Residence permit, Visa, Citizenship

The Portuguese residency by investment program, known as the "Golden Visa," was revised in 2023.

The option to obtain residency through the purchase of real estate has been closed, but residency can still be obtained by investing in company share capital or considering other investment options.

• Residency permits for the entire family: spouse, children under 18, parents of the applicant and spouse.
• Right to work and study in Portugal
• Visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone countries

• Eligibility for citizenship after 5 years
• Optional permanent residence: minimum of 7 days in the first year and 14 days every two subsequent years
• No exams in Portuguese language or history required

• Investment in scientific or technological research: from €500,000
• Investment in a business creating a minimum of 10 jobs: from €500,000
• Investment in a venture capital fund: from €500,000
• Contribution to cultural projects: from €250,000

• Have no criminal record in Portugal
• Have no prior visa refusals or entry bans to the EU
• Provide documentation supporting the purpose of their visit (e.g., a letter of admission to an educational institution, property purchase agreement, business plan, or employment contract)

• Spouse
• Children under 18, or under 26 if unmarried and enrolled in full-time education
• Any non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen who meets the program's requirements

• Parents of either spouse, if over 66 years old (or over 55 if financially dependent)
• Siblings of either spouse under 18, if financially dependent

• Chosen type of investment
• Legal and administrative fees: approximately €5,000-8,000

• Government fees: €5,325 for the main applicant and €5,325 for each family member

Foreigners can obtain Portuguese citizenship by naturalization after five years of residency in the country. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the Portuguese language at A2 level.

As of March 6, 2024, amendments to the "Citizenship Law" have come into force, allowing the residency period for citizenship to count from the moment of submission of the residency application. Previously, this period began only upon approval of the application.

A Portuguese passport allows holders to live and work in EU countries and travel visa-free to 172 countries, including popular destinations like the USA, Canada, and Australia.

Mercury Group specialists will assist with legal support and provide a full range of concierge services for our investors.