To improve the efficiency of processing applications and address delays in issuing Golden Visas, the Portuguese authorities have introduced certain changes. Learn how to get one of the most popular golden visas in Europe in 2025

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The Portuguese Golden Visa program is one of the most popular in Europe, even despite the lack of real estate investment options.

On January 10, 2025, the Portuguese Immigration and Foreigners’ Agency (AIMA) confirmed changes to the residency permit program through investment. The changes concern the processing of applications and procedures. More about the features of obtaining a Portuguese Golden Visa in 2025 and the available investment options later in this article.

What is the Golden Visa program in Portugal?

The Portuguese Golden Visa program, better known as the Portuguese Golden Visa, is a five-year residency program for investment for citizens of non-EU countries.

The residence permit gives the right to live, work and study in Portugal and move freely within the Schengen area.

Portuguese Golden Visa Benefits

- Visa-free travel to the Schengen area of ​​Europe and the right to live, work and study in Portugal.

- Possibility to apply for citizenship after five years.

- Low physical presence requirement (14 days for the first two years and 21 days for the next three years).

- Access to high-quality European education - Portuguese schools and universities.

- High quality of life and delicious cuisine, rich culture, mild climate and high level of security.

- Developed healthcare system.

Requirements for the Portuguese Golden Visa

To obtain a residence permit in Portugal, the applicant has one of the following investment methods available:

1. Job creation

Create a minimum of ten jobs or eight new jobs in an area with low population density.

2. Support for scientific research

Transfer 500,000 euros to scientific research activities of public or private organizations that are part of the national scientific and technological system.

3. Support for cultural heritage

Invest €250,000 in support of artistic production or in the restoration or preservation of the national cultural heritage.

4. Collective investment

Transfer of capital equal to or greater than €500,000 intended for the acquisition of shares in certain collective investment undertakings registered under Portuguese law. These funds must have a maturity of at least five years and allocate at least 60% of their investments to commercial companies located in the national territory.

5. Commercial enterprises

Transfer of capital of €500,000 or more for the creation of a commercial company with a registered office in the national territory, combined with the creation of five permanent jobs. In addition, strengthening the share capital of a real company in the national territory is also a qualifying option, provided that it leads to the creation or preservation of at least ten jobs with a minimum of five permanent positions for a minimum period of three years.

Important! The Portuguese Golden Visa rules in 2025 prohibit any form of investment in real estate, whether direct or indirect.

You will need health insurance to safely move and find employment in a new country. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

Applying for a Portuguese Golden Visa

To start the process of obtaining a Golden Visa, you must submit a visa application to the Portuguese Immigration Authority (AIMA).

- The indicative package of documents for a visa includes:

1. Visa application form.

2. Copy of passport.

3. Proof of residence.

4. Valid criminal record certificate.

5. Applicant’s permission for the Portuguese Immigration Service to consult the criminal record of Portugal.

6. Marriage certificate, if the applicant has a spouse.

7. Birth certificates, if there are children.

8. Proof of student enrollment, if dependents are over 18.

9. Proof of investment, including bank statement and confirmation from the fund management company.

10. Receipt of payment of the application fee.

- Steps to obtain Portuguese residency and citizenship

Step 1: Prepare all the necessary documents.

Step 2: Obtain a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF) and open a bank account.

Step 3: Select and finance your investment.

Step 4: Submit your application to AIMA.

Step 5: Attend a biometric appointment with AIMA in Portugal.

Step 6: Obtain a Golden Visa and renew it after two years.

Step 7: Apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residence.

Changes to the Portuguese Golden Visa application process in 2025

Recent changes to the Golden Visa application process, as highlighted by AIMA, aim to prioritize older applications and use digital tools to improve efficiency.

1. Mandatory electronic submission

All applicants must upload documents via the ARI portal, ensuring a fully digital application process.

2. Automated biometric enrollment

From 15 January 2025, biometric enrollment will be automatically assigned, simplifying the process for applicants.

3. Revised fee structure

The residence permit fee will now be paid during biometric appointments, and all payments must be made by card.

4. Inactive applications marked as abandoned

Applicants who are inactive for more than six months risk being placed in the abandoned group, requiring a re-application under the updated rules.

New portal for applicants who have expressed interest

Also, the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has launched a new portal for immigrants who have expressed interest in living in Portugal by April 30, 2024, but have not been included in the list of more than 400,000 people who have been called to regularize their documents in Portugal.

According to a report by Publico, immigrants who have sent an expression of interest by June 3, 2024, will receive an email asking them to change their password on the new platform.

The agency believes that the new changes will simplify the Golden Visa application process and make it simple and functional. Appointments are expected to be faster after the government set a goal of canceling all pending cases by June 30, 2025.

Reminder! The Portuguese D7 visa can be obtained by financially independent foreigners with passive income. The main advantage of the permit is the ability to issue a residence permit in the country for a period of 2 years. We have already told you what conditions for obtaining a Portuguese D7 visa are relevant in 2025.

Consultation with a Visit World migration lawyer will help you understand all the intricacies of Portugal's migration legislation. Contact a specialist today to obtain a residence permit in one of the best countries in the world.