Essential advantages of the program
Enjoy visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area with your Portuguese residence permit, making business and leisure travel seamless.
Maintain your residency with just 7 days stay in the first year and 14 days in subsequent two-year periods.
Include your spouse, children under 18, dependent adult children, and dependent parents in your application.
Financial advantages and opportunities
Choose from various investment routes including €500,000 in funds, research activities, or commercial companies.
Access to Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime with potential tax exemptions on foreign-source income.
Right to work or start a business in Portugal, with access to local and EU markets.
Quality of life improvements
Access Portugal's high-quality education system, including prestigious universities with programs in English.
Access Portugal's comprehensive National Health Service (SNS) and public healthcare system.
Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship after just 5 years, one of the fastest routes in Europe.
Important: As of 2024, real estate investments are no longer eligible for the Golden Visa program. The focus has shifted to capital investments, job creation, and cultural projects.
Duration: 1-2 weeks
Choose from the 2025 qualifying investment options. Each option has different requirements and benefits.
Capital transfer for investment funds/venture capital
Investment in qualified research activities
Commercial company with job creation
Preserving national cultural heritage
Creation of 10 jobs through company incorporation
Duration: 2-4 weeks
Prepare all essential documents required for your Golden Visa application. Ensure all documents are properly authenticated and translated.
Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Criminal record certificates from your country
Proof of health insurance coverage in Portugal
Portuguese tax number (NIF)
Portuguese bank account documentation
Proof of investment funds origin
Declaration of tax obligations compliance
Duration: 2-6 weeks
Complete your chosen investment and obtain all necessary documentation to prove your qualifying investment.
Execute the selected investment option
Obtain official documentation proving investment
Register investment with relevant authorities
Maintain investment for the required period
Document job creation if applicable
Duration: 3-6 months
Submit your complete application to the Portuguese immigration authorities (SEF) and attend any required appointments.
Book appointment with SEF (Immigration Office)
Submit complete application package
Pay relevant application fees
Provide biometric data
Attend interview if required
Duration: Ongoing
Maintain your Portuguese residency by meeting the minimal physical presence requirements and keeping your investment active.
Stay in Portugal for 7 days in first year
14 days in subsequent 2-year periods
Maintain your qualifying investment
Keep health insurance valid
Comply with tax obligations
Make a minimum investment of €250,000 to €500,000 in approved options including investment funds, scientific research, business ventures, or cultural heritage projects.
Be a citizen of a country outside the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland to qualify for the program.
Provide criminal record certificates from your country of residence and citizenship, demonstrating no serious criminal convictions.
Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity and provide all required supporting documentation.
Obtain comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in Portugal for yourself and any family members included in your application.
Provide documentation showing the legal source and origin of your investment funds, including bank statements and financial records.
Obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF) which is required for all financial transactions and investments in Portugal.
Commit to spending a minimum of 7 days per year in Portugal to maintain your residency status and path to citizenship.
See how our specialized focus and expertise sets us apart from traditional immigration firms
| Feature | Zoark | Traditional Immigration Firms | General Law Firms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Area | Exclusively Golden Visas | Multiple visa types and immigration services | Various legal services including immigration |
| Golden Visa Expertise | 10+ years specialized experience | Varies by firm | Limited or outsourced |
| Geographic Coverage | All major Golden Visa jurisdictions | Often limited to specific regions | Usually single country |
| Processing Time | Optimized for fastest processing | Standard processing times | Often longer due to broader focus |
| Investment Advisory | Deep market knowledge across all programs | Basic investment guidance | Limited investment expertise |
Unlike firms that handle multiple visa types, we focus exclusively on Golden Visas. This specialization means deeper expertise, faster processing, and better results for our clients.
As part of the MovingTo global network, we leverage extensive resources and experience from helping thousands of clients relocate successfully worldwide.
We operate across all major Golden Visa jurisdictions, offering unbiased comparisons and recommendations based on your specific needs and goals.
Our team brings over 10 years of focused experience in Golden Visa programs, ensuring expert guidance through every step of your investment and application.
Benefit from our deep understanding of investment options across all programs, helping you make informed decisions aligned with your financial goals.
Get personalized attention from a team that focuses solely on Golden Visas, ensuring your application receives the expertise and attention it deserves.
As of 2025, the main options are: €500,000 investment in qualifying investment funds, €500,000 investment in scientific research, €500,000 in business with job creation, or €250,000 in cultural heritage projects. Real estate investments are no longer eligible. View detailed costs
Investment funds must be regulated by CMVM (Portuguese Securities Market Commission), with a minimum 5-year investment period. These funds typically invest in technology, real estate development, and sustainable projects. View fund list
Key documents include: valid passport, criminal record certificates, proof of health insurance, proof of investment funds' origin, Portuguese tax number (NIF), Portuguese bank account, and proof of the qualifying investment.
Yes, additional costs include: government processing fees (approximately €5,325 for main applicant), legal fees (€8,000-€15,000), translation costs, and bank account setup fees. Family members have additional fees of around €5,000 each.
Golden Visa holders need to spend only 7 days per year in Portugal to maintain the visa. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence or citizenship, provided you pass the A2 Portuguese language test. View statistics
The Golden Visa allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. Once permanent residence is obtained, you gain unlimited access to live and work in any EU country. Compare programs
Yes, Golden Visa holders have the right to work, study, and conduct business activities in Portugal. You can work as an employee or start your own business without additional permits.
No Portuguese language skills are required for the Golden Visa itself. However, for citizenship after 5 years, you must pass an A2 level Portuguese language test.
Golden Visa holders who spend less than 183 days in Portugal are considered non-tax residents. If you become tax resident, you may be eligible for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime. Learn about tax benefits
