Portugal Residency by Investment Program

Why Choose Portugal?

Portugal is one of Europe’s most scenic and welcoming countries — known for its stunning coastlines, charming cities, and relaxed lifestyle. From the golden beaches of the Algarve to the rolling vineyards of Porto and the historic streets of Lisbon, Portugal offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic opportunity.
With its pleasant climate, safe environment, and affordable living costs, Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for investors and families seeking European residency.


About the Portugal Golden Visa Program

At TrueStep Immigration, we help investors and families secure permanent residency through Portugal’s renowned Golden Visa Program — a pathway that leads to European residency and eventual citizenship.
This program allows non-EU citizens to obtain a Portuguese residence permit by making a qualifying investment in real estate, business creation, or capital transfer. It’s one of the fastest and most flexible immigration programs in Europe.


Investment Options for Portugal Residency

To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, applicants must meet one of the following investment requirements:

  1. Real Estate Investment

    • Purchase property worth at least:

      • €500,000 – For new properties in major cities.

      • €400,000 – For new properties in low-density areas.

      • €350,000 – For properties over 30 years old.

      • €280,000 – For older properties in low-density regions.

    • Investment can be made in residential, commercial, or rural properties — or a combination of both.

  2. Business Investment

    • Establish a company in Portugal creating at least 10 new full-time jobs, verified by local social security authorities.

  3. Capital Transfer

    • Transfer a minimum of €1,000,000 into a Portuguese bank account or investment fund, maintained for 5 years.

    • The investment may also be made through a company where the applicant is the sole or primary shareholder.

Once approved, Golden Visa holders can travel freely across all 26 Schengen Zone countries, including Spain, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.


Who Can Apply for Portugal Residency?

The Portugal Golden Visa extends to:

  • The main applicant

  • Spouse of the applicant

  • Children under 18 years

  • Dependent adult children who are full-time students

This makes it an ideal option for families seeking to relocate together under one unified residency permit.


Advantages of Portugal Permanent Residency

Free Travel Across Schengen Zone – Move freely across all European Schengen countries without additional visas.
Right to Live & Work – Enjoy the right to live, work, or start a business in Portugal, with access to local healthcare and social welfare benefits.
Pathway to Citizenship – Apply for Portuguese citizenship and passport after 6 years of legal residency.
Family Inclusion – Include your spouse, children, and dependent parents in one application.
Business Opportunities – Open or expand businesses across the Schengen region.
Access to Free Education – Enroll children in public or private schools as local residents.
No Strict Stay Requirements – Only 7 days of stay in the first year and 14 days every subsequent 2 years are required to maintain residency.
Healthcare Benefits – Access free or low-cost public healthcare, including childbirth in public hospitals.
Retirement Pension – Residents can benefit from Portugal’s social security and retirement pension schemes.


Why Choose TrueStep Immigration

As one of the most trusted immigration consultants in the Middle East, TrueStep Immigration simplifies your journey to Portugal residency.
From selecting the right investment route to preparing documentation and ensuring compliance with Portuguese authorities, our experts provide end-to-end guidance until you obtain your Golden Visa and secure your European residency.


Invest in Portugal. Unlock your gateway to Europe.
Partner with TrueStep Immigration to make your dream of European residency and citizenship a reality.

EU Golden Visa

Unlock European Freedom

The Portugal Golden Visa remains the most popular EU residency path, offering a 5-year route to European Citizenship with a stay requirement of only 7 days per year.

7 Days
Min. Yearly Stay
€500k
Investment Entry
5 Years
Path to Passport
EU
Visa-Free Schengen
Lisbon Street View
Fund Primary Pathway

Europe's Most Flexible
Citizenship Path

While Real Estate investment is no longer an option, the "Mais Habitação" law has paved the way for more sophisticated Capital Fund investments. Portugal continues to offer the lowest physical presence requirement in the EU.

€500K
Venture Capital/Funds
€250K
Cultural Heritage

The Portugal Advantage

Schengen Freedom

Live in Portugal and travel visa-free to all 29 Schengen member states for up to 90 days every 6 months.

Family Reunification

Include your spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents in a single application for full EU rights.

Fast-Track Citizenship

Apply for Portuguese Citizenship and a powerful EU passport after just 5 years of holding residency.

Program Requirements

1

Capital Fund Investment

Subscription of at least €500,000 in qualifying venture capital or private equity funds.

Primary Choice
2

Cultural Contribution

A donation of €250,000 toward the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage.

Social Impact
3

Clean Record

Main applicant and dependents must provide a clean criminal record from the country of origin.

Due Diligence
4

Stay Requirement

A physical presence of just 7 days in the first year and 14 days in subsequent 2-year periods.

Minimal Residence

At a Glance

Official Name
Portugal ARI (Golden Visa)
Permit Duration
2 Years + 2 Years + 2 Years
Processing Time
12 - 18 Months (AIMA backlog)

Who Can Apply?

Main Applicant

Any non-EU/EEA/Swiss national over the age of 18.

Spouse

Legal spouse or partner in a stable union.

Children

Children under 18, or adult children who are single & studying.

Parents

Dependent parents of both the applicant and spouse.

The Path to Residency

1

NIF & Bank

Obtain tax ID & open a local account.

2

Investment

Subscription to a qualifying Fund.

3

Online Filing

Submission to AIMA portal.

4

Biometrics

In-person appointment in Portugal.

5

Card Grant

Issuance of the Golden Visa card.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. As of October 2023, the Real Estate path (residential or commercial) is officially closed for all new Golden Visa applications.
  • No. You only need to spend 7 days per year in the country. After 5 years of this "temporary residency," you are eligible for permanent residency or citizenship.
  • Qualifying funds are regulated by the CMVM (Portuguese Securities Market Commission), ensuring high standards of transparency and oversight.
  • The NIF is your Portuguese tax identification number. It is required for all legal and financial actions in Portugal, including opening a bank account and making an investment.

Ready for Portugal?

Our legal team specializes in Portuguese fund-based Golden Visa applications.