Portugal began its Golden Visa scheme in 2012. The Portugal Golden Visa is an immigrant investor program by the government of Portugal that grants residency to individuals who make qualifying investments such as investment fund subscriptions, business and job creation, scientific research, or cultural heritage supportAs of 2026, the country has attracted 9 billion euros of funds invested through the program. As of 2024, the Portugal Golden Visa no longer includes real estate investment as an eligible option.

Why Portugal

Portugal is a top pick for these reasons.

Safest country in the World
Wam Climate and Sunny Beaches.
Stable currency and country.
Reduced citizenship time for CPLP nationals.
Immigrant friendly country.
Low cost of living.
Gateway to Americas, Middle East and Africa.
High yield property market.
Proximity to Americas, Middle East and Africa.
High quality of living.
World class healthcare and medical care.
Modern infrastructure.
Free education at public schools.
Destination for Expats and Retirees.

Top Investment Funds

Private Equity and Venture capital investment funds

Prime Fund

€300,000

Hospitality fund
Financed option
Low fees / Low risk
Golden Visa

Details

Mercan Fund

€500,000

Hospitality Fund
Low Fees
2% IRR
Golden visa

Details

Capital Green

€500,000

Credit Fund
No Fees
IRR 8%
Golden Visa

Details

Horizon Fund

€500,000

Open End Fund
Bitcoin ETF Assets
IRR 15-20%
Golden Visa

Details

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Download Presentation and Brochure in PDF format

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Portugal Investment Funds

Most popular eligible pathway to secure Portugal golden visa. What makes VC/PE investment funds so attractive.

Capital fully recoverable.
Attractive fund returns.
Low risk investments.
Financing option available.
5 year exit period.
Low fees compared to real estate.
Tax free investment.
Apply for Portuguese nationality.
Flexible investment funds.
Popular among US investors

€500,000 onwards

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How to Get

Portugal Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

We clear some of the confusions between Golde n visa and Citizenship by Investment in Program. Portugal does not have a direct “Citizenship by Investment” program in the literal sense.

Golden visa provides a indirect pathway to citizenship.
Visa free travel within schengen area.
Apply for Citizenship after 5 years.
Maintain 7 day per year residency.
Pass A2 Portuguese language test.
Enter and Exit Portugal anytime.
Maintain your investment.

Portugal is the only EU country to offer passport without physically moving to the country.

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Artistic & Cultural Donation

Invest in cultural and art projects in Portugal .

One time donation to national and public.
ROI available.
Discounted for low density regions.
Eligible for ARI Golden visa
DGARTES and GEPAC approval required.

€200,000 onwards

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Portugal Permanent Residency

Secure Permanent Resident status in Portugal via Golden visa program. A highly attractive option for Golden visa holders who wish to become a long term permanent residents with settled status in the EU.

Time- After 5 years of Golden visa status.
Low Stay requirement – 7 days per year or 14 days every two years
Divest investment after PR is granted.
A2 language test required.
Flexible absence permitted.
Average processing time 6 months.

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Investment Options

Portugal Investment Funds

Details

Funds

Artistic/Cultural Golden Visa

Details

Naturalization for Citizenship

Become a full fledged EU citizen acquiring citizenship in Portugal.

Wait Time- After 5 years of holding golden visa
Minimal Stay requirement – 7 days per year or 14 days every two years
Divest investment 5 years
A2 language test required.

Conditions

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Minimal residence requirement

Residence Conditions

7 days / year

7 days per year or 14 days per 2 years.
Prolong the permit after one or two years.
Must appear in person for biometrics.
Appoint a proxy or lawyer for application process.

Conditions

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Portugal Golden Visa

Processing Timeline

AIMA has significantly cleared up backlogs and improved processing times in 2026.

12-18 months

Stage 1 – Open bank account, Tax and SS number – 3 months
Stage 2 – Transfer investment
Stage 3 – AIMA application filing
Stage 4 – Biometrics appointment
Stage 5 – AIMA Approval
Stage 6 – Residence cards printed.

Details

Schengen Residence Permit

ARI Residence Permit

Portugal’s temporary residence permits are typically valid for one year, extendable for two-year periods. After five years of legal residency, individuals may apply for permanent residence with minimum physical presence.

Initial – 1 year
First Renewal – 2 years
Second Renewal – 2 years.

Golden Visa Fees

AIMA Fees

AIMA charges the following fees for ARI golden visa applications on top of the investment

Application Fee – €618,60*
Approval Fee – €6.179,40*
Renewal Fee – €3,090.40*

* Applicable Fee per applicant.

All Fees

Note: Renewal fee applies for Residence permit extensions.

American Investors

U.S Citizens

Americans are the top investors in Portugal GV program. There are no restrictions for US persons to invest in GV program. Flexible investment options available including open and closed end funds managed by top fund managers are open for investing.

US investors need to be careful about reporting requirements.

Open Bank account with FATCA compliant Portugal bank.
Passive foreign investment company (PFIC)
Self Directed 401k transfers
FATCA compliance
FBAR reporting

Details

Portugal Investment Funds

Golden Visa Eligible Funds

To be eligible for ARI golden visa, requires acquisition of units of Private equity (PE) funds which invest in companies not listed in stock market or venture capital (VC) fund of funds dedicated to the capitalisation of startups companies.

The Fund must meet the following conditions.

About 60% of the capital invested in Portuguese companies.
Approved by CMVM securities commission.
Must not have exposure directly or indirectly into real estate market.
Head office in national territory
Investment returns must not be guaranteed.
Capital must be locked for 5 year period.

How to Invest

Private Equity and Venture Capital

Portugal Investment funds

Portugal manages about 30 billion euros of funds in the market. investment fund route is one of the easiest routes to invest in a golden visa for those who seek capital growth and appreciation. It is also a better option compared to real estate ownership

Popular Funds

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ’s

Can i invest in real estate?

This route is long closed. Alternatively you can invest in hospitality funds which invests in hotel operations.

What are the additional fees involved?

Additional fee are AIMA fees, Lawyer fee. We do not charge agency fee.

Can you recommend a lawyer in Portugal?

Yes, we can provide you a lawyer, highly recommended to seek qualified advice.

What is the current processing time?

AIMA currently processes GV applications in 12-15 months or sooner depending on your case.

When can i apply for citizenship?

After 5 years of legally in Portugal. Rules could change soon.

Is it obligatory to open bank account?

It is optional. Instead you can use jumbo accounts to transfer funds from abroad.

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Visa Free Travel

Portugal Passport

Portugal’s passport is a well respected and highly recognized EU travel document that has excellent visa free, eVisa and Visa on arrival benefits in over 250+ countries and territories

Global Passport Strength – 6th
Visa Free countries – 185+

Full List

Latest News

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“….Experts in Portugal Golden Visa Investment funds.. Great advice and highly recommend them for Americans..”

JANE, USA

“…Our application process was smooth and efficient despite AIMA delays…Great customer support.”

ANSARI, UAE

“Our case was complicated. Despite some hiccups opening bank account and they provided proper legal advice with citizenship…”

MAHMOUD, UK