Feature | PTPortugal | ITItaly | GRGreece |
---|---|---|---|
Minimum Investment | €250K - €500K | €250K - €500K | €250K - €500K |
Investment Type | Funds, Cultural Heritage | Real Estate, Funds | Real Estate, Funds |
Tax Program Duration | 10 years (NHR 2.0) | 15 years (Flat Tax) | 15 years (Non-Dom) |
Professional Income Tax | 20% (qualifying jobs) | €100K/year flat rate | €100K/year flat rate |
Cryptocurrency Taxation | Tax-free (365+ days) | Standard rates apply | Standard rates apply |
Annual Stay Requirement | 7 days | 183 days | None |
Citizenship Timeline | 5 years* (proposed 10) | 10 years | 7 years |
Processing Status | Significant backlog | Regular processing | Regular processing |
Step-by-step timeline for securing your Portuguese Golden Visa
Choose between €500K investment fund or €250K cultural heritage donation. Submit digital application through AIMA portal. Current processing takes 12+ months due to backlog.
Upon approval, consider Portuguese tax residency for NHR 2.0 benefits. Evaluate eligibility for qualifying professions under strict new criteria.
Enjoy visa-free travel in Schengen Area, potential tax benefits if eligible for NHR 2.0, and maintain investment for 5-year minimum period.
Apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years (current rule) or potentially 10 years if proposed changes are enacted. Gain full EU citizenship benefits
As of 2025, the main investment options are:
Real estate investment options were removed in late 2023.
NHR 2.0 (IFICI) replaced the original NHR program in 2025. Requirements include:
The program offers 20% tax on qualifying income but has much stricter eligibility than the original NHR.
Portugal faces significant Golden Visa processing delays:
The Portuguese government proposed in June 2025 to extend citizenship requirements:
Portugal's crypto taxation rules since 2023:
See how our Portugal Golden Visa expertise, U.S. tax knowledge, and white-glove service set us apart from traditional immigration or law firms.
Feature | Zoark | Traditional Immigration Firms | General Law Firms |
---|---|---|---|
Focus Area | Portugal Golden Visa for U.S. Investors | Multiple visa types and immigration services | Various legal services including immigration |
Expertise | Specialized in Portugal residency & U.S. tax compliance | Varies by firm | Limited or outsourced |
Client Profile | U.S. HNWIs, entrepreneurs, and family offices | General public & expats | General public & corporations |
Programs Covered | Portugal Golden Visa (primary), select EU residency & citizenship | Limited by local expertise | Very limited, often single country |
Wealth & Asset Protection | ✔ U.S.–Portugal tax planning, estate & asset structuring | ✗ Basic or none | ✗ Not offered |
Investment Advisory | ✔ Curated, compliant Portuguese investment opportunities | Basic investment guidance | Limited financial expertise |
Level of Service | Confidential, white-glove, U.S.-focused | Standard/volume-driven support | General legal advisory |
Personalization | ✔ Dedicated advisor, tailored to your goals | Limited or templated approach | Little to no personalization |
Client Discretion | ✔ NDA, privacy-first, trusted by U.S. family offices | ✗ Not guaranteed | ✗ Not guaranteed |
Success Rate | Proven approvals for U.S. Golden Visa applicants | Varies, not specialized | General legal track record |
Exclusive focus on U.S. citizens applying for Portugal’s Golden Visa — from investment selection to final residency approval.
We navigate both U.S. and Portuguese tax requirements, ensuring full compliance and peace of mind.
We safeguard your assets, optimize your tax position, and structure your investments for long-term legacy planning.
Gain entry to vetted Portuguese real estate, funds, and projects chosen for performance, security, and eligibility.
Work directly with a dedicated advisor who understands your goals and protects your privacy.
American investors and families trust Zoark for a smooth, discreet path to European residency.