PORTUGAL GOLDEN VISA INVESTMENT OPTIONS

The Portugal Golden Visa Program offers investors multiple investment pathways to obtain residency without the requirement to physically reside in Portugal, ultimately leading to eligibility for Portuguese citizenship.

Following the legislative amendments introduced in 2023, the real estate acquisition route has been permanently eliminated as a qualifying investment for the Golden Visa. As a result, investors can no longer obtain a Golden Visa through property purchases.

Applicants may qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa Program by selecting one of the following eligible investment options:

1. INVESTMENT FUND OPTION

A minimum investment of €500,000 in Portuguese investment funds or venture capital funds is required to qualify under this category. This has emerged as one of the most preferred investment routes among Golden Visa applicants.

The investment funds must meet the specific eligibility criteria established by the Portuguese government for Golden Visa applications. Investors are required to:

• Maintain their investment in the selected fund for a minimum period of five years.
• Ensure that the investment value remains at least €500,000 throughout the required holding period.

2. BUSINESS INVESTMENT OPTION

Investors may also qualify for the Golden Visa through a capital investment of at least €500,000 in a Portuguese business, either by establishing a new company or expanding the capital of an existing Portuguese entity.

To meet the eligibility criteria, the business must create and sustain at least five full-time jobs for a minimum period of three years.

Alternatively, investors can fulfill the Golden Visa requirements by creating at least 10 new full-time positions in a Portuguese company they own. If the business is established in a low-density area, the employment requirement is reduced to eight full-time jobs.

A low-density area is defined as a region with:

• Fewer than 100 inhabitants per square kilometer, or
• A per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) below 75% of the national average.

3. DONATION OPTION

Investors may also qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa by making a philanthropic contribution in one of the following areas:

• A donation of €250,000 to support artistic production or the preservation of national cultural heritage. If the donation is made in a low-density area, the required amount is reduced to €200,000.
• A donation of €500,000 to public or private scientific research institutions that contribute to technological and scientific advancement in Portugal.

CONCLUSION

The Portugal Golden Visa Program presents diverse and attractive investment opportunities for international investors. Given the complexity of regulatory requirements and application procedures, engaging professional legal counsel is strongly advised to maximize the likelihood of a successful application and ensure compliance with all investment and residency obligations.