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The Portuguese Golden Visa is a visa that allows applicants and their family members to reside in Portugal. The Golden visa was introduced in October 2012 with the aim of attracting money into the country after the economic crisis of 2008.
The Golden visa gives non-EU nationals the opportunity to gain residency for 5 years through an investment program. This allows successful applicants the opportunity to live, work and study in Portugal, plus you can also circulate within Europe’s Schengen area.
Beginners Guide to Portugal Golden Visa
In this video, I sat down with Maria from MAP Advogados to discuss the Portugal Golden Visa and the process of how to gain Portuguese residency.
Conatct Maria Ana Pescadinha from MAP Advogados via;
- Website: https://map-advogados.com/en/
- Email: geral@map-advogados.com
- Phone: +351 926 180 655
Golden Visa Investment Options
As part of the Golden Visa investment program, you need to make an investment in the country before you apply. These range between real estate, financial contributions, job creation or donations;
- Purchase Property (Residential) – Buy property worth over €500,000. Properties can no longer be purchased along the coast.
- Purchase Property (Commercial) – Buy property for commercial use for over €500,000. Properties can be purchased anywhere.
- Purchase Property (Madeira or Azores) – Buy a property in the Madeira or Azores islands for over €500,000
- Make a Donation – Make a donation to the arts or reconstruction of the national heritage of over €250,000.
- Create Jobs – Create 10 jobs and company incorporation amounting to more than €500,000
- Contribute to Scientific Research – Make a contribution to science or technology research of over €500,000.
- Contribute to a Fund – Make a contribution to an investment qualified fund of at least €500,000
- Make a Capital Transfer – Make a capital transfer of over €1.5 million.
How much does the Golden Visa Cost?
Outside of the investments, you make as part of your Golden Visa, you’ll also have to pay fees for your application and renewal.
When you first submit your application, you will need to pay roughly €533 per person. When the Golden Visa is approved, and you go to Portugal for the appointment to obtain your ID card, you pay around €5,622.
At renewal (after 2 years), you then need to renew for another 3 years. At this point, you’ll need to pay around €2,600.
What Documents are Required for a Portuguese Golden Visa?
As part of your Golden Visa process, you’ll need to present the following documents as part of your application;
- Application form
- Valid Passport and Copy for each person on the application
- Receipt of payment of the Portuguese golden visa fees
- Health Insurance Policy
- Criminal record check from your country of origin
- Portuguese criminal record check authorisation
- Proof of no outstanding debts from the Portuguese Tax & Customs Authority and Social Security system
- Declaration from your Portuguese bank confirming the transfer of funds
- Proof of the minimum Portuguese Golden Visa investment (i.e. property deeds, fund transfers, etc.)
- Signed declaration with intent to follow the investment requirements
Can I add my family to a Golden Visa Application?
Yes, you can add family members to your Golden Visa Application. This includes;
- Spouse or Partner (proof of living together for 2 years is required)
- Any children under 18 years old or under 26 who are unmarried in full-time education.
- Parents over 66 years old.
Portuguese D7 Visa vs Golden Visa
The main difference between a D7 and a golden visa is the fees that you have to pay to the government. For example, if you apply for a golden visa, you pay €533 more or less per applicant.
When you submit this D7, you pay around €100 to €150. Then when you apply for your ID card with the D7, you pay €156. ID card with the golden Visa, you pay €5,600. When you renew your D7, you pay around €50. When you renew your golden Visa, you pay around €2600.
The golden Visa is good for those who are travelling around the world. This is because they don’t have time to spend in the country and can be in Portugal only for seven days out of 365.
With D7, it’s different. You have to spend six months in a row in Portugal or eight months with small gaps. Those six months start counting when your D7 ID card is issued. It’s not the civil year; it’s the time the card was issued.
