1. Who is eligible to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa?
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who make a qualifying investment in Portugal and meet the legal requirements may apply.

2. What are the current qualifying investment options?

• €500,000 in a regulated investment fund
  
  
• €500,000 into a company creating 5+ jobs
  
  
• €250,000 in support of arts, culture, or heritage (reduced to €200,000 in low-density areas)
  
  

3. What are the minimum stay requirements?
Golden Visa holders must spend:

• 14 days in Portugal during the first 2-year period
  
  
• 21 days over the following 3-year period
  
  

4. Can I include family members in my application?
Yes. The program allows inclusion of a spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents under the same application.

5. Does the Golden Visa lead to citizenship?
Yes. After 5 years of legal residency, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet basic requirements, such as language proficiency and ties to Portugal.

6. Am I required to become a tax resident in Portugal?
No. The Golden Visa does not require you to become a tax resident unless you spend more than 183 days per year in Portugal or voluntarily declare tax residency.

7. Are there any restrictions on dual citizenship?
Portugal allows dual citizenship, so you do not need to renounce your original nationality to become a Portuguese citizen.

8. Can the investment be made through a company or trust?
Yes, under specific conditions. The investment may be made through a company owned by the applicant, provided it is established in an EU country and meets transparency requirements.

9. What is the typical processing time for a Golden Visa application?
From submission to initial residence permit approval, the process typically takes between 6 to 9 months, depending on SEF appointment availability and application completeness.

10. Is the Golden Visa renewable?
Yes. The initial permit is valid for 2 years and can be renewed for successive 3-year periods, provided all requirements are met, including minimum stay and maintaining the qualifying investment.

11. Can I earn a return on my Golden Visa investment?
Yes. Certain investment routes—such as regulated investment funds and business creation—are designed to generate returns. Returns vary based on the fund or project selected and market conditions.

12. What types of investment funds are available for the Golden Visa?
Approved funds typically focus on sectors like real estate, technology, renewable energy, and Portuguese SMEs. Many are professionally managed and offer moderate to strong long-term ROI potential.

13. Is my investment guaranteed or capital protected?
No. Golden Visa investments carry commercial risk. While many funds and businesses are professionally managed and regulated, returns and capital preservation are not guaranteed.

14. Can I exit the investment after obtaining citizenship?
Yes. After maintaining the investment and residency for the required 5 years, you may apply for citizenship and, subject to fund or contractual terms, divest your capital.

15. How does the Portugal Golden Visa compare to other programs in terms of ROI?
Portugal’s fund-based option is considered one of the more attractive routes in Europe, offering potential returns while maintaining relatively low entry and stay requirements.