Schengen Zone, and residents can easily travel, work, and study throughout Europe. Lisbon, its vibrant capital, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, Mediterranean climate, and excellent infrastructure
Get Your Second Passport
Portugal Golden Visa FAQs
- To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, you must make a minimum investment of €250,000 for cultural or scientific contributions, or €500,000 for investment in eligible funds or businesses
- Be either non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA resident
- Minimum investment of €250,000
- Range of investment routes to pick
- Have a clean criminal record
- Spend a minimum of seven days in Portugal for the first year, then no less than 14 days each subsequent two-year period (this is called the stay requirement)
The NIF is your tax identification number, distributed by the Portuguese fiscal authorities, and it is used for tax purposes to carry out various transactions including opening a Portuguese bank account and buying property
To open a Portuguese bank account, Fast Passport Boutique can introduce you to a competent English-speaking banker in Portugal that can open a bank account even before you come to Portugal
With the Golden Visa program, you can secure dual citizenship. In Portugal, this is allowed and there are no additional requirements for this. However, check that dual citizenship is allowed for your country of origin.
Portugal offers a favorable Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, which provides significant tax benefits for foreign nationals. These include tax exemptions on foreign income for up to 10 years
. However, note that the NHR regime is being phased out by 2024, with transitional provisions until 2025
There is no language requirement at the application stage. However, if you wish to apply for permanent residency or citizenship after five years, you will need to pass a basic A2-level Portuguese language test
