At PGA, we specialize in guiding investors through Portugal’s Golden Visa program—a strategic pathway to European residency and long-term growth. Our process ensures clarity, compliance, and confidence at every stage.
We begin by understanding your objectives and assessing your eligibility. Our team provides comprehensive insights into the Golden Visa program, ensuring you’re well-informed before proceeding.
As of 2025, eligible investment options include:
PGA assists in identifying and selecting the investment that aligns with your goals.
Essential documents include:
PGA provides guidance to ensure all documentation meets the program’s requirements.
Applications are submitted online through the ARI portal of the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF). The process includes uploading documents and paying the processing fee.
The Portuguese government charges the following fees for the Golden Visa application process:
Note: These fees are subject to change; always consult the official SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) website for the most current information.
Additional Costs
Beyond government fees, applicants should anticipate the following expenses:
For the most accurate and updated information, please refer to the official SEF website: www.sef.pt.
Upon pre-approval, SEF will schedule a biometrics appointment in Portugal. This involves fingerprinting, photographing, and document verification.
After successful biometrics, you’ll receive your Golden Visa residency card, typically within a few weeks. This card is valid for two years.
The Portuguese government charges the following fees for the Golden Visa application process:
(Note: These fees are subject to change; always consult the
official SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) website for the most current information.)
Main applicant: €533.90
Each dependent: €83.30
Per applicant: €5,325
Per applicant: €2,663
Beyond government fees, applicants should anticipate the following expenses:
Costs vary based on the complexity of your application and the services provided.
Official documents may require certified translations into Portuguese.
Proof of health insurance coverage in Portugal is mandatory.
Obtaining a Portuguese NIF is essential for the application process.
Opening and maintaining a Portuguese bank account may incur charges.
Applicants must attend a biometric data collection appointment in Portugal.
In 2025 significant reforms have been introduced to Portugal’s Golden Visa program. These changes aim to streamline the application process, prioritize sustainable investments, and enhance the overall efficiency of the program. At PGA, we are committed to guiding you through these updates to ensure a seamless application experience.
The Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has transitioned the Golden Visa application process to a fully digital platform. This move is designed to enhance efficiency and reduce processing times. Applicants can now manage their submissions directly through the ARI Portal, with statuses updated to “WAITING TO BE SENT” for pending applications yptgoldenvisa.com.
A pivotal change is the recalibration of the five-year residency period required for Portuguese nationality eligibility. This period now commences from the date of the initial application fee payment, ensuring that time spent during application processing contributes towards the residency requirement worldcbi.com.
All Golden Visa renewals are now mandated to be conducted in person at AIMA offices. Applicants must schedule appointments through the AIMA portal, emphasizing the importance of timely planning for renewals Nomad Gate Community.
The Golden Visa program has undergone a strategic shift, phasing out real estate investments to focus on avenues that promote sustainable development:
Cultural Heritage: A contribution of at least €250,000 towards the preservation of Portugal’s cultural heritage .
Navigating these updates can be complex, but PGA is here to assist every step of the way:
Embark on your journey to Portuguese residency with confidence. Contact PGA today to learn how we can facilitate your successful application under the updated Golden Visa program.
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that grants non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens the right to live, work, and study in Portugal. It also allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. After five years, participants may apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
Applicants must:
Make a qualifying investment in Portugal.
As of the latest updates, eligible investments include:
No, the required investment must be made without financing from Portuguese financial institutions. However, funds borrowed from non-Portuguese banks may be used, provided the minimum investment amount is met with personal funds.
Golden Visa holders must spend at least 14 days in Portugal during each two-year residency period.
Yes. After five years of maintaining the investment and meeting the residency requirements, applicants may apply for Portuguese citizenship.
The NHR program offered tax benefits to new residents, including reduced tax rates and exemptions on certain foreign income. However, it was revoked starting January 1, 2024, with transitional provisions for those who became tax residents before the end of 2023 or fulfill specific criteria.
Yes, immediate family members, such as spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents, can be included in the Golden Visa application.
No, full-time residence is not required. The minimum stay requirement is 14 days every two years, allowing flexibility for applicants to live elsewhere.
Costs include:
Banking fees for opening and maintaining a Portuguese bank account.
As of April 2025, the processing time for Portugal’s Golden Visa applications varies significantly due to administrative transitions and a substantial backlog.
Estimated Processing Timeline
Factors Contributing to Delays. The disbanding of SEF and the establishment of AIMA have caused disruptions in processing. Global Citizen Solutions AIMA inherited a backlog of over 400,000 applications, contributing to extended processing times. The Golden Portugal+2Global Citizen Solutions+2windsorcm.com+2
The Portuguese government has implemented several measures to address these delays:VisaVerge
Portugal’s Golden Visa program stands out for its diverse investment options beyond real estate, low residency requirements, and a relatively swift path to citizenship. While Greece offers lower entry points through real estate and no stay requirements, the path to citizenship is longer and more demanding. Spain’s program is currently being phased out, limiting its viability for prospective investors.
Ultimately, Portugal’s program may be more suitable for investors seeking flexibility, a shorter route to EU citizenship, and opportunities in sectors like research and culture.
