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GOLDEN
VISA TAILORED TO BUYERS

The Portugal Golden Visa programme, also referred to as the residence permit for investment activity (ARI), started in 2012 to provide non-EU citizens with the opportunity to become a permanent resident or citizen in Portugal in only five years.

Since this date, it has become one of the most sought-after residency by investment programmes worldwide, with more than 10,000 applicants having received their Golden Visas. As of 2024, the Portuguese Authorities began to implement changes which limit the Golden Visa Programme to investment projects, job creation, national heritage and investment funds.

Property investments no longer qualify in any region of Portugal.
For more precise information regarding the allowed locations, please contact Sardo. What is a golden visa?

As a golden visa holder you may:

  • Enter Portugal without requiring a residence visa
  • Live and work in Portugal, having to stay in the country for a mere 7 days in the first year and only 14 days in the following years
  • Travel freely throughout the Schengen area
  • Benefit from family reunification
  • Apply for a Permanent Residence Permit according to the Foreigners’ Act
  • Apply for Portuguese nationality, through naturalization, fulfilling the other requirements of the Nationality Law
  • Qualify for the NHR tax residence regime if you wish to invest

How to apply
for a golden visa?

The Golden Visa application in Portugal is a relatively simple process

Investment Type

Initiate the process by analysing the list of available investment types to decide which one is applies best to you.

engage lawyer

Acquire a NIF (a fiscal identification number required for all financial activity), bank account and all other vital documentation to deliver to your lawyer. If you don´t have your own lawyer, we can make introductions to trusted law firms with a vast experience and transparency on fees.

finalise investment

Now that you have selected your ideal investment type, you must proceed with the payment of the fees and secure your investment in Portugal.

SUBMIT PRE-APPLICATION

Once your qualifying investment has been made and your paperwork is all in order, you may submit your pre-application online to the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (SEF). In most cases, this will be performed by your law firm, who will notify you if there are any missing documents. The duration of this process is approximately 2 months, from the date you submit your documents until your appointment date.

SEF APPOINTMENT

After SEF has analysed your pre-application, they will provide you with available dates to schedule a biometrics appointment.

receive golden visa

Once yours and your dependants´ Golden Visa residence cards are ready, they will be collected and sent to you by your law firm or professional advisor. You will receive your cards about 4 months after your biometrics appointment is concluded.

timeline

Year 0

Your first application for residency will take between 3 to 8 months to process. This initial permit is valid for 2 years.

Year 2

Three months prior to your first residency card expiring, you (and your family, if applicable) must travel to Portugal to renew your applications. Once the residency visa is renewed, it will be valid for another two years.

Year 4

Three months before the second residency card expires, you must return to Portugal to renew your applications. The renewed residency visa will then be valid for another year.

Year 5

At the end of year 5, you have the following options: • Apply for citizenship • Apply for Golden Visa Permanent Residency • Apply for Normal Permanent Residency • Continue to renew the Golden Visa

WHO CAN
APPLY? Nationals of Third Countries (non-European Union/EEE nationals).

Individuals without a record of convictions of crimes punishable in Portugal.

Individuals with no legal accessibility issues to the Schengen Territories. The minimum requirements to
obtain the Golden Visa in 2024:
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