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Europe Schengen Zone

Portugal Residency by Investment

Portugal's Golden Visa provides Schengen residency with minimal stay requirements, leading to EU citizenship and passport after just 5 years.

€500,000
Min. Investment
6–12 months
Processing Time
Yes
Schengen Access
5 years
Path to Citizenship

About the Program

Portugal's Golden Visa (ARI) is one of Europe's most popular residency by investment programmes. It requires as little as 7 days per year of physical presence in Portugal while providing full Schengen zone access and a direct path to Portuguese citizenship — and one of the world's strongest passports — after 5 years.

⚠️ Real Estate Route Closed

Effective October 2023, real estate purchases no longer qualify for the Golden Visa. The remaining qualifying routes are investment fund contributions and job creation / business investment.

Available Routes (2026)

  • Investment Fund (€500,000): Qualifying Portuguese venture capital or private equity fund — by far the most popular current route
  • Business Creation (€500,000): Investment in an existing business + maintaining 5+ jobs for 3 years
  • Job Creation: Establishing a company that creates at least 10 jobs in Portugal

Tax — NHR 2.0 (IFICI Regime)

Portugal replaced the original NHR (Non-Habitual Residency) regime with IFICI (Incentivo Fiscal à Captação de Residentes) in 2024. Key points:

  • 20% flat rate on Portuguese-sourced qualifying income for 10 years
  • Available to new residents who have not been Portuguese tax residents in the prior 5 years
  • Targeted sectors: science, R&D, innovation, qualified skilled professions
  • Certain foreign-sourced income may remain exempt — verify with a Portuguese tax advisor

Quality of Life

Portugal consistently ranks among the world's best countries for quality of life, safety, and expat friendliness. Lisbon and Porto are vibrant, affordable European capitals with thriving digital nomad communities. The Algarve remains one of Europe's most desirable coastal destinations.

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Lifestyle & Quality of Life

What daily life actually looks like

$2,000 – $4,000/month
Monthly Budget
🛡️ Very Safe
Safety Rating
☀️ Mediterranean — mild winters, warm summers
Climate

Why People Choose Portugal

High safety ranking — one of the safest countries in Europe
Affordable compared to UK, France, or Germany
English widely spoken in cities
World-class food, wine, and culture
Thriving expat communities in Lisbon, Porto, Algarve
Excellent healthcare and education system
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Tax Implications

Key tax information for residents

NHR 2.0 (IFICI): 20% flat rate on Portuguese qualifying income for 10 years. Foreign income treatment depends on category — consult a tax advisor. No wealth tax; inheritance tax only applies to non-direct family.

⚠️ Tax rules change. Always verify with a qualified local tax advisor before making decisions based on tax considerations.

Investment Options

Option / Category Min. Amount Description
Investment Fund €500,000 Qualifying Portuguese venture capital or PE fund — most popular route since real estate was removed
Business Investment €500,000 Investment in existing Portuguese business + maintaining 5+ jobs for 3 years
Job Creation Variable Create minimum 10 jobs in Portugal via registered company

Requirements

  • Clean criminal record
  • Health insurance
  • 7 days/year physical presence in Portugal
  • Proof of qualifying investment
  • Source of funds documentation

Key Benefits

  • EU citizenship after 5 years (one of the world's strongest passports)
  • Full Schengen zone access
  • Only 7 days/year physical presence required
  • NHR 2.0 (IFICI) — 20% flat tax for 10 years
  • High quality of life at moderate cost
  • Family included
  • English widely spoken
  • Strong property rental market
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Important Notices & Recent Changes

  • • Real estate route closed October 2023 — only fund/business routes remain
  • • NHR 2.0 (IFICI) replaced old NHR regime in 2024 — different eligibility rules
  • • Processing times can be 6–18 months due to backlog — start early

Information Notice: This page is for informational purposes only. CRP World is an independent information resource, not a licensed immigration advisor. Program requirements, investment thresholds, and processing times change frequently. Always verify details with official program sources and consult a qualified licensed professional before making any decisions.

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Questions about Portugal?

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Program at a Glance

Monthly Budget $2,000 – $4,000/month
Safety Very Safe
Path to Citizenship 5 years
Schengen Access Yes ✓
Climate Mediterranean

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