About Portugal
Portugal is a beautiful country located in southwestern Europe, bordering Spain and the North Atlantic Ocean, and is known for its cobbled streets, colorful culture and beautiful beaches. The country is famous across the globe for many things, from elegant natural landscapes to their exports in Port wine and fertile vineyards. Portugal is also home to several World Heritage Sites like the renowned city of Porto, the Douro Valley wine region, and the famed center of Sintra. Portugal’s vigorous culture includes a flourishing contemporary art scene and celebrated culinary traditions, famously being part of the Atlantic diet; the saying goes that the Portuguese have mastered 365 different ways of preparing codfish, meaning there is a different dish for each day of the year. The Portuguese economy is diverse, and it is classed as a high-income country; its most prominent sectors are tourism, textiles, wine, and renewable energy. It is also a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries. The Portuguese Golden Visa offers investors many benefits such as visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area, and the opportunity to reside in one of the most stable and beautiful countries across the European continent. Portugal is an ideal destination for those seeking a secondary passport in a beautiful southwestern Europe country; offering a quick and efficient Residence by Investment Programme. The capital of the country is Lisbon The currency is Euro (EUR) The current population as of 2025 : 10,415,328
Portugal
Benefits of Portugal Residence
Visa-Free And Visa-On-Arrival
Golden Visa holders and their family will have the right to work, study and live in Portugal.
For Family
Access to primary healthcare and education system for the family.
Low Tax Rate
Attractive taxation system.
Application Time
Possibility of applying for permanent residency after five years, and for citizenship after ten years.
Citizen Rights
The country places no restrictions on dual citizenship.
Visa Voyage
The golden visa allows its holders visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen area.
Portugal Residency by Investment Requirements
To qualify for the Portugal Residence by Investment Program, applicants must meet the following core requirements:
Applicant must be 18+ years of age in order to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa Program.
Applicants must not have any criminal record.
Should possess valid medical health insurance.
Applicant should successfully pass due diligence.
Portugal Residence by Invesment Programme
Launched in 2012, the Portugal Golden Visa has been widely promoted by the Portuguese Government, attracting numerous qualified foreign investors due to its flexible and attractive benefits, such as low stay requirements and the possibility of acquiring citizenship by naturalisation. To qualify for the Portuguese Golden Residence Permit Programme, applicants must make a qualifying investment of at least EUR 250,000 in donation to a foundation or institute for artistic preservation. Investments must be maintained for a minimum of five years from the date the residence permit is granted, and the holder must stay in Portugal for a minimum of seven days per year during the first five years.
CAPITAL TRANSFER Investors can choose one of the below options:
- EUR 500,000 for the acquisition of investment fund or venture capital fund units committed to the capitalization of companies incorporated under the Portuguese law, with a maturity of at least five years and with at least 60% of the investment portfolio in companies with a registered office in the national territory.
- EUR 500,000 for research activities of public or private entities that are part of the national scientific and technological system.
- EUR 250,000 in support of artistic production or in the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage. This amount can be reduced to EUR 200,000 if made in a low population density area.
BUSINESS Investors can choose one of the below options:
- Creation of a minimum of ten new jobs.
- EUR 500,000 for the incorporation or increase of the share capital of a company that is registered in Portugal, creating, or maintaining a minimum of five permanent jobs for a period of three years.
Portugal Golden Visa Application Process
The application process to apply for the Portugal residency by investment programme is straightforward, and it may take up to 16 months between initiating the process and receiving the citizenship documents. The application process can be divided into the following stages:
Assessment & Onboarding
- •Consult with Passport Legend’s client advisors.
- •Passport Legend’s due diligence check is conducted.
- •Client is onboarded and retainer fees are paid.
Application Submission
- •Client travels to Portugal.
- •Investment requirements are fulfilled, legal process commences, and bank account is opened.
- •Biometrics appointment is booked in Portugal.
- •Documents are prepared and an application for Portuguese Golden Residence Permit is submitted.
Application Processing
- •Application is processed.
- •Application is approved.
Passport Handover
- •Golden Residence Permit is granted.
- •Our team continues to support until the permit is stamped.
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DOES THE PORTUGAL VISA PROGRAM WORK?
The Portugal Golden Visa program is a straightforward way for non-EU citizens to obtain a Portugal residency with reduced permanence requirements at an average of 7 days per year. An investor can get a residence visa for himself and his dependents by completing a qualifying investment, starting at €200,000.
IS THERE AN OPTION OF RECEIVING THE GOLDEN VISA BY OPENING A COMPANY IN PORTUGAL?
The applicant may also start a business in Portugal and employ a minimum ten people. If the company is in a low-density population area, the number is reduced to a minimum of eight jobs.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT IN PORTUGAL?
Portugal does not have a Citizenship by Investment program. However, after ten years of holding the Golden Visa residency, an investor can apply for citizenship via naturalisation. In addition to being a legal resident for ten years, applicants for citizenship need to demonstrate basic knowledge of the Portuguese language and pass a cultural test.
WHAT ARE THE LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS TO ACQUIRE PERMANENT RESIDENCY AND FOR PORTUGAL CITIZENSHIP?
To gain Portugal permanent residency, the applicant must pass an A2 level basic language examination (CIPLE). For children under the age of ten, the exam may be modified. Children between the ages of ten and eighteen will be excluded from the exam if they attend a Portuguese school or have a declaration of proficiency. To apply for citizenship, applicants need to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture, as well of Portuguese history and of the national symbols.
Overview
Enchanting Portugal: A Tapestry of History, Culture, and Nature
Nestled in southwestern Europe, Portugal is a historic country that enthrals visitors with its rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Portugal covers an area of approximately 92,212 square kilometres and has a population of over 10 million people.
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