Europe's most established investor residency programme. Gain Schengen access, include your family, and build a path to permanent residency -- with just 7 days per year in Portugal.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | EUR 500,000 (CMVM-approved fund) |
| Processing Time | 6 -- 12 months |
| Physical Stay Requirement | 7 days per year |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, children, dependent parents |
| Schengen Travel | 90 days per 180-day period, visa-free |
| Path to Permanent Residency | After 5 years |
| Citizenship Eligibility | After 5 years (separate legal process) |
Ideal Candidate Profile
Investors from the UAE, GCC states, South Asia, and Southeast Asia seeking a European base without relocating full-time.
Entrepreneurs who want Schengen mobility for business travel while keeping their primary operations outside the EU.
Parents seeking EU education access for their children, along with the security of a European residence permit.
Individuals building a long-term option for European retirement with minimal annual stay requirements.
Transparency is central to our practice. The following situations are likely to result in a rejected application:
Application Process
We review your profile, financial situation, and objectives. No commitment required. This call determines whether the programme is suitable for your circumstances.
Based on your assessment, we present a written roadmap: fund options, timeline, cost breakdown, and any potential risks specific to your nationality or source of funds.
Apostille coordination, sworn translations, bank transfer guidance, and subscription to the selected CMVM-approved investment fund.
File submission to SEF/AIMA, biometric appointment scheduling, and in-country support through our Lisbon office.
Residence card issuance, annual renewal support, address registration, and guidance toward permanent residency at the 5-year mark.
Country Spotlight
Ranked among the top 10 safest countries globally. A stable EU democracy with a reliable legal framework.
Direct flights to the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and all major European capitals. GMT timezone.
300+ days of sunshine, excellent healthcare, international schools, and a cost of living significantly lower than London or Dubai.
The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) successor regime can offer favourable tax treatment for foreign-sourced income.
Portugal has one of the highest English proficiency rates in Southern Europe, easing the transition for international families.
Full Schengen access. After 5 years, permanent residency opens the door to living and working anywhere in the EU.
Common Questions
The minimum investment is EUR 500,000 in a CMVM-approved investment fund. Since 2023, real estate purchases are no longer eligible for the Golden Visa programme.
You are required to spend a minimum of 7 days per year in Portugal to maintain your Golden Visa residency status. This is among the lowest physical stay requirements of any EU residency programme.
Yes. Your spouse, dependent children (including adult children under 26 enrolled in education), and dependent parents can all be included in a single application at no additional investment cost.
Disclaimer
This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Programme terms, investment thresholds, and processing times are subject to change by the Portuguese government. IMERIA LDA is a licensed consultancy firm; we do not provide regulated investment advice or legal representation. All applications are subject to government approval and due diligence. Past processing times do not guarantee future outcomes. Please consult qualified legal and financial advisors before making any investment decisions.
Book a confidential, no-obligation assessment with our Lisbon-based team. We will review your profile and advise on the best path forward.
