Secure Residency & Investment in EUROPE
Imagine having the freedom to live, retire, or simply spend more time in Europe—on your terms. Portugal offers a unique opportunity for people who are looking to expand their global footprint, whether for travel, lifestyle, education, or future planning.
Through the Golden Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and other residency pathways, you can establish your European presence while maintaining your life in the country you live in. With stunning coastlines, world-class healthcare, a thriving international community, and a clear path to citizenship, Portugal isn’t just a destination—it’s an opportunity.
At Vivacity Investments, we simplify the process, guiding you toward a secure and strategic investment in your future. Start your journey today and unlock a world of possibilities.
Ready to explore your European Residency through Portuguese Golden Visa? Get in touch to schedule your free consultation!
VIVACITY DIFFERENCE
Portugal’s program is unique in Europe. It’s the only program with clear path to citizenship and lowest investment.
Vivacity Investment helps investors secure European residency through Portugal's Golden Visa.
Discover expert guidance on investment options, legal requirements, transparent process and seamless relocation to Portugal. Start your journey to EU Citizenship today!
OUR SERVICES
Our client and legal advisors guide hundreds of investors and entrepreneurs and their families each year, providing expert advice on the best path for residence and citizenship by investment solutions available to them worldwide.
With offices in Portugal with local experts on the ground, we have the expert network, knowledge, and skillset to guide you from start to finish. We won’t rest until you have your Golden Visa in your hands.
Legal & TAX Consulting
PERSONALIZED strategy & PLAN
Finding Your Investment
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REAL ESTATE
BANK, NIF & DOCUMENT SERVICES
BENEFITS
Invest in Portuguese economy and get permanent residency with path to citizenship.
Live, work and study in Portugal and other 29 nation members of Schengen zone including two non-EU Iceland and Norway.
Powerful Passport; Visa-Free travel in more than 188 Countries including free movement inside EU.
Access to high quality public healthcare and education system; highest standards in food regulations; right to vote and be a candidate for the EU parliament and local elections.
Family members of the investor (spouse, financially dependent children and parents) may also be included in the application and may become European citizens.
Profitable methods of obtaining Golden Visa, allowing the investors to not only obtain their residency but also enjoy returns of their investment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Portuguese Golden Visa program is available exclusively to non-EU and non-EEA citizens, but investors will benefit not only from Portugal’s incredible lifestyle and advantages but also from the country’s EU membership.
By obtaining Portuguese citizenship after five years, Golden Visa holders gain an EU passport, unlocking a world of opportunities:
✔️ Freedom to Live, Work, and Study in the EU – Reside in any of the 27 EU countries, including France, Germany, and Spain, without additional visas or work permits.
✔️ Visa-Free Travel – Enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
✔️ World-Class Healthcare & Education – Access Portugal’s top-tier healthcare system and renowned universities, with EU tuition rates at institutions across Europe.
✔️ Business & Investment Opportunities – Expand your business with access to the EU’s single market, tax-friendly policies, and strong economic infrastructure.
✔️ A Secure Plan B for You & Your Family – Gain the security of European residency and citizenship, offering a stable, high-quality lifestyle with political and economic security.
✔️ Pass It On – Portuguese citizenship can be passed down to future generations, giving your family long-term access to all the benefits of EU membership.
After holding the Golden Visa for five years, investors can apply for Portuguese citizenship, making them full EU citizens—without needing to permanently relocate to Portugal.
Would you like to explore your best investment options for the Golden Visa? Get in Touch!
With many residency and citizenship-by-investment programs in Europe, Portugal’s Golden Visa stands out for its flexibility, benefits, and fast track to EU citizenship. Here’s how Portugal compares to other popular programs:
✔️ Live & Work in the EU – Gain the right to live, work, and do business in Portugal and throughout the EU, similar to Greece and Spain, but with lower residency requirements.
✔️ Stable, Safe & Prosperous – Portugal is ranked among the safest countries in the world (Global Peace Index), whereas Greece has faced economic instability and Malta has had scrutiny over its program.
✔️ World-Class Healthcare & Education – Access high-quality public healthcare and education, comparable to Spain, but with lower costs than many other Western European nations.
✔️ Lowest Cost of Living in Western Europe – Portugal’s cost of living is significantly lower than Spain, Italy, and Malta, making it an attractive place to reside.
✔️ Visa-Free Travel – Travel freely across the Schengen Zone and, after obtaining citizenship, enjoy visa-free access to 190+ countries, just like Malta—but at a much lower investment.
✔️ Fast-Track to EU Citizenship – Apply for Portuguese citizenship after just 5 years, whereas Spain and Greece require 7–10 years, and Malta requires a €750,000+ donation for its citizenship program.
✔️ Minimal Residency Requirement – Maintain your Golden Visa with just 7 days in the first year and 14 days every two years, unlike Greece and Spain, which require longer stays to qualify for citizenship.
✔️ Family Inclusion – Include spouse, dependent children, and parents, similar to Greece, but without the requirement of full-time residency for family members.
✔️ Shorter Investment Period – Portugal requires a five-year investment, compared to 7–10 years for Spain and Greece before citizenship eligibility.
✔️ Dual Citizenship Allowed – Portugal allows dual citizenship, while Spain requires renouncing your original nationality.
✔️ Full Investment Ownership – Unlike Malta’s citizenship program, which requires a €750,000 donation, Portugal lets you keep your investment in a fund and business.
✔️ Faster Processing Times – Due to the program’s popularity, Portugal has made recent improvements to speed up visa processing, while Greece has seen increased delays due to high demand.
Portugal’s Golden Visa offers one of the fastest, most flexible routes to EU citizenship with a low stay requirement, strong passport, and investment-friendly terms—making it a top choice for investors looking for a clear path to European residency and citizenship.
Would you like to explore the best investment options? Let’s connect!
The Portuguese Golden Visa Program is a residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to obtain Portuguese residency by making a qualifying investment in Portugal. It is one of the most popular residecy programs in Europe, offering a pathway to Portuguese citizenship after five years.
Key Benefits of the Portuguese Golden Visa.
✔️ Residency in Portugal with the freedon to live, work and study in the country.
✔️ Visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone (29 countries, plus 2 non-Schengen).
✔️ Minimal stay requirement - Only 7 days per year on average.
✔️ Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years without full-time residency
✔️ Family inclusion - your spouse, dependent children, and even dependent parents can be included in the application.
✔️ Attractive tax benefits
Who Qualifies for the Portuguese Golden Visa?
To qualify, applications must make one of the approved investments, which currently include:
1. Investment Funds - Minimum 500,000 in approved Portuguese venture capital or private equity funds.
2. Job Creation - A business investment that creates at least 10 jobs in Portugal (or 8 jobs in low-density areas)
3. Scientific/Tech Research - A 500,000 donation to scientific or technological research institutions in Portugal
4. Cultural Heritage Support -A 250,000 donation to support arts, heritage or cultural preservation.
Note: The real estate investment option was removed in 2023, so property purchases no longer qualify for the Golden Visa.
Family Inclusion in Portugal’s Golden Visa
Portugal’s Golden Visa program allows investors to bring their family members, ensuring they can enjoy the same rights and benefits. Eligible family members include:
✔️ Spouse
✔️ Dependent minor children (including adopted children)
✔️ Adult children who are financially dependent and enrolled in full-time education
✔️ Financially dependent parents, or parents aged 65 years old or over, of either the Golden Visa holder or their spouse
✔️ Minor dependent siblings under the legal guardianship of the Golden Visa holder
These family members receive the same residency rights as the investor, including:
- Eligibility for permanent residency after five years (as long as the investment is maintained per Golden Visa rules).
- The right to apply for Portuguese citizenship after six years of legal residency.
Portugal’s Golden Visa ensures that your entire family can benefit from a stable, high-quality European lifestyle with a clear path to citizenship.
Would you like to explore the best way to include your family in your Golden Visa application? Let’s talk! 😊
Portugal’s Golden Visa Requirements (2025). To qualify for Portugal’s Golden Visa in 2025, applicants must meet the following investment and residency requirements:
1. Choose an Approved Investment Route
Applicants must make one of the following qualifying investments:
✔️ €500,000+ in Venture Capital or Private Equity Funds:
Investment in non-real estate funds that support Portuguese businesses meeting specific requirements.
✔️ Creation of at Least 10 Jobs - Establish a business in Portugal that creates at least 10 full-time jobs.
✔️ €250,000+ in Cultural or Artistic Support - Fund artistic production or contribute to the preservation of Portugal’s cultural heritage.
✔️ €500,000+ in Scientific or Technological Research - Invest in public or private research institutions in Portugal.
✔️ €500,000+ in a Portuguese Company + Job Creation - Incorporate or expand a company with a registered office in Portugal.
Must create at least 5 permanent jobs, or maintenance of at least 10 jobs, with a minimum of five permanent jobs, for a period of three years.
2. Residency & Stay Requirements
✔️ Minimal Stay Obligation – Spend at least 7 days in the first year and 14 days every two years to maintain residency.
✔️ Valid Passport & Clean Criminal Record – Applicants must hold a valid passport and have no serious criminal convictions.
✔️ Funds from Legal Sources – All investment funds must be legally obtained and properly documented.
3. Path to Permanent Residency & Citizenship
✔️ 5-Year Residency for PR – After five years, applicants become eligible for permanent residency.
✔️ 6-Year Path to Citizenship – Investors can apply for Portuguese citizenship after six years of legal residency, without needing full-time residence in Portugal.
Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of the most attractive residency-by-investment programs in Europe, offering a clear, flexible path to EU citizenship.
Would you like to explore the best investment options for your Golden Visa? Let’s connect!
It’s the most preferred route to the Portuguese Golden Visa for most people. €500,000 into investment fund can be spread across several funds. No need to put all your eggs in one basket.
Investment Fund Advantages:
✔️ First, as opposed to starting a business in Portugal, it’s a purely passive investment. Your ongoing responsibility only extends to filing some tax forms in your country of residence. The difficult job of making a return has been outsourced to a fund manager—who presumably knows what they are doing.
✔️ Second, as opposed to the cultural donation option, it’s an actual investment that has a good chance of making you a decent return.
✔️ Inherently more diversified than investing half a million euros in a single company.
✔️ From the Portuguese side, it’s also tax-efficient. If you live outside Portugal, there’s no withholding tax on distributions (though tax likely still applies where you’re resident). And if you move to Portugal, the tax rate can be as low as 10% (depending on the fund).
A fund needs to meet a few requirements to qualify:
1) The fund needs to be approved and regulated by the CMVM (Portuguese Securities Market Commission).
2) 60% of the fund’s capital must be invested in companies with headquarters in Portugal.
3) The fund may not, directly or indirectly, invest in real estate*.
Note*: It’s not entirely clear yet where this line is drawn, as this is a recent addition to the requirements.
In general, we can place the funds into one of three main categories listed below. However, finding qualifying funds for the Golden Visa can be challenging as the list of available funds also changes over time (as subscription periods close and new funds are introduced). There’s no official list of funds that qualify.
Please head to our "Funds" page "Investments" tab current and popular list of Golden Visa Eligible Funds we track and schedule an appointment, we may have others that may not be listed on the site yet.
Private equity (PE) funds usually invests in mature companies and assets where they can add significant value before exiting the investment. However, some do also pay yearly dividends. Typical fund length of 6-10 years, often medium to high risk, with expected rewards accordingly.
Venture capital (VC) funds are usually invested in early-stage tech companies with global potential. The typical fund length is 8-10 years, and the risk is higher for higher potential rewards. The goal is to maximize the capital gains at the exit, not yearly dividend payments.
Mutual/open-ended funds investing in large listed companies (usually on the Portuguese Stock Exchange). The main benefit for investors is the flexibility of exiting the investment anytime; however, be eduacted about the Portuguese public stock market's track record and diversification. Risks are generally similar to PE funds but with lower expected returns.
Americans may be able to use their retirement accounts to invest in Portugal’s Golden Visa-qualified funds, and there are important considerations. If you are interested in learning more, contact us to review your options.
This option has the benefit of not imposing a minimum investment amount, meaning you may have smaller upfront investment than the other options.
This option has been available since the beginning of the Golden Visa program but has not been as popular as investment funds (or real estate before that) given for the majority the purpose of Golden Visa is to get residency and eventually citizenship in Portugal without needing to spend a lot of time in the country to manage your investment.
If you are a business owner or entrepreneur in your home country, one point to consider is to build out a European operation (e.g. customer support, tech team, etc). Basing these operations in Portugal could allow you to qualify for the Golden Visa program.
If return on your investment (or any money back at all) is not your primary concern, perhaps a €250,000 donation to a worthy cause in Portugal could suit you, specifically to a project supporting the arts or maintaining the cultural heritage. You can also reduce the required commitment to €200,000 if supporting a qualifying initiative in a low-density region.
While this category may seem broad, there aren’t many pre-approved options to choose from in practice. At least if you don’t want to go through a lengthy approval process first. in addition to submitting the confirmation from your bank that you’ve transferred the required funds to Portugal, you’ll also need pre-approval from the Office for Cultural Strategy, Planning and Evaluation (GEPAC) that the project you’re supporting qualifies.
The available projects and number of available spots for Golden Visa donors will change over time. If you are interested in this option, please contact us.
Required Documents for Portugal’s Golden Visa (2025)
To apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa, you must provide the following documents:
1. Personal Documents
✔️ Valid Passport – A copy of your passport (and for all included family members).
✔️ Proof of Legal Entry into Portugal – Schengen visa stamp or travel record showing legal entry.
✔️ Criminal Record Certificate – Police clearance from your home country (and any country where you’ve resided for the past five years), issued within three months of submission. Must be apostilled or legalized.
✔️ Portuguese NIF (Tax Number) & Bank Account – Required to complete any investment.
✔️ Health Insurance Policy – Proof of valid health insurance covering Portugal (only for Non-EU applicants residing in Portugal ).
2. Investment-Related Documents
✔️ Proof of Investment – Depending on your chosen route:
* Fund Investment : Confirmation of €500,000+ investment in an eligible private equity or venture capital fund.
* Job Creation: Business registration and proof of hiring 10+ employees (or 5 for company expansion).
* Cultural or Scientific Contribution: Documentation proving a €250,000+ cultural donation or €500,000+ research investment.
* Company Investment: Proof of €500,000 investment in a Portuguese company + employment contracts for 5+ workers.
✔️ Declaration of Compliance – A signed statement confirming that your investment meets Golden Visa program criteria.
3. Financial & Tax Documents
✔️ International transfer for the Investment, certified by the bank in Portugal. (Please note independent of the Golden Visa process, to open a bank account in Portugal you need to show proof of funds origin, documentation showing that the investment funds come from legal sources).
✔️ Proof of the tax number of the country of residence (i.e. USA), notarized and apostilled.
✔️ Portuguese Taxpayer Number (NIF) – Needed to open a Portuguese bank account and complete the investment.
✔️ Tax Compliance Certificate – Issued by Portuguese authorities, confirming no outstanding tax liabilities in Portugal.
4. Family Inclusion (If Applicable)
If applying with family members, you’ll also need:
✔️ Marriage Certificate – For spouses (issued within the last six months, legalized/apostilled).
✔️ Birth Certificates – For children and dependent family members.
✔️ Proof of Dependency – For adult children (enrolled in full-time education) or financially dependent on parents, studying and single.
✔️ Criminal Record Certificate – For adult children aged 16 years old or over.
✔️ Health Insurance Coverage – Non-EU applicants residing in Portugal.
5. Application Forms & Fees
✔️ Completed Golden Visa Application Form – Available from SEF (Portuguese Immigration).
✔️ Government Fees & Processing Payments – Paid per applicant at the time of submission.
Need Help?
The Golden Visa application process involves legal, financial, and bureaucratic steps. Our team can assist you with document preparation, submission, and tracking to ensure a smooth process.
Would you like a step-by-step guide tailored to your situation? Let’s talk!
1. Government Fees
✔️ Application Analysis Fee: €605.10 per applicant.
✔️ Residence Permit Issuance Fee: €6,045.20 per applicant.
✔️ Renewal Fees (every two years):
✔️ Application Analysis Fee: €605.10 per applicant.
✔️ Residence Permit Renewal Fee: €3,023.20 per applicant.
2. Legal and Processing Fees
✔️ Legal Fees: Typically range from €5,000 to €10,000 for the main applicant, plus €1,500 to €3,000 per additional family member. These fees can vary based on the complexity of the application.
✔️ Translation and Notarization Costs: All necessary documents must be translated into Portuguese, notarized, and legalized. These services usually cost between €500 and €1,500, depending on the volume and type of documents.
3. Financial and Administrative Costs
✔️ Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF): Obtaining a NIF is mandatory for tax purposes. While the process itself is free, service providers may charge a fee ranging from €100 to €500 to assist with obtaining the NIF.
✔️ Bank Account Setup: Opening a Portuguese bank account is required for the investment. Some banks may charge setup fees between €100 and €500.
✔️ Annual Tax Filings: Depending on your financial activities in Portugal, you may need to file annual tax returns. Professional accounting services for this can cost between €500 and €2,000 per year.
4. Health Insurance
✔️ Health Insurance Policy: Non-EU applicants are required to have valid health insurance covering Portugal. Premiums typically range from €400 to €2,000 per person annually, depending on coverage and age.
5. Additional Costs
✔️ Investment Fund Subscription Fees: If investing in qualifying investment funds, note of the potential subscription and annual management fees, which can vary by fund.
✔️ Property Transfer Tax (IMT) and Stamp Duty: Applicable only for real estate purchases. IMT rates vary between 0% and 8%, depending on the property's value and type. Stamp Duty is generally 0.8% of the property's value.
✔️ Notary and Land Registry Fees: For real estate, the fees are approximately 1% of the property's value.
Note: All fees are subject to change. It's advisable to consult official sources or Vivacity's legal advisors for the most current information before proceeding with your application.
Would you like assistance in calculating the total estimated costs based on your specific investment choice? Feel free to reach out! 
Tax Advantages for Non-EU Investors in Portugal
Investing in Portugal through Vivacity Real Estate offers not only access to premium properties and residency opportunities but also favorable tax conditions for non-EU investors. While recent changes, such as the removal of the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program, have impacted certain tax incentives, Portugal remains a strategic and tax-efficient choice for real estate investment.
1. Favorable Real Estate Taxation
✔ Flat 28% Tax on Rental Income – Non-residents benefit from a fixed 28% tax on rental income, avoiding higher progressive tax rates.
✔ Capital Gains Tax Deferral – Investors reinvesting profits from property sales into another Portuguese property may defer capital gains tax.
✔ No Wealth or Inheritance Tax – Portugal does not impose an annual wealth tax, and inheritance tax is exempt for direct family members.
2. No Automatic Tax Liability for Golden Visa Holders
✔ Golden Visa Does Not Trigger Tax Residency – The Portugal Golden Visa program does not create any tax obligations unless you spend more than 183 days per year in Portugal.
✔ Non-Residents Are Only Taxed on Portuguese-Sourced Income – If you remain a tax resident in another country, Portugal only taxes income derived from Portuguese sources, such as rental income or capital gains from property sales.
✔ No Exit Tax – Unlike some other European countries, Portugal does not tax your assets when leaving the country.
3. Double Taxation Agreements (DTTs)
✔ Tax Optimization – Portugal has agreements with multiple countries to reduce or eliminate double taxation on foreign income, capital gains, and inheritance.
4. Residency Benefits Without Full Relocation
✔ Minimal Stay Requirement – The Golden Visa only requires 7 days per year in Portugal, allowing investors to maintain tax residency elsewhere.
✔ Path to Portuguese Citizenship – After 5 years, investors may apply for Portuguese citizenship, gaining access to EU residency and travel freedoms.
Impact of the NHR Program Removal
The Portuguese government recently discontinued the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program, which previously allowed foreign residents to benefit from significant tax reductions on international income. While this change affects some tax advantages, Portugal remains an attractive destination for real estate investment, residency, and wealth preservation, particularly due to its Golden Visa program, business-friendly environment, and high quality of life.
At Vivacity Investment, we guide investors through tax-efficient strategies, ensuring a seamless and rewarding investment journey in Portugal. Our partnerships with top-tier partners, legal and tax experts allow us to provide the best investment, legal, and financial guidance for our clients.
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