The Portugal Golden Visa Program: The Ultimate Guide 2025

31 min read

Portugal Visas, Visa Types

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Thinking about making Portugal your new home? The Portugal Golden Visa could be your ticket to making it happen. As one of the most popular residency-by-investment schemes in the world, the Portugal Golden Visa Program has become the go-to choice for those looking to combine smart investments with a life full of sun, sea, and adventure.  

The Portugal Golden Visa has granted residency to more than 15,600 investors and over 21,000 accompanying family members since its inception in 2012. In this period, more than €7.3 billion has been invested in Portugal through the program.  

Implemented to attract foreign investment into the country and benefit the Portuguese economy, the Portugal Golden Visa Program is designed for non-EU citizens and non-EEA citizens who want to get a Portuguese residence permit. 

If the Golden Visa sounds like it could be the right path for you, this guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know. From the benefits of the program to everything you need to know about investment options, costs, timelines, and insider tips, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re ready for the big move or just exploring your options, let’s dive into how you can make your way to Portugal. 

Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa

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One of the most notable aspects of this Golden Visa program is that it only requires its investors to spend an average of seven days in Portugal in the first year and 14 days every two years after, while providing all the benefits of being a European Union resident. The main benefits of the Portuguese Golden Visa Program are: 

The relatively low minimum investment amount

Starting at €250,000, investment options include cultural and artistic project donations and investment funds. This minimum investment amount is much lower than those required for many other residencies by investment programs and Golden Visa programs around the world, with some having minimum investment requirements starting at double that amount or even more.

Visa-free travel access to the Schengen Area

The Golden Visa grants its holders visa exemption in the 29 countries within the Schengen Area. With this increased travel mobility, successful Golden Visa applicants who receive residence permits are able to enjoy travel for leisure or take business trips without the hassle of having to apply for various travel visas.

A pathway to Portuguese citizenship

After five years of legal residency in Portugal through the Golden Visa, it’s possible to apply for permanent residence status or Portuguese citizenship and, consequently, a Portuguese passport.  

The Portuguese passport is widely regarded as one of the most desirable in the world, particularly because it provides visa-free access to more than 180 countries worldwide. Please note that, to get Portuguese citizenship, you must keep your investment in Portugal for at least five years and pass an A2 level Portuguese test, amongst other requirements. 

The opportunity to live in a country with a high quality of life

Many lifestyle benefits are available to those who relocate to Portugal with the Golden Visa, as Portugal regularly ranks highly in quality-of-life indices. This is because it often scores highly for fields such as migrant acceptance, safety, cost of living, and healthcare. and it is regarded as one of the safest countries in the world. For example, Portugal ranks sixth on Global Citizen Solution’s 2024 Quality of Life Index and 20th on Numbeo’s 2024 Quality of Life Index.

Family reunification policy

When applying for the Portugal Golden Visa, it is possible to include family members in an application, granting them the same rights the main applicant has and allowing families to relocate together.

Access to education and employment opportunities

For successful Portugal Golden Visa applicants, there are opportunities to access Portugal’s public services, including education as well as the public healthcare system.

Recent Changes to the Portuguese Golden Visa Program

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In recent years, the Portuguese Golden Visa has undergone major changes, particularly in terms of the investments that qualify for the visa. There has even been speculation that the program is ending or will end.

However, the program continues to be one of the world’s most popular residency by investment schemes in 2024. In January 2022, the residential real estate investments in the major cities of Lisbon and Porto, as well as in coastal areas, were made ineligible to qualify for a Portuguese Golden Visa.

This meant that investors hoping to apply for the visa through residential real estate investments had to focus on Portugal’s interior areas as well as in its autonomous areas — Madeira and the Azores.

As the law that brought about these changes only referred to residential real estate investments, commercial real estate investments, such as the purchase of pre-approved tourist apartments and hotels were still eligible for the Portuguese Golden Visa program. Then, in October 2023, the Portuguese Government effectively ended the option to qualify for a Portuguese Golden Visa via all real estate purchases.

With the real estate investment route no longer qualifying, the opportunity to subscribe to real estate related funds was also eliminated as a qualifying investment for the Golden Visa scheme. Meanwhile, it also discontinued the option to apply for a Portuguese Golden Visa through a capital transfer, also known as the Golden Visa bank deposit option. 

Until this point, it had been possible to make a Portugal Golden Visa application by transferring €1.5 million into a Portuguese bank account or into other regulated financial institutions.  

Portuguese Golden Visa Program Investment Options

Portugal investment

Following the changes to the Portuguese Golden Visa in recent years, including the elimination of the real estate property purchase and capital transfer routes, the options available for Golden Visa investors are as follows.

Qualifying Golden Visa Investment Funds: Venture Capital Funds, Private Equity Funds, and Mutual Funds

Subscribing to investment funds, such as a private equity fund, qualifying venture capital funds, or a mutual fund, with a minimum investment of €500,000 has now become the preferred route for many investors. As well as meeting that €500,000 threshold, there are a couple of other requirements for the fund investment option. Qualifying funds are those that are focused on capitalizing companies under Portuguese law. 

Investors must be willing to maintain their fund investment for at least five years. Generally, they can expect to have access to the capital they invest within six to ten years, depending on the term of the fund or funds they select. The eligible funds often focus on specific sectors, such as energy, health, tech, agri-business, and hospitality.  

The investment fund option has several benefits for investors. For example, it offers a potential return on investment, with annual yields and expected capital appreciation outperforming other Golden Visa investment pathways. Another advantage of investment funds is that they are generally well established and managed by experts with vast experience.

Company Set Up

Foreign investors can apply for Portuguese Golden Visas by establishing or investing in a Portuguese commercial company. To qualify for the Golden Visa via this investment route, there are two options.

One option is to incorporate a company in Portugal with a share capital of at least €500,000. Investors who choose this option will be required to create five permanent jobs in the process.

The other option is to increase the share capital of an existing Portuguese company. For this option, an investor must increase the share capital by at least €500,000 and meet the job creation requirements designated by the government.

Cultural or Artistic Project Donation

Sometimes known as the Portugal Cultural Golden Visa Program, one of the most affordable investment options that qualifies for the Golden Visa is to donate €250,000 to an eligible artistic project or a project focused on preserving national cultural heritage. This project will have to be pre-approved by the Portuguese government. 

Investment in scientific research

To qualify via this route, the requirement is to invest €500,000 in research activities that are carried out by either public or private scientific research institutions

Creation of 10 jobs

This investment option requires creating 10 jobs and maintaining them over a five-year period. In low-density population areas, the number of jobs needed is reduced to eight.

New Social Golden Visa

Portugal is planning to introduce a new Social or Solidarity Golden Visa, focused on social impact. While the program is not yet finalized, it aims to grant residency to international investors who contribute at least €250,000 to social projects in Portugal.  

Part of the broader Action Plan for Migration, announced by the Portuguese Prime Minister in June, this initiative emphasizes meaningful contributions to immigrant integration and other community-focused efforts, putting social responsibility at the forefront of the Golden Visa framework.  

Which Portugal Golden Visa Investment Route to Take

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Choosing the best investment route for your Portugal Golden Visa depends on your priorities and lifestyle preferences. For example, the investment fund route offers a hands-off approach that does not require too much time. By investing in professionally managed funds, you could diversify across sectors like tech, energy, or real estate development without the responsibilities of managing assets directly. This route is particularly appealing for those seeking flexibility and long-term growth. 

 For entrepreneurs, the business and job creation route provides an opportunity to contribute to Portugal’s economy while meeting visa requirements. By establishing or supporting a business that generates jobs, you can make a tangible economic impact and potentially grow a successful enterprise. 

Another meaningful choice is the cultural or scientific contribution option, perfect for individuals passionate about supporting the arts, heritage, or innovation. With the lowest minimum investment, this route provides a lower-cost entry while fostering projects that benefit Portugal’s culture or scientific research. 

 Each of these options caters to different goals, whether you’re looking for financial growth, active involvement, or personal impact. Consulting with a financial advisor or immigration expert like Global Citizen Solutions can help you choose the path that best aligns with your objectives. 

Portugal Golden Visa Requirements and eligibility: Who is eligible for a Golden Visa in Portugal?

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Before starting the process, an applicant must ensure that they can meet the following Portugal Golden Visa requirements: 

  • Be a non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA national. 
  • Have a clean criminal record (if an applicant does not have a clean criminal record, they should seek legal counsel to assess their situation. 
  • Make a minimum investment of €250,000, with various qualifying investment options available. 
  • Be able to an average of seven days annually in Portugal, ensuring a total of 14 days throughout the validity of each two-year residence card. 

Portuguese Golden Visa Application Process

visa application

The Golden Visa Scheme process is quite straightforward but does require a bit of time. Here are the steps to follow: 

Decide on an investment option

The first step to take is to decide which of the Golden Visa investment options you are going to take. Consider the pros and cons of each option to decide which one best meets your preferences.  

Prepare the required documents

To apply for the Golden Visa, an applicant must submit a completed application form, a copy of a valid passport, proof of health insurance if the investor intends to live in Portugal, a declaration of honor stating that they will maintain the investment for five years, a criminal background check. The required documents can be changed at the discretion of the Portuguese government.

Get a Portuguese bank account and a Portuguese tax number

To apply for the Golden Visa permit, applicants are required to have a Portuguese bank account as well as a Portuguese tax number, which is known as a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal). As a non-EU citizen, you will need to have a fiscal representative to get a NIF number.  

Make the investment

In this part of the process, Golden Visa applicants transfer the money from their original bank account to their Portuguese bank account so that the money can be invested in the chosen pathway in Portugal.

Apply for the Portugal Golden Visa

At this point, a lawyer will submit an application for the Golden Visa with AIMA, which is the Portuguese government agency responsible for immigration matters, having replaced SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) in this role in late 2023.

Pre-approval for the Golden Visa

Applications are pre-approved by AIMA, provided that the applicants meet all the necessary requirements.

Attend a biometrics appointment in Portugal

Once an application is approved, the applicant should schedule a biometrics appointment in Portugal.

Receive residence permit

This is the final stage in the Golden Visa process; once an applicant receives the residence permit, it is valid for two years and renewable for two years.

Timeline: What is the timeline for the Golden Visa process?

Processing times for the entire Golden Visa journey typically range from 12 to 24 months, depending on AIMA’s workload. After submitting your application and documents online and getting it approved, scheduling and attending the in-person biometrics appointment at an AIMA office can take months or sometimes over a year to schedule.  

However, selecting less busy offices outside Lisbon can reduce waiting times. After the appointment, your residence cards are issued within six months, marking the start of your official residency. The initial Golden Visa card is valid for two years before you’ll need a renewal, requiring you to spend at least 14 days in Portugal during that time.  

The Portugal Golden Visa Residence Permit Renewal Process

The Portugal Golden Visa residence permit must be renewed every two years. After five years, you can choose to apply for permanent residency, citizenship, or continue with the Golden Visa. Recent updates also allow the waiting period for your first card to count toward the five-year citizenship requirement. 

If you choose to continue the Golden Visa and renew the residence card, it requires you to prove that you still hold the investment. 

Portuguese Golden Visa Cost

As well as meeting the minimum investment requirements, there are various other costs in applying for the Golden Visa in Portugal, including the application fee, various legal fees, and the fee for the issuance of the permit. Of course, the fees increase with any accompanying family members.

In addition to the visa costs (outlined below), you will also need to account for legal application fees, which range from €5,000 to €8,000 for single applicants and €500 to €2,000 for a dependent over 18 years of age. Children are free of charge.  

There will also be renewal legal costs to consider of around €1,000 to €2,500 for a single applicant and €500 to €2,000 for a dependent over 18 years of age. Children will also be free of charge for renewal legal fees.

Here is a breakdown of what visa costs to expect:

 Application Permit issuance Renewal (expected to be twice in a five-year period) Total cost over five years 
Single applicant €605.10 €6,045.20 €3,023.20 €12,696.70 
Couple €1,210.20 €12,090.40 €6,046.40 €24,393.40 
Family of four €2,420.40 €24,180.80 €12,092.80 €50,786.80 

Taxes: What Are the Portuguese Golden Visa Tax Implications?

Holding a Portugal Golden Visa makes you a legal resident but doesn’t automatically make you a tax resident. You’ll only pay taxes on income generated from your investments in Portugal unless you spend more than 183 days a year in the country, which would make you a tax resident.  

Portugal’s revamped 2024 Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, which previously offered tax benefits to foreign workers in certain professions, is now called the Incentivized Tax Status program (ITS) and focuses on attracting high-skilled professionals. If you meet the criteria, you could benefit from a flat tax rate of 20 percent on eligible professional income and an exemption for foreign-sourced professional income.  

Getting Portuguese Citizenship with a Golden Visa

One of the major benefits of Portugal’s Golden Visa program is that Golden Visa holders have a clear pathway toward Portuguese citizenship. With the residence permit that a Golden Visa holder receives, they are able to maintain legal residence status for five years. 

At the end of that five-year period, it’s possible to apply for either permanent residency in Portugal or to apply for Portuguese citizenship. In order to apply to become a Portuguese citizen, it’s necessary to maintain a clean criminal record as well as to reach a basic understanding of the Portuguese language (A2 level). 

It’s possible to meet the Portuguese language requirement either through a language or course or by taking a Portuguese language test. 

The New Nationality Law: Positive News for Golden Visa Holders

As we briefly touched on earlier, Portugal has introduced changes allowing residency waiting times to contribute to nationality. 

In January 2024, the Portuguese parliament approved crucial amendments to the nationality law, providing relief to numerous applicants affected by delays in the processing of residency applications by SEF, now AIMA. This significant revision focuses on the waiting period necessary for Portuguese nationality applications. The law, published on March 5, 2024, took effect on April 1, 2024. 

What are the alterations to the nationality law?

Previously, according to Article 6, Paragraph 1 of the Nationality Law, individuals seeking Portuguese nationality through naturalization had to maintain residency in Portugal for a minimum of five years, among other prerequisites. The starting date of the five years for nationality application depended on the issuance of the initial residency permit. 

With this recent legislative development, the revised Article 15, now encompassing Paragraph 1 of the nationality law, explicitly states that the time between the submission of the temporary residency permit application and its final approval will be considered in calculating the necessary legal residency period for nationality, provided the residency permit is granted.

Positive Impact on Portugal Golden Visa Applicants

These changes shorten the waiting times to apply for Portuguese nationality. For instance, individuals planning to apply for Portuguese residency in 2024 or 2025 would meet the five-year residency requirement for citizenship by 2029 or 2030, regardless of potential delays in processing the residency application. 

This change represents a significant stride towards improving the overall experience for individuals intending to relocate to Portugal or those seeking Portuguese citizenship through naturalization. 

If you are interested in getting your Golden Visa as quickly as possible with minimal delays, Global Citizen Solutions can help you out. As a boutique investment migration firm, they offer expert advice on securing a Golden Visa and will be able to guide you through the process from start to finish. See their in-depth guide on the Portugal Golden Visa for further information and to get in contact with the team.     

Frequently Asked Questions About Portugal Golden Visa

No, Portugal’s Golden Visa program is not ending, but there have been major modifications to it in recent years. For example, it is no longer possible to qualify through real estate investments or capital transfers. The Portugal Golden Visa 2024 (and 2025) qualifying investments include projects involving artistic production, fund investment, job creation, and company setup. As there have been many changes to the program in recent years, it’s advisable to keep up to date with the latest Portugal Golden Visa news. 

The Portugal Golden Visa processing times usually take between 12 to 24 months for the approval and issuance of your residence card. 

The Portugal Golden Visa allows you to stay in the country for as long as you like as long as you maintain your investment and get a renewal every two years. However, the minimum requirement to maintain your residency is just seven days per year during the first year and 14 days over each subsequent two-year period. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for those who want to retain residency without relocating full-time.  

After five years, you will have the option to apply for citizenship or permanent residency. However, you may also stick to the Golden Visa. 

The minimum investment starts at €250,000 for contributions to cultural or heritage projects, but the most popular options, like investment funds or setting up a company, begin at €500,000.  

The investment fund option is gaining popularity due to its simplicity, lower management responsibilities, and potential for diversified returns. It doesn’t require hands-on maintenance, and funds are managed by professionals, providing peace of mind for investors. Additionally, the option is eligible for the same residency benefits and offers a straightforward exit strategy. 

As well as the Portuguese Golden Visa, there are several other Golden Visa programs around Europe, including in Spain and Cyprus. One of the key differences from the Spanish program is that the Portuguese Golden Visa provides a pathway to apply for citizenship in five years, while the timeline is longer with the Spanish program, which requires a legal residency period of ten years. There is also the possibility that the Spain Golden Visa might be ending soon. 

The main difference with the Cyprus Golden Visa is that the minimum investment amount is €250,000 compared to €300,000 in Cyprus. 

An important Portugal Golden Visa change occurred in 2023, whereby the Portuguese government effectively ended the option to qualify for a Portuguese Golden Visa via all real estate purchases. With the real estate investment route no longer qualifying, the opportunity to subscribe to investment funds that focused on investing in real estate was also eliminated as a qualifying investment for the Golden Visa program.  

Meanwhile, it also discontinued the option to apply for a Portuguese Golden Visa through a capital transfer, also known as the Golden Visa bank deposit option. Until this point, it had been possible to make a Golden Visa application by transferring €1.5 million into a Portuguese bank account or into other regulated financial institutions. 

The “best” program depends on your goals and preferences. Portugal offers one of the most flexible pathways, with low residency requirements (seven days per year) and access to citizenship in just five years. Spain’s program demands more residency time, and it is possible that the program might be ending soon, while Greece’s also offers low investment thresholds, but doesn’t lead to citizenship as directly as Portugal’s. If citizenship and minimal physical presence are priorities, Portugal stands out. 

Investment options include contributions to cultural or scientific projects, investing in Portuguese venture capital or private equity funds, and creating jobs through business ventures. These options reflect Portugal’s effort to diversify investments beyond real estate and boost areas like innovation and cultural heritage. 

Your immediate family can benefit, including your spouse, children under 18, dependent children in higher education, and even your dependent parents. The program ensures your loved ones can enjoy the same residency rights and access to Portugal’s healthcare and education systems. 

The Golden Visa investment must be made directly by the main applicant as an individual. 

Yes, you can apply independently, but the process involves multiple steps, including gathering documents, meeting investment requirements, and dealing with bureaucratic formalities. Many people choose to work with professional advisors like Global Citizen Solutions to ensure a smooth process. 

While it’s not mandatory, hiring a lawyer is highly recommended. A lawyer can guide you through complex legal requirements, review contracts, and ensure your application meets all criteria, saving you time, money, and potential headaches. 

Having a Golden Visa in Portugal does not automatically make you a tax resident. Unless you spend more than 183 days a year in Portugal, you won’t need to pay taxes on your non-Portuguese income.  

However, any income generated within Portugal must be declared and taxed locally. Fortunately, Portugal’s double taxation treaties ensure you won’t face multiple taxes on the same income across different countries. 

Income generated in Portugal, such as rental income or business profits, is subject to Portuguese taxes. The rates depend on the type of income, with rental income typically taxed at a flat rate of 28 percent. Corporate and capital gains taxes also apply under specific rules. 

If you are not a tax resident in Portugal, your worldwide income is not taxed there. However, if you become a tax resident, worldwide income is subject to Portuguese taxation, though double taxation agreements can help mitigate this. 

A NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is a tax identification number required for financial activities in Portugal, such as opening a bank account or signing contracts. It’s essential for Golden Visa applicants and is easy to obtain through a local tax office or legal representative. 

You don’t need to reside full-time in Portugal. The program requires a minimum stay of just seven days per year, allowing you to live elsewhere while maintaining your residency status in Portugal. 

Currently, investments made directly with cryptocurrency are not accepted. However, you could convert cryptocurrency into Euros to make your investment for the Golden Visa. 

Yes, Americans are eligible to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa, as long as they meet the investment and application criteria. 

Yes, individuals from Hong Kong are eligible to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa, as long as they meet the investment and application criteria. 

Yes, UK citizens can apply for the Portugal Golden Visa. Following Brexit, many UK nationals are using the program to maintain ties to the EU.

The best approach to get a Golden Visa Portugal is to start by consulting with a legal or immigration expert to understand the requirements and choose the right investment type for you. From there, ensure all your documentation is accurate and complete, and work with trusted professionals to streamline the process. 

The Portugal Golden Visa allows you to stay in the country for as long as you like as long as you maintain your investment and get a renewal every two years. However, the minimum requirement to maintain your residency is just seven days per year during the first year and 14 days over each subsequent two-year period. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for those who want to retain residency without relocating full-time.  

After five years, you will have the option to apply for citizenship or permanent residency. However, you may also stick to the Golden Visa. 

The minimum investment starts at €250,000 for contributions to cultural or heritage projects, but the most popular options, like investment funds or setting up a company, begin at €500,000.  

The investment fund option is gaining popularity due to its simplicity, lower management responsibilities, and potential for diversified returns. It doesn’t require hands-on maintenance, and funds are managed by professionals, providing peace of mind for investors. Additionally, the option is eligible for the same residency benefits and offers a straightforward exit strategy. 

The minimum investment starts at €250,000 for contributions to cultural or heritage projects, but the most popular options, like investment funds or setting up a company, begin at €500,000.  

As well as the Portuguese Golden Visa, there are several other Golden Visa programs around Europe, including in Spain and Cyprus. One of the key differences from the Spanish program is that the Portuguese Golden Visa provides a pathway to apply for citizenship in five years, while the timeline is longer with the Spanish program, which requires a legal residency period of ten years. There is also the possibility that the Spain Golden Visa might be ending soon. 

The main difference with the Cyprus Golden Visa is that the minimum investment amount is €250,000 compared to €300,000 in Cyprus. 

An important Portugal Golden Visa change occurred in 2023, whereby the Portuguese government effectively ended the option to qualify for a Portuguese Golden Visa via all real estate purchases. With the real estate investment route no longer qualifying, the opportunity to subscribe to investment funds that focused on investing in real estate was also eliminated as a qualifying investment for the Golden Visa program.  

Meanwhile, it also discontinued the option to apply for a Portuguese Golden Visa through a capital transfer, also known as the Golden Visa bank deposit option. Until this point, it had been possible to make a Golden Visa application by transferring €1.5 million into a Portuguese bank account or into other regulated financial institutions. 

The “best” program depends on your goals and preferences. Portugal offers one of the most flexible pathways, with low residency requirements (seven days per year) and access to citizenship in just five years. Spain’s program demands more residency time, and it is possible that the program might be ending soon, while Greece’s also offers low investment thresholds, but doesn’t lead to citizenship as directly as Portugal’s. If citizenship and minimal physical presence are priorities, Portugal stands out. 

Investment options include contributions to cultural or scientific projects, investing in Portuguese venture capital or private equity funds, and creating jobs through business ventures. These options reflect Portugal’s effort to diversify investments beyond real estate and boost areas like innovation and cultural heritage. 

Your immediate family can benefit, including your spouse, children under 18, dependent children in higher education, and even your dependent parents. The program ensures your loved ones can enjoy the same residency rights and access to Portugal’s healthcare and education systems. 

The Golden Visa investment must be made directly by the main applicant as an individual. 

Yes, you can apply independently, but the process involves multiple steps, including gathering documents, meeting investment requirements, and dealing with bureaucratic formalities. Many people choose to work with professional advisors like Global Citizen Solutions to ensure a smooth process. 

While it’s not mandatory, hiring a lawyer is highly recommended. A lawyer can guide you through complex legal requirements, review contracts, and ensure your application meets all criteria, saving you time, money, and potential headaches. 

Having a Golden Visa in Portugal does not automatically make you a tax resident. Unless you spend more than 183 days a year in Portugal, you won’t need to pay taxes on your non-Portuguese income.  

However, any income generated within Portugal must be declared and taxed locally. Fortunately, Portugal’s double taxation treaties ensure you won’t face multiple taxes on the same income across different countries. 

Income generated in Portugal, such as rental income or business profits, is subject to Portuguese taxes. The rates depend on the type of income, with rental income typically taxed at a flat rate of 28 percent. Corporate and capital gains taxes also apply under specific rules. 

If you are not a tax resident in Portugal, your worldwide income is not taxed there. However, if you become a tax resident, worldwide income is subject to Portuguese taxation, though double taxation agreements can help mitigate this. 

A NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is a tax identification number required for financial activities in Portugal, such as opening a bank account or signing contracts. It’s essential for Golden Visa applicants and is easy to obtain through a local tax office or legal representative. 

You don’t need to reside full-time in Portugal. The program requires a minimum stay of just seven days per year, allowing you to live elsewhere while maintaining your residency status in Portugal. 

Currently, investments made directly with cryptocurrency are not accepted. However, you could convert cryptocurrency into Euros to make your investment for the Golden Visa. 

Yes, Americans are eligible to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa, as long as they meet the investment and application criteria. 

Yes, individuals from Hong Kong are eligible to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa, as long as they meet the investment and application criteria. 

Yes, UK citizens can apply for the Portugal Golden Visa. Following Brexit, many UK nationals are using the program to maintain ties to the EU.

The best approach to get a Golden Visa Portugal is to start by consulting with a legal or immigration expert to understand the requirements and choose the right investment type for you. From there, ensure all your documentation is accurate and complete, and work with trusted professionals to streamline the process. 

No, Portugal’s Golden Visa program is not ending, but there have been major modifications to it in recent years. For example, it is no longer possible to qualify through real estate investments or capital transfers. The Portugal Golden Visa 2024 (and 2025) qualifying investments include projects involving artistic production, fund investment, job creation, and company setup. As there have been many changes to the program in recent years, it’s advisable to keep up to date with the latest Portugal Golden Visa news.  

The Portugal Golden Visa processing times usually take between 12 to 24 months for the approval and issuance of your residence card. 

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