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Golden Visa
Portugal's Golden Visa program, officially known as the Residence Permit for Investment (ARI), has been one of the world’s most popular investment immigration options since its launch in 2012. Investors can choose from a variety of investment options to apply for the Golden Visa, and after five years, they become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency.
However, due to ongoing policy changes, starting from October 7, 2023, the Portuguese government no longer accepts Golden Visa applications based on real estate purchases or simple capital transfers. As a result, investment in private equity funds (PEF) has become the primary qualifying option for applicants.
Advantages of Choosing Portugal's Golden Visa
Family-inclusive application: The principal applicant can include their spouse, children, and parents.
Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, including France, Germany, Finland, and 23 other European countries.
Access to public healthcare, education, and social welfare.
Low residency requirement: Only 7 days of stay per year in Portugal (non-consecutive), ideal for applicants who run businesses abroad or prefer minimal disruption to their lifestyle.
Eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years of holding the Golden Visa.
I. Eligibility Requirements and Required Documents
Age and Nationality: The main applicant must be at least 18 years old and not a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
No criminal record: A certificate of no criminal record is required from both the applicant's country of birth and the country of residence in the past year. These must be notarized.
Proof of address: Such as an ID card showing address, household registration, or recent utility bills.
Valid health insurance: For example, a current insurance policy.
Proof of family relationship: Including IDs, marriage certificate, birth certificates for children, and financial support statements.
Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months.
Legal source of funds: Proof that the investment funds are from legitimate sources.
II. Application Process
Step 1: Apply for a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF)
A NIF is required for all economic activities in Portugal, including investment, property purchase, tax filing, and public service applications.
Step 2: Choose an Investment Option
The minimum investment ranges from €250,000 to €500,000. Current options include:
- Private Equity Fund Investment (PEF):Invest at least €500,000 in a fund approved by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM).
At least 60% of the fund (i.e., €300,000) must be invested in Portuguese companies.
The fund must have a minimum duration of 5 years and no direct or indirect link to real estate.
a New Company:Invest €500,000 to set up a business that creates at least 5 long-term jobs.
Donation to Scientific Research:Donate €500,000 to a public or private scientific research institution.
Cultural Investment or Donation:Donate or invest €250,000 to support arts or preserve national cultural heritage.
Job Creation:at least 10 full-time jobs (minimum 35 hours/week) for Portuguese residents.(No minimum investment amount required.)
Step 3: Online Application & Fee Payment
After completing the investment, the applicant must submit the visa application and pay fees via the AIMA ARI system (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum).
While it used to take over a year for approval, AIMA has expanded staff and introduced an automated pre-screening system, reducing average processing time to 4–6 months.
Applicants can complete all procedures from Taiwan, and the 5-year residency period for permanent residency/citizenship starts once the application is submitted.
Step 4: Submit Biometric Data in Portugal
Once the application is approved, AIMA will schedule a biometric appointment. The applicant and accompanying family must go to Portugal to provide fingerprints, a photo, and a signature, bringing a valid passport, proof of legal entry, and required AIMA forms.
Step 5: Receive Residence Card
After biometric data is collected, AIMA will produce and mail the residence card within 2–3 weeks to your Portuguese address or your authorized lawyer’s office.
III. Golden Visa Renewal
The initial residence card is valid for 2 years. To extend legal residency, a renewal must be applied for 30–90 days before expiration. Each renewal grants an additional 3 years.
Conditions for renewal:
Maintain the original investment.
Stay in Portugal for 7 days in the first year, and 14 days every two years thereafter (non-consecutive).
documents (e.g., passport, criminal record).
Provide valid health insurance.
IV. Applying for Citizenship or Permanent Residency
After 5 years from submitting the Golden Visa application, you can apply for citizenship or permanent residency with the Portuguese Civil Registry (Conservatória do Registo Civil).
Requirements:
5 years of legal residence (from the date of application submission).
Hold a valid Portuguese residence card.
Pass the Portuguese language test at A2 level(via CAPLE exam or certified 150-hour Portuguese language course).
No serious criminal record in either Portugal or your home country.
Proof of ties to Portugal, such as property ownership, rental contract, or social security contributions.