Golden Visa Portugal Application: Step-by-Step Process
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A complete step-by-step guide to applying for Portugal’s Golden Visa in 2025. Learn eligibility, documents, investment options, and how long the process takes.
Intro
Applying for Portugal’s Golden Visa is one of the most straightforward ways to gain European residency while investing in a stable, growing economy. Although the real estate route ended in 2023, the program remains fully active through regulated investment funds and other approved categories.
This step-by-step guide outlines the full application process — from preparing your documents to receiving your residence permit — so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.
At Golden Visa Funds Portugal (GVFP), we work with regulated fund managers and legal partners to streamline the process for investors and their families.
For background information on eligibility and benefits, visit our Golden Visa Funds Portugal Complete Guide 2025
Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
Program Status | Active (2025) |
Main Route | €500,000 investment in regulated funds |
Processing Authority | AIMA (Agency for Migration and Asylum) |
Stay Requirement | 7 days in first year, 14 days every two years |
Citizenship Eligibility | After 5 years of legal residency |
Application Timeline | 6–12 months on average |
As of 2025, the investment fund route is the most popular and straightforward option. You must invest at least €500,000 in a CMVM-regulated Portuguese investment or venture capital fund that meets Golden Visa eligibility.
Other eligible routes include:
€500,000 in scientific research
€500,000 to support artistic or cultural projects
Creation of at least 10 jobs through a Portuguese company
GVFP helps investors identify funds that align with both their financial objectives and residency requirements.
Read more about How to Choose the Right Golden Visa Fund: A Practical Checklist
All Golden Visa applicants must appoint a Portuguese immigration lawyer or firm to handle submissions and act as their legal representative.
Your lawyer will:
Obtain your Portuguese tax number (NIF)
Open a local bank account
Review fund documentation and contracts
Submit your Golden Visa application to AIMA
Choosing a law firm experienced in Golden Visa cases ensures compliance with both Portuguese and EU regulations.
Documentation is one of the most important parts of the application. Each applicant (and dependent) must provide:
Valid passport and photos
Proof of qualifying investment
Criminal record certificate from the country of residence (issued within 90 days)
Portuguese NIF (tax number)
Proof of health insurance
Declaration confirming compliance with investment regulations
Marriage or birth certificates (for dependents)
All documents issued outside Portugal must be apostilled and translated into Portuguese by a certified translator.
Once your documents are ready, you will proceed with your chosen investment. For the fund route, this means:
Subscribing to a Golden Visa-eligible fund
Transferring the €500,000 investment from your Portuguese bank account
Receiving an official subscription certificate and declaration of eligibility from the fund manager
These documents are mandatory for your AIMA application submission.
Your lawyer submits the complete file through AIMA’s online platform.
This includes:
Application form
All supporting documents
Proof of investment
Payment of the government application fee (approximately €533 per applicant)
Once submitted, AIMA issues a receipt confirming that your application has been received and is under review.
Processing times vary, but most applicants receive pre-approval within 6 to 12 months.
During this time, AIMA reviews your background checks, verifies your investment, and confirms program compliance.
Once approved, you will be invited to schedule your biometric appointment in Portugal.
You (and any dependents) must attend an in-person appointment at an AIMA office to:
Provide fingerprints and signatures
Verify identity documents
Confirm residency address in Portugal
After this step, your Golden Visa residence cards are issued and mailed to your legal representative.
The initial Golden Visa residence permit is valid for two years.
During this period, you must:
Spend at least 7 days in Portugal per year
Maintain your qualifying investment
Renew before expiry
Subsequent renewals are valid for two years each, after which you may apply for permanent residency or citizenship after five years in total.
For each renewal, you will need to show:
Proof of continued investment
Updated criminal record certificates
Health insurance coverage
Minimum stay documentation (entry stamps, travel logs, or accommodation receipts)
Your lawyer typically manages these renewals on your behalf, ensuring all documents are filed correctly and on time.
After maintaining your Golden Visa residency for five years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residence.
Applicants must:
Pass a basic Portuguese language test (A2 level)
Demonstrate no criminal record in Portugal
Maintain a clean immigration record
Citizenship grants full rights as an EU national, including the ability to live and work anywhere in the European Union and visa-free travel to over 180 countries.
Stage | Approximate Timeframe |
|---|---|
Choose investment and open bank account | 2–4 weeks |
Prepare documentation | 1–2 months |
Complete investment | 1–2 weeks |
AIMA application processing | 6–12 months |
Biometric appointment and card issuance | 1–2 months |
Total duration (on average) | 8–14 months |
Q1: How long does the entire process take?
Typically between 8 and 14 months from the initial investment to receiving the first residence permit.
Q2: Can I include family members in my application?
Yes. Spouses, children, and dependent parents can be added under the same application.
Q3: What happens if I sell my investment early?
You must maintain your investment for the entire five-year residency period to remain eligible for citizenship.
Q4: Is it necessary to visit Portugal during the process?
Yes. You will need to visit for banking, biometrics, and eventual card collection, but total stay time is minimal.
Q5: Can I apply while living outside Portugal?
Yes. Most of the process can be completed remotely through your legal representative.
Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of the most reliable and transparent residency-by-investment programs in the world. The process may seem complex at first, but with professional guidance and the right investment strategy, it’s efficient and secure.
GVFP connects investors with CMVM-regulated funds and licensed legal partners to ensure a smooth, compliant application from start to finish.
Contact us today to:
Receive a detailed application checklist
Explore the top fund options currently open for subscription
Begin your Golden Visa journey with confidence
Connect with Golden Visa Investment Funds
Tariq El-Asad
Founder at goldenvisafundsportugal.com
Tariq El-Asad has worked with the Golden Visa program since 2014 and launched GoldennVisaFundsPortugal.com in 2021.
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