Portugal Immigration Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get residency by investment in Portugal?

Investors have several options, including purchasing real estate, transferring capital, investing in stocks, shares and public debts, investing in venture capital funds, and establishing or investing in a business in Portugal that can create or maintain jobs.

How much do I have to invest to get residency in Portugal?

The required investment amount varies depending on the investment routes selected, which can range from 250,000 euros to 1 million euros. Investors can benefit from a 20% reduction in the investment criteria if they make their investment in a low-density area.

How much do I have to invest to get citizenship in Portugal?

Portugal does not provide a direct pathway to citizenship for foreign investors. However, successful applicants of the country’s residency-by-investment program are eligible to apply for citizenship after holding residency for five years and fulfilling the minimum physical presence requirements.

What are the requirements for residency by investment in Portugal?

Applicants are required to apply for a Portuguese Taxpayer Number, open a bank account and transfer the investment funds to Portugal. Investors are also subject to a police background check and need to submit biometric data once their applications are approved.

How long does it take to get residency by investment in Portugal?

It takes three to six months for a residency-by-investment application in Portugal to be processed.

How long does it take to get citizenship by investment in Portugal?

Investors who obtain residency of Portugal through investment are eligible to apply for citizenship after five years. Investors must also fulfill physical presence requirements during this period to qualify.

How many countries can I visit with a Portuguese passport?

A Portuguese passport grants its holder visa-free access to 186 destinations.

Do I have to be present in Portugal before getting the residency by investment application approved?

Investors are not required to be present in Portugal while waiting for their applications to be processed. However, once the application is accepted by the immigration authority, investors need to travel to Portugal to submit their biometric data.

Can I add my spouse and children on my application?

Investors can bring their spouses and children under the age of 18 to Portugal with their Golden Visa applications. It is also possible for adult children to qualify as dependents if they are attending part or full-time education.

What are the criteria for my children to qualify for residency or citizenship in Portugal?

Investors’ children under the age of 18 are eligible as dependents. Adult children may also qualify if in part or full-time education.

Do I have the right to work in Portugal after I obtain the residency through this program?

Investors have access to the job market of Portugal after obtaining residency of Portugal.

Do I have to live in Portugal to qualify for residency by investment?

Investors are required to spend at least 7 days in Portugal during the first year after obtaining residency, then at least 14 days during each subsequent 2-year period.

What is the tax situation after obtaining Portuguese residency?

After obtaining Portuguese residency, investors will only be taxed on their worldwide income unless they get tax residency in Portugal by spending over 183 days a year in the country. Investors can also take advantage of the country’s favorable NHR Tax program, which grants them tax exemption on their foreign income for 10 years and imposes a low flat rate on their income earned in Portugal.

Will Portuguese citizenship automatically grant me European citizenship?

Portugal is a member of the European Union. Investors who obtain Portuguese citizenship become citizens of the EU and can enjoy benefits granted to all EU citizens.

What can I invest in to gain residency by investment in Portugal?

Investors who are interested in obtaining residency in Portugal have many options, including the purchase of real estate, capital transfers, investment in stocks, shares and public debts, investment in venture capitals, the establishment of new businesses that create jobs, and investment in existing businesses that maintain jobs.

How long do I have to wait before I can sell my investment in Portugal?

Investors must maintain their investment for five years to secure their status in Portugal. They can then choose to apply for permanent residency or citizenship of the country with no obligations to keep their investment.

Will my Portuguese citizenship expire?

Portuguese citizenship does not expire unless one chooses to renounce it. Portugal allows its citizens to have dual citizenship.