VIEN

Portugal residency by investment

Introduction

The Portugal residency by investment programme from Prosperous Living Investment (PLI) supports investors in obtaining a Golden Visa through the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI) programme — an EU residency path without the need for permanent residency.
Investment from €250,000 in a cultural project or €500,000 in an investment fund, including spouse, children and dependent parents. Requires a stay of only 7 days/year in Portugal, with visa-free Schengen travel. EU citizenship pathway after 10 years of legal residence under the amended nationality law.
Introduction to Portugal Residency by Investment

Programme Overview

Investment level

From €250,000 EURO (cultural projects in low-density areas) or €500,000 EURO (investment funds). Real estate investment has not been eligible since October 2023.

Processing time

From 12 to 18 months from the submission of a complete application. The first residence permit is valid for 2 years, renewable every 2 years.

Benefits

The right to live, work, and study in Portugal. Free travel throughout the entire Schengen area. Unlimited renewals if the investment is maintained.

Residence requirement

Minimum of 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent 2-year period. The lowest residency requirement among European Golden Visa programmes.

Family

Includes spouse, financially dependent children under 26, and dependent parents of both the investor and spouse. No additional investment required for dependents.

Citizenship

Eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship after 10 years of legal residence (7 years for EU/CPLP citizens) under the amended nationality law. The Portuguese (EU) passport offers visa-free travel to over 180 countries.

Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa

Flexible EU residency
The Golden Visa grants residency rights in Portugal and free travel throughout all 29 Schengen countries. Only 7 days/year in Portugal required — no need to relocate or change your current lifestyle.
Live and work
Residents are free to live, work, study, and conduct business in Portugal without restriction. Access to high-quality education, public healthcare, and a lower cost of living than most of Western Europe.
EU citizenship pathway
After 10 years of legal residence, investors are eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship. An EU passport grants visa-free access to over 180 countries, including the right to live and work in all EU member states.
Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa
Investment with profit potential
Private investment funds in Portugal have the potential for returns of up to 8–10% per year depending on the strategy. Capital can be recovered after the holding period is complete (usually 6–10 years).
No need to abandon the investment after 5 years
After 5 years, investors are eligible to apply for permanent residence. Upon receiving permanent resident status, there is no need to maintain the investment — capital can be fully liquidated.
Security and quality of life
Portugal is ranked 7th in the world for safety (Global Peace Index 2025). Mild climate, famous cuisine, a large expatriate community, and English is widely spoken.

Residency by investment pathway

Private investment funds

Private investment funds

Minimum investment of €500,000 EURO in private equity or venture capital funds approved for the Golden Visa. At least 60% of the fund's capital must be allocated to Portuguese companies. Minimum holding period of 6 years. The most popular form currently, suitable for passive investors who do not wish to manage directly. Potential returns of up to 8–10% per year.
Cultural project contribution

Cultural project contribution

Minimum contribution of €250,000 EURO (low-density areas) or €500,000 EURO (other areas) to government-approved cultural, artistic, or heritage conservation projects. The contribution is non-refundable. The lowest investment level among Portugal Golden Visa options.
Business establishment

Business establishment

Minimum investment of €500,000 EURO in a business in Portugal and the creation of at least 5 jobs, or the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs (8 in low-density areas) with no minimum investment required. Suitable for entrepreneurs looking to expand business operations in the EU market.

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Programme requirements

Lawful source of funds

Proof of the legal origin of all investment capital. Open a bank account in Portugal before submitting the application. Provide financial records proving financial capacity.

Investment level

Investment funds: €500,000 EURO. Cultural projects: from €250,000 EURO. Business + jobs: €500,000 EURO + 5 jobs. Job creation without investment: minimum 10 jobs. Real estate investment is no longer eligible.

Health insurance

The investor and all dependents must have valid health insurance in Portugal. Private insurance or public health insurance (after receiving residency) are both accepted.

Bank account

A bank account must be opened in Portugal before submitting the application. PLI assists in connecting with partner banks to open accounts remotely or in person.

Education and language

There are no Portuguese language proficiency, qualification, business experience or maximum age limit requirements when submitting an application. A2-level Portuguese is only required when applying for citizenship (after 10 years).

Background

No criminal record (in Portugal and the country of residence). Not currently under criminal investigation. Must pass the due diligence process of AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum).

Implementation process

Secure a Portugal Golden Visa for your entire family with the expert team at Prosperous Living Investment.

Consultation and selection

PLI specialists assess your financial situation, residency goals, and family size. We provide consultation on the most suitable investment route: investment funds, cultural projects, or business ventures. We assist with opening a bank account in Portugal. Duration: 2–4 weeks.

Finalise investment and prepare documentation

The investor completes the transfer of funds into the chosen fund, cultural project, or business. PLI works with Portuguese legal counsel to prepare the application, including proof of funds, health insurance, criminal records, and supporting documents. Duration: 4–8 weeks.

Submit application and await approval

The application is submitted to AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) via the ARI Portal system. AIMA conducts due diligence, background checks, and review. The residency period begins from the date of submission. Duration: 12–18 months.

Provide biometrics and receive residence card

The investor and their family travel to Portugal to provide biometric data at an AIMA office. Receive a Golden Visa residence card valid for 2 years (renewable every 2 years). Time to receive the card: approximately 4 months after approval.

Apply for Portuguese citizenship

After 10 years of legal residence (7 years for EU/CPLP citizens) under the amended nationality law, investors are eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship. Requirements include an A2-level Portuguese language certificate, a clean criminal record, and proof of ties to the community. An EU passport offers visa-free access to over 180 countries.
Free Consultation

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Prosperous Living Investment is with you from the first assessment to the day residence or citizenship is granted — transparent, professional and entirely personal.

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Why choose PLI?
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Effectiveness

There is no one-size-fits-all here. Prosperous Living builds a personal strategy for each file based on financial capacity, business experience and family goals. That strategic approach makes the best use of time and resources and improves the chance of success.

Transparency

Prosperous Living advises within the law, works to a clear process and keeps up with the latest policy from each host government. Every pathway, cost and risk is explained in detail from the outset, so clients can make their investment decision with complete peace of mind.

Professionalism

The Prosperous Living advisory team works to a standard process, coordinating closely between immigration specialists, legal experts and partners worldwide. From assessment and documentation to post-arrival support, every step is methodical and joined up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are common questions from clients regarding the Portugal residency by investment programme. If you require more detailed consultation, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

From €250,000 for a cultural project in a low-density area, or €500,000 for a private equity fund (the most popular route). Real estate investment has not been eligible since October 2023 under the Mais Habitação law. Programme conditions are as announced by the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA).

Processing time is 12 to 18 months from the date of full application submission. The initial residence card is valid for 2 years, renewable every 2 years. The residency period counts from the date of submission, helping to shorten the path to citizenship.

The Golden Visa includes a spouse, dependent children under 26, and dependent parents of both the investor and their spouse. No additional investment is required for dependents, only administrative fees per family member.

Residency requirements are very low: a minimum of 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent 2-year period. Investors can continue to live and work in Vietnam, only needing to visit Portugal for the minimum required duration.

No. Since October 2023, direct real estate investment and real estate-related investment funds are no longer eligible for the Golden Visa. Current eligible routes include private equity funds (non-real estate related), cultural projects, and establishing a business/job creation.

It depends on the investment route. Private equity funds: capital may be recovered after the holding period (typically 6–10 years), with potential for returns. Cultural projects: non-refundable contributions. Once permanent residency is obtained (after 5 years), there is no need to maintain the investment.

Yes. Under the amended citizenship law, investors are eligible to apply for citizenship after 10 years of legal residence (7 years for EU/CPLP citizens). Requirements include an A2-level Portuguese language certificate, a clean criminal record, and proof of ties to the community.

Government fees: approximately €6,300 for the first residence card, approximately €3,500 for each renewal (every 2 years). Legal fees: from €5,000 for the first year, approximately €1,500 for each renewal. Additional fees apply for each dependent. PLI provides a detailed cost breakdown during consultation.