About
Why Portugal.
Portugal sits on the western edge of Europe, with a temperate Atlantic climate and one of the most flexible golden-visa frameworks in the European Union. The Golden Residence Permit Programme (ARI, "Autorização de Residência para Investimento") was launched in 2012 and has approved over 13,000 main applicants.
The defining feature is residency without relocation. To maintain your Portuguese residence permit, you need spend only 7 days in Portugal during the first year and 14 days during each subsequent 2-year cycle. For HNWIs running businesses elsewhere or relocating in stages, this is uniquely accommodating.
Permanent residence may be available after 5 years if its conditions are met. Citizenship follows a separate clock. Under Organic Law 1/2026, naturalisation generally requires 7 years for nationals of EU or Portuguese-speaking countries and 10 years for other nationals. Applications already pending before 19 May 2026 stay under the earlier rules.
The October 2023 reform (Law 56/2023) closed the real-estate-based application path. As of 2024, the most-used route is investment in qualifying funds (typically CMVM-regulated venture capital or private equity), starting at €500,000. A cultural / scientific donation route starts lower at €250,000 but is non-refundable.
Portugal's former NHR regime is closed to most new applicants. IFICI is narrower and can apply to eligible research, innovation and specified professional activities. A Golden Visa does not create IFICI eligibility by itself, so tax residence and qualifying activity need their own review.
Indian citizens need one more decision point. India does not allow dual citizenship, and OCI status is not citizenship. If Portuguese naturalisation is a long-term objective, the Indian nationality and OCI consequences should be reviewed before the investment is made.
Tax regime
The tax planning angle.
The legacy NHR regime is closed to most new applicants. IFICI may provide a 10-year 20% rate on qualifying Portuguese employment or self-employment income for eligible research, innovation and specified professional activities; foreign income treatment depends on source and category.
Investment routes
How the investment works.
3 routes are available. Pick the one that fits your goals.
Fund
Qualifying investment fund (post-2023 reform)
From
€500,000
Investment in a Portuguese-regulated qualifying fund (venture capital, private equity, or other CMVM-approved vehicle). This is the most-used route since the October 2023 reform closed real-estate-based applications.
- RecoverableRecoverable after the 5-year minimum hold period.
- Hold period5 years minimum
Benefits
What this residency gives you.
Potential path to EU citizenship
Under Organic Law 1/2026, naturalisation generally requires 7 years for EU or Portuguese-speaking-country nationals and 10 years for other nationals. Applications pending before 19 May 2026 remain under the earlier rules.
7+14 day minimum stay
Only 7 days in the first year and 14 days per 2-year cycle thereafter. The lowest residence requirement among EU golden visa programs.
Schengen freedom of movement
As a Portuguese resident, travel visa-free across the entire Schengen Area, plus the right to live, work, and study in Portugal.
IFICI for qualifying professionals
IFICI is narrower than the former NHR regime. Eligibility depends on the applicant's work, employer or activity and should not be assumed from Golden Visa residence alone.
Family included
Spouse, dependent children, and parents over 65 (financially dependent) included in the principal application.
Eligibility
Who can apply.
Main applicant
- ✓At least 18 years old
- ✓Clean criminal record
Family members eligible
- ✓Spouse
- ✓Children
- ✓Parents
Process
How it works, step by step.
Initial residency: ~6-10 months for initial approval; biometrics scheduling adds time.
- 1
Pre-engagement
2 weeksKYC pre-screening, investment vehicle selection, NIF application.
- 2
Investment
4-8 weeksFunds transferred to qualifying investment vehicle (most commonly a CMVM-regulated investment fund).
- 3
Application submission
2 weeksAIMA (Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum) application filed online.
- 4
Biometrics appointment
8-16 weeksIn-person appointment in Portugal for biometric data collection. Scheduling delays are the main timeline variable.
- 5
Decision
8-16 weeksAIMA approves residence permit; card issued.
- 6
Renewal cycles
Every 2 yearsTwo-year residence cards are renewed if you meet the stay and investment rules. Permanent residence may be available after 5 years. Citizenship timing is separate and, for new cases, is generally 7 or 10 years depending on nationality.
Documents
What you'll need to prepare.
10 documents required.
- 1Passport copy (notarized)
- 2Police clearance from home country and any country of 1+ year residence
- 3Medical insurance valid in Portugal
- 4Proof of accommodation in Portugal (lease or property)
- 5Proof of investment (fund subscription, donation receipt, etc.)
- 6Bank statements showing source of funds
- 7Birth certificate (apostilled)
- 8Marriage certificate (apostilled, if applicable)
- 9Children's birth certificates (apostilled)
- 10Tax identification number (NIF)
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Is the real-estate route still available?
How long until I become a Portuguese citizen?
What is NHR and is it still available?
Do I need to live in Portugal?
When can I apply for citizenship?
What should Indian applicants consider?
Legal basis
Residence route: Law 23/2007, Article 90-A, as amended by Law 56/2023. Citizenship timing: Organic Law 1/2026, effective 19 May 2026, with earlier pending applications protected by its transition rule.
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