The Portugal Golden Visa is one of Europe’s most popular residency-by-investment programs.
But the process isn’t always straightforward.
There are multiple steps, government fees, and investment decisions involved. If you skip the research or rely on vague advice, you’ll likely waste time—or worse, risk your application.
This guide walks you through the real process of securing the Golden Visa in 2025. No fluff. No hidden surprises. Just the details investors actually need.
Companies like MovingTo simplify the paperwork and offer concierge support, but it’s still smart to understand the full picture yourself.
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Choose Your Investment Route
Portugal doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all option. You need to pick your investment category first.
Here are the most common:
- Venture Capital or Private Equity Funds: Minimum €500,000
- Scientific Research Donation: Minimum €500,000
- Cultural Heritage Donation: Minimum €250,000
- Business Investment and Job Creation: Variable, starting at €500,000
Since the 2023 reform, direct residential real estate is no longer eligible. But property-backed funds are still an option.
Most Golden Visa applicants choose the fund route because it’s passive. No property management headaches. Just paperwork and professional fund managers handling the rest.
Before you commit, vet the fund carefully. Look at track records, risk profiles, and exit strategies. Don’t just follow the crowd.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation
This is where most people underestimate the process.
Portugal’s government requires specific documents for the Golden Visa. Each one must be correctly formatted, translated (if not in Portuguese), and sometimes notarized or apostilled.
You’ll need:
- Valid passport
- Criminal background check from your home country
- Proof of investment or fund subscription
- Portuguese tax number (NIF)
- Proof of Portuguese bank account
- Marriage and birth certificates if including family members
- Proof of medical insurance
Timing matters. Some documents, like the criminal record, must be issued within 90 days of application submission.
Working with an experienced law firm helps you avoid rookie mistakes here.
Step 3: Open a Portuguese Bank Account and Get a NIF
You can’t invest in Portugal without a local bank account. That’s step one for your financial setup.
You’ll also need a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal). This is Portugal’s tax identification number. Without it, you can’t legally transact.
Most banks now allow remote account openings, but expect strict compliance checks. You’ll need proof of income, address, and identity.
A local fiscal representative can help streamline this process.
Step 4: Make the Investment
Once your account is ready and your fund is chosen, it’s time to transfer the investment funds.
This isn’t just a wire transfer. You’ll need:
- Proof of source of funds (for anti-money laundering checks)
- A signed fund subscription agreement
- Confirmation from the fund manager
Remember, you’re not just sending money to Portugal—you’re creating a legal financial relationship. Get advice from a tax and legal professional before moving large sums.
Step 5: Submit Your Online Application
Portugal’s immigration portal (ARI platform) is where you’ll officially start the visa process.
Upload:
- Your identification documents
- Proof of investment
- Criminal background check
- Tax number and bank account confirmation
- Health insurance details
After submission, you’ll receive an email confirming your pre-approval application.
At this stage, you’re still in the queue for biometrics.
Step 6: Attend Biometrics Appointment
Once pre-approval is granted, you’ll need to attend a biometrics appointment at SEF (Portugal’s Immigration and Borders Service).
Here, you’ll:
- Provide fingerprints
- Take a digital photo
- Submit original documents for verification
Appointments can take several months to schedule, especially in Lisbon or Porto. Some investors book appointments in less busy regions to speed things up.
Step 7: Receive Your Golden Visa Residency Card
After biometrics, the next step is waiting for final approval.
Once approved, you’ll receive your residency card. This card is valid for two years and renewable.
The card allows you to:
- Live and work in Portugal
- Travel freely in the Schengen Area
- Access Portuguese healthcare and education systems
- Bring family members under reunification
You’ll need to renew the card after two years, and again after another three years.
Step 8: Maintain the Investment and Meet Stay Requirements
To keep your Golden Visa active, you must:
- Maintain the qualifying investment for at least five years
- Spend at least seven days per year in Portugal
This makes Portugal’s program one of the most flexible globally. You don’t need to move permanently unless you want to.
But you do need to keep all paperwork up to date. Each renewal will require proof that you still meet the program’s conditions.
How Much Does It All Cost?
The Portugal Golden Visa involves more than just the investment. Here’s a quick cost breakdown:
| Item | Cost (Approximate) |
| Fund Investment | €500,000 |
| Government Application Fee | €5,325 per applicant |
| Residency Card Fee | €5,325 per applicant |
| Renewal Fees (every 2 years) | €2,663 per applicant |
| Legal & Advisory Fees | €10,000–€20,000 |
| Health Insurance | €400–€800 per year |
| Translation & Documentation | €1,000–€2,000 |
For a family of four, the total initial cost can easily reach €600,000+ when you factor in all fees.
How Long Does It Take?
The timeline has improved slightly in 2025, but backlogs still happen.
Here’s what to expect:
| Stage | Estimated Time |
| Investment Setup | 1–2 months |
| Document Collection | 1–3 months |
| Online Application Review | 4–6 months |
| Biometrics Appointment | 2–5 months wait |
| Residency Card Issuance | 2–3 months after biometrics |
In total, expect 8 to 14 months from start to finish.
Planning ahead helps avoid delays. Many applicants waste months on incomplete documents or last-minute tax number issues.
The Golden Visa remains one of Europe’s most attractive residency options—but it’s not a set-and-forget process.
The key is preparation. When you know the steps, costs, and timeline upfront, you avoid the headaches that trip up so many first-time investors.
Think of it less as a transaction—and more as a long-term investment in your global lifestyle.