The Portugal Golden Visa for Indians offers a unique opportunity for those looking to invest in a new life in Europe.
Launched in 2012 by the Portuguese government, the Golden Visa program has quickly become one of the most sought-after residency-by-investment options worldwide, attracting thousands of non-EU nationals each year.
Interest in the Portugal Golden Visa has surged among Indian nationals, with a nearly 70 percent increase in Golden Visas issued from 2019 to 2022. This trend highlights the program’s growing appeal among Indian investors.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Portugal Golden Visa and cover the following:
What is the Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa program is a five-year residency by investment initiative for non-EU nationals, including Indian citizens. With it, qualifying investors and their family members are granted the right to live, work, and study in Portugal.
The scheme was introduced by the government in 2012 as part of Portugal’s immigration move to boost foreign capital and benefit the Portuguese economy. After five years of being a legal resident in Portugal as a Golden Visa holder, investors may become eligible to apply for permanent residence status and become Portuguese citizens by getting a Portuguese passport.
The Golden Visa investment program is among the most popular, with investors worldwide making contributions. Since its inception, over 20,000 Golden Passports have been awarded to families worldwide, and over €4 billion in funds have been raised.
Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa for Indians
The Portugal Golden Visa enables access to many benefits, providing Indian investors and their families with a unique opportunity to establish a prosperous and fulfilling life in a country that embraces diversity and innovation and provides a high standard of living. Here are the top benefits of the Golden Visa in Portugal for Indians.
 | Family reunification: An attractive benefit of the Golden Visa is that your dependent family can be included in the application. Just like you, they can also enjoy a second residence in Portugal and the same opportunities in the country. |
 | Attractive investment options: The Golden Visa program encompasses several investment types. These include donations, job creation, and research activities. Investors can choose the option that best suits their financial goals and preferences, including affordable investments starting from €250,000. |
 | Visa-free access to the Schengen Area: Golden Visa holders enjoy the privilege of unrestricted entry and movement within the 29 countries of the Schengen Area, eliminating the need for an additional visa. |
 | Pathway to Portuguese citizenship: After five years of being a legal resident in Portugal as a Golden Visa holder, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residence status and become a Portuguese citizen, whereby you can get a Portuguese passport. |
 | Affordable healthcare: Portuguese healthcare is known for its high standard and accessibility. Golden Visa holders can benefit from quality medical services and healthcare facilities. With a Portugal Golden Visa, investors and their family members can be eligible for treatment under the Portuguese healthcare system, known as the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde). |
 | Low physical presence requirement: The Golden Visa program typically has a low minimum stay requirement in Portugal (14 days every two years), making it accessible to investors who do not want to live in the country full-time. |
Eligibility Criteria for Portugal's Golden Visa for Indians
To qualify for the program, you must fulfill the following Golden Visa requirements for Portugal:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a clean criminal record. A lawyer should analyse your case if you don’t have a clean criminal record.
- Be either non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA national.
- Minimum investment of €250,000, with a range of investment routes to choose from
- Spend an average of seven days per year in Portugal, guaranteeing a total of fourteen days during the validity of each residence card (issued with a validity of 2 years)
- The funds for the investment should arrive from outside of Portugal (you can’t take a loan from a Portuguese financial institution to apply).
Portugal Golden Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
The Portugal Golden Visa has its own set of requirements that every applicant must fulfill to apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa. Let’s have a look at them:
- Residency requirement: To be eligible for the Golden Visa, you must maintain the investment for a specific period. During the first year, you must stay in Portugal for at least seven days; in each subsequent two-year period, you must spend at least 14 days in the country.
- Clean criminal record: Provide a clean criminal record from your country of residence
- Valid travel documents: Possess a valid passport and other necessary documents
- Proof of funds: Demonstrate that you have the financial means to support yourself and your dependents during your stay in Portugal
- Health insurance: If you intend to relocate to Portugal with a visa, you must prove that you have private health insurance.
By meeting these requirements, Indian investors can apply for European residency and access the numerous benefits of living, working, and studying in Portugal.
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options for Indians
Portugal’s Golden Visa program presents an opportunity for Indian investors seeking to gain European residency through strategic investments. As an Indian national, you can apply for the Portugal Golden Visa by fulfilling the following investment requirements:
- Fund subscription: Make a contribution to a Portugal Golden Visa investment fund (such as private equity funds or venture capital funds) worth at least €500,000
- Investment or donation in the arts or reconstruction of national cultural heritage with a donation of at least €250,000
- Scientific research: Science or Technology research contribution of at least €500,000
- Creation of ten jobs: Creation and maintenance of ten jobs during the required period
- Share capital and job creation: Venture capital funds for a commercial company in the national territory or reinforcement of a company’s share capital. This company must have its head office in the national territory. The minimum investment of €500,000 is combined with the creation of five or maintaining ten jobs (five of them permanent).
The minimum investment amounts for options 2 and 3 may be reduced by 20% when the investment activity is carried out in low-density areas. These regions have fewer than 100 inhabitants per square kilometer or GDP per capita of under 75% of the national average.
Golden Visa Required Documents
The required documents can change at the discretion of the Portuguese government, and Golden Visa applicants must submit supporting documents for the initial application and each renewal.
Documents to include:
A correctly completed Golden Visa application form- Copy of a valid passport and travel documents
- A Portuguese tax number (NIF)
- Declaration from your bank in Portugal confirming the transfer of funds from abroad into your Portuguese bank account
- Proof of health insurance in Portugal (only required if the investor resides in Portugal)
- A background check or a police clearance letter from your country of origin
- A declaration of honor compromising to maintain the investment for five years
- Documents showing a good standing with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority (the Portuguese tax authorities)
- Document showing non-enrollment or a good standing with the Social Security
- A receipt showing that you already paid the application processing fee
A correctly completed Golden Visa application formNote that the certificates of criminal records or police clearance letters must have been issued no more than 90 days before submitting your application.
Legalizing and translating documents
The required documents and application form must be legalized, translated into Portuguese, and certified. The Portuguese Consulate can legalize documents or apostille them according to The Hague Apostille Convention. The original documents must be accompanied by a translation in Portuguese certified by one of the following three agents: a Portuguese Consulate, a Portuguese lawyer, or an official notary.
Before You Apply for the Golden Visa
During the initial research and preparation stage, potential investors should research the Portugal Golden Visa program, explore different investment options, and gather the documents and funds required for the chosen investment option. Once you’ve decided on which investment route you will take, a few administrative tasks must be completed before lodging your Golden Visa application.
Acquire a Portuguese tax number (NIF)
Getting a tax identification number in Portugal
, or NIF, is a key step for Indians applying for the Portugal Golden Visa. This number is essential for activities such as opening a bank account or completing property transactions.
As a non-resident, you can obtain a NIF without being physically present in Portugal. This process can be facilitated through a Portuguese attorney or fiscal agent, who will act as your tax representative.
Your representative must be a resident of Portugal and will apply for a temporary NIF on your behalf. Once you achieve permanent residency, this temporary number will be converted to a permanent one.
Securing your NIF is a vital part of your application for the Portugal Golden Visa. It will enable you to move forward with your investment and residency plans in Portugal.
Open a Portuguese bank account
After obtaining your NIF, the next step in your Portugal Golden Visa application is to open a bank account in Portugal. This account is essential for managing your investments and financial transactions in Portugal.
Steps for opening a bank account online:
- Choose your bank: Select a Portuguese bank that suits your needs.
- Gather required documents: Prepare the necessary documents, including identification and proof of address.
- Initiate the online application: Visit the bank’s website to start the account opening process.
- Select account type: Decide on the type of account you want to open, such as a savings or a current account.
- Complete the application: Follow the online instructions provided by the bank.
- Video meeting: Be prepared for a video meeting with a bank representative to confirm your identity and answer any questions.
- Initial deposit: You may need an initial cash deposit to activate your new account.
Many banks in Portugal, such as ActivoBank, Banco N26, Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Millenium BCP, and Novo Banco, offer the option to open accounts online. This streamlined process allows you to efficiently manage your finances as you proceed with your Portugal Golden Visa application.
Step-by-Step Application Process
To begin your application for the Golden Visa in Portugal, you must first make a qualifying investment. We can start securing your investment and will walk you through the documentation needed to secure a successful investment.
Before submitting your application, it is advised you consult with a Portugal Golden Visa lawyer or a Golden Visa consultant to see what documentation you need in addition to your investment. Here is a breakdown of the step-by-step process for the Golden Visa application:
 | Apply online: With your qualifying investment made and your paperwork ready, you must submit your pre-application online to AIMA (the immigration authorities). |
 | Pre-approval: After analyzing your pre-application, AIMA will provide you with a set of available dates for the biometrics appointment. |
 | Biometrics visit: It takes around two months from when you book your interview to be able to attend a biometrics collecting session in person. |
 | Golden Visa issuance: Following your biometrics appointment, it takes about six months for AIMA to carry out necessary procedures, such as a background check and authorize your Golden Visa. |
Residence permit renewal
The Golden Visa residence permit is typically valid for two years and can be renewed for subsequent two-year periods as long as the investor maintains the qualifying investment and meets the residency requirements. The renewal process involves submitting updated documents and demonstrating continued compliance with the investment criteria.
Golden Visa Portugal Timeline for Indians
The timeline for obtaining Portugal’s Golden Visa for Indian investors can vary based on several factors, including the completeness of the application, the type of investment chosen, and the processing efficiency of the relevant authorities.
On average, the timeline can take approximately six to eight months, but it’s essential to understand the various stages involved in the Golden Visa process.
Year 0
The visa application and the supporting documents are submitted online to AIMA. Once they approve your application, you then need to appear for an interview in person, in AIMA. As the main applicant, you and all your dependents can book the AIMA appointment simultaneously.
You’ll then need to wait between 9-12 months before your residence permit is issued. Once granted, the initial permit is valid for two years.
Year 2
After the two years are up, the residence permit must be renewed. The second permit is valid for two more years.
Year 4
The residence permit will be up for renewal at the end of year four. This can be renewed for another two years.
Year 5
You can apply for permanent residency and/or Portuguese citizenship at the end of the fifth year if you meet the requirements. Once the citizenship is granted, you can obtain a Portuguese passport.
Portugal Golden Visa Cost for Indian Applicants
The fees involved with submitting, granting, and renewing the residence permit are listed below. All government fees listed are payable per person, whether a main applicant or a family member. While the information is accurate as of the time of publishing, AIMA can amend the fees without prior notification. The current visa fees table (for all visa types in Portugal) is published on the AIMA website.
Application | Permit Issuance | Per Renewal *Expect to renew twice in a five-year period | Total Over 5 Years | |
Single Applicant | €605.10 | €6,045.20 | €3,023.20 | €12,696.70 |
Couple | €1,210.20 | €12,090.40 | €6,046.40 | €25,393.40 |
Family of Four | €2,420.40 | €24,180.80 | €12,092.80 | €50,786.80 |
Legal and consultancy fees
Many Indian investors seek guidance from experienced immigration consultants or legal experts to navigate the complex application process. Legal and consultancy fees can vary depending on the services provided, the law firm you work with, and the case’s complexity.
- Golden Visa legal application fees: Range from €5,000 to €8,000 for single applicants. Dependents younger than 18 years old can be included in the application free of charge.
- Additional Portugal Golden Visa application fees: For dependents aged 18 years and older, this will cost between €500 to €2,000. Note that children are free of charge.
Miscellaneous expenses
Other miscellaneous expenses may include document translation, medical insurance premiums, and additional requirements specific to the investor’s circumstances. It’s important to note that the total cost of the Portugal Golden Visa can vary based on individual choices, such as the investment option selected, the number of family members included in the application, and the level of professional assistance sought.
Using a loan or mortgage to pay for Portugal Golden Visa
A common question is if you can use a loan or a mortgage to secure your Golden Visa investment in Portugal. You cannot take out a loan or mortgage from a Portuguese financial institution to pay for your investment. However, you can take out a loan from a bank outside of Portugal.
Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?
GLOBAL APPROACH BY LOCAL EXPERTS
- GCS has offices located across Portugal.
- Members of the US-Portugal and UK-Portugal Chambers of Commerce in Portugal, and the Investment Migration Council (IMC).
- Our expert team can help you throughout your journey to secure your Visa.
100% APPROVAL RATE
- Our successful track record in applications provides reassurance to applicants.
- We have helped clients from more than 35 countries secure residency in Portugal.
ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION
- With a single channel of communication, our approach ensures that you have complete clarity on your application.
- Our BeGlobal® Onboarding System allows for a total flow of information.
TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY
- Our pricing is clear and detailed, you will not face any hidden costs.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal's Golden Visa Program for Indians
What is the purpose of the Portugal Golden Visa program?
The Portugal Golden Visa program aims to attract international capital to boost the economy. It establishes minimum investment requirements, encouraging foreign investors to make fund investments in qualifying funds.
The program, created by the Portuguese government, offers a pathway for non-EU nationals to gain residency while stimulating economic growth.
What is the Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa is a Residency by Investment program established in 2012 to attract foreign investors and enhance Portugal’s economy. Indian citizens can obtain a residency permit in exchange for a qualifying investment.
What are the investment options for the Portugal Golden Visa?
To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, you can make a fund subscription of at least €500,000 to qualifying investment funds like venture capital funds, private equity funds, or mutual funds. Alternatively, a donation of €250,000 for the arts or national heritage, or a €500,000 contribution to scientific research is acceptable.
How long does it take to get the Portugal Golden Visa residence permits?
The Portugal Golden Visa processing time is usually between 12 to 24 months for the approval and issuance of residence permits.
Can Indian investors include family members in the Golden Visa application?
Yes, Indian citizens and their included family members can live, work, and study in Portugal as long as their residence permit is valid.
Can Golden Visa holders work in Portugal?
Yes, Golden Visa holders have the right to live and work in Portugal without needing a separate visa, but there is no requirement to work in the country.
What are the residency requirements for the Golden Visa?
Investors must spend at least seven days in Portugal during the first year and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period with a Golden Visa permit.
Can Golden Visa holders travel to other European countries?
With a valid Golden Visa residence permit, a Golden Visa holder can travel visa-free within the Schengen Area, which includes 27 European Union countries.
There are European countries outside of the Schengen Area, such as the UK and Ireland, that you would need to apply for a separate visa to travel to.
Is Portugal visa-free for Indian citizens?
No, India is not a visa-free destination for Indian citizens. Indian citizens need a visa to enter Portugal for tourism, business, or other purposes.
Can Indian investors apply for permanent residency in Portugal?
Yes, holders of the Portugal Golden Visa can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship after five years, subject to meeting the required criteria, such as meeting the stay requirement and maintaining their Golden Visa investment.
Is Portuguese citizenship possible for Indian investors?
Yes, after five years of continuous residency as a legal resident, an Indian investor may be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship (effectively becoming an EU citizen), subject to additional requirements such as proficiency in the Portuguese language at A2 level, which is considered a “basic” level of proficiency.
Can Indian investors seek assistance from immigration consultants?
Yes, immigration consultants can provide guidance and support throughout the Golden Visa application process.
Because a Golden Visa application requires a lot of paperwork and can be quite a long process, seeking assistance from immigration consultants is a good idea, making the process simpler and ensuring your application has a greater chance of success.
What are the benefits of holding the Portugal Golden Visa?
The program allows investors to live, work, and study in Portugal, and provides the pathway to permanent residency or citizenship after five years. It also grants the right to travel visa-free within the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries.
Who is eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa?
To be eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa, you must make an investment and not be a citizen of Portugal, Switzerland, or any European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country. You must also be at least 18 years old and have a clean criminal record.
Is the Portugal Golden Visa ending?
No, the Portugal Golden Visa is not ending. Despite changes in recent years, including the discontinuation of real estate investments and capital transfers as eligible investment pathways, the program continues to welcome thousands of international investors to establish residency in Portugal each year.
What are the Portugal tax residency requirements?
To be considered a tax resident in Portugal, individuals must spend a minimum of 183 days in the country within a calendar year or have a permanent home available. Tax residents are required to pay taxes on their worldwide income.
Do Golden Visa holders pay taxes on global income?
Golden Visa holders are not taxed on global income unless they stay in Portugal for more than 183 days.
