Who is eligible to apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa?

Who is Eligible to Apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa in 2025?

Eligibility Criteria for Portugal’s Golden Visa

1. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Nationality:
   • Applicants must be citizens of a country outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland.
   • Examples: Eligible nationalities include those from the United States, Canada, China, India, Brazil, the UAE, and South Africa, among others.
   • EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are ineligible, as they already have residency rights in Portugal.
2. Minimum Age:
   • Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
   • There is no upper age limit, making the program accessible to retirees or older investors.
3. Qualifying Investment:
   • Applicants must make and maintain one of the following investments for at least five years:
     • €500,000 in a CMVM-approved investment fund (e.g., venture capital, private equity).
     • €500,000 in scientific research at an accredited Portuguese institution.
     • €500,000 in a business creating five full-time jobs for three years, or create 10 jobs (eight in low-density areas) without a minimum investment.
     • €250,000 donation to cultural heritage or artistic projects (€200,000 in low-density areas).
   • Note: Real estate investments are no longer eligible as of October 2023.
   • The investment must be made from the applicant’s own funds, with proof of legal source (e.g., bank statements, tax returns).
4. Clean Criminal Record:
   • Applicants (and family members over 16) must have no criminal convictions, verified by:
     • A criminal record certificate from their country of residence or citizenship.
     • A Portuguese criminal record check.
   • Minor offenses may be evaluated case-by-case, but serious crimes (e.g., fraud, money laundering) disqualify applicants.
5. Health Insurance:
   • Applicants and included family members must hold private health insurance valid in Portugal, covering medical expenses during stays.
   • Proof of coverage is required at application and renewal.
6. Financial Means:
   • While not explicitly quantified, applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves (and dependents) in Portugal, beyond the investment.
   • This is typically satisfied by the investment itself and supporting financial documents.

Family Members Eligible for Inclusion

• Spouse or Legal Partner: Legally married or in a recognized civil union (including same-sex partnerships).
• Dependent Children:
  • Under 18 (biological, adopted, or stepchildren).
  • Aged 18–26, if unmarried, financially dependent, and enrolled full-time in education.
• Dependent Parents: Parents of the applicant or spouse, typically 65+ or fully dependent due to financial or health reasons.
• Each family member must provide documentation (e.g., birth/marriage certificates, proof of dependency) and meet criminal record and health insurance requirements.

Restrictions and Ineligibility

• EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: As they already have residency rights, they cannot apply.
• Sanctioned Individuals: Applicants from countries under international sanctions (e.g., certain individuals from Russia, as of 2025) may face restrictions or heightened scrutiny.
• Illegal Funds: Investments must come from legal sources; failure to prove this (e.g., via due diligence) results in rejection.
• Criminal History: Serious or recent convictions, especially related to financial crimes, disqualify applicants.
• Incomplete Applications: Missing documents or unverified investments lead to denial.

Application Process and Eligibility Verification

1. Choose Investment: Select a qualifying option (e.g., fund, donation) and make the investment.
2. Gather Documents: Submit passports, criminal records, proof of funds, health insurance, and investment evidence (apostilled/translated if needed).
3. Submit to AIMA: Apply via the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (AIMA) ARI portal or a consulate, typically with a lawyer’s assistance.
4. Due Diligence: AIMA verifies nationality, criminal records, and fund legality, coordinating with international authorities if necessary.
5. Approval: Approved applicants attend a biometrics appointment in Portugal and receive a two-year residence card.

Benefits for Eligible Applicants

• Residency: Live, work, and study in Portugal, with access to healthcare and education.
• Schengen Mobility: Visa-free travel across 27 Schengen countries for 90 days out of 180.
• Citizenship Path: After five years, apply for permanent residency or citizenship with a basic A2 Portuguese test, granting an EU passport.
• Family Inclusion: Secure residency for loved ones under one investment.
• Minimal Residency: Only 7 days per year required, ideal for non-relocating investors.

Key Considerations

• Nationality Restrictions: While open to most non-EU nationalities, applicants from high-risk or sanctioned countries may face delays or rejections due to enhanced due diligence.
• Document Accuracy: Errors in documents (e.g., unapostilled certificates) can delay or derail applications. Engage a lawyer to ensure compliance.
• Investment Choice: Eligibility hinges on a compliant investment. For example, only CMVM-approved funds qualify, and businesses must meet job creation thresholds.
• Tax Planning: Residency may trigger tax obligations, though the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime offers benefits. Consult a tax advisor.
• Processing Time: Complex backgrounds (e.g., multiple citizenships, intricate finances) can extend due diligence, pushing timelines toward 12 months.

Updates as of April 2025

• No Eligibility Changes: The non-EU/EEA/Swiss rule and other criteria remain unchanged since the 2023 reforms, which focused on removing real estate.
• AIMA Improvements: AIMA’s streamlined processes ensure eligibility checks are completed within 6–12 months, with no significant backlogs reported.
• Sanctions Context: Ongoing global sanctions (e.g., against certain Russian nationals) continue to influence due diligence, but the program remains open to most nationalities.

Tips for Applicants

1. Verify Nationality: Confirm non-EU/EEA/Swiss status early to avoid wasted effort.
2. Hire a Lawyer: A certified immigration specialist ensures investment and document compliance, reducing rejection risks.
3. Prove Fund Legality: Prepare clear financial records (e.g., bank statements, sale deeds) to pass due diligence swiftly.
4. Include Family Early: Adding dependents later requires separate applications, increasing costs and time.
5. Act Promptly: While stable, the program could face future reforms, so apply sooner to secure eligibility.

Conclusion