Patricia Casaburi Portugal’s Golden Visa program is a five-year residency-by-investment scheme for citizens outside the European Union. The residence permit program grants qualifying investors and their family members the right to live, work, and study in Portugal and permits free movement in Europe’s Schengen Area.
To date, Portugal’s Golden Visa statistics show the program to be top-rated among investors. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Portuguese Golden Visa statistics from September 2024, showcasing how international and renowned the scheme is among non-EU nationals and what the program’s future holds.
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Portugal Golden Visa Data for September 2024
In September 2024
- 2,901 residence permits for investment activity were authorized by (formerly) SEF, now known as AIMA.
- A total of 1,554 families were awarded residence permits.
- 66,943 requests for nationality acquisition opinions
Nationality Breakdown
- 567 permits were issued to people of American nationality
- 306 permits were issued to people of Chinese nationality
- 234 permits were issued to people of United Kingdom nationality
- 199 permits were issued to people of Indian nationality
- 219 permits were issued to people of Brazilian nationality
Investment Breakdown
For the 2024 report, AIMA didn’t give specific details on the individual investment types for the Golde Visa. However, in 2023, the program saw a whopping €70,895,742.39 in investments, the total investment in real estate property purchasing was €50,076,668.39, and the total investment in capital transfer was €20,819,074.00.
The Portugal Golden Visa Investment Fund option is also proving popular, particularly in the face of changes to the program. Since January 2022, investors have been blocked from buying property in urban cities such as Lisbon and Porto, along with other investment route changes.
Are you interested in learning more about the investment routes the Portugal Golden Visa offers? Check out our guide on how to invest in Portugal for citizenship.
All-Time Portugal Golden Visa Statistics: 2012-2024
Portugal Golden Visa Approval Rates
- Until the present day, Portugal issued Golden Visas for 15,619 main applicants
- 21,978 residence permits were issued for family members that accompanied the main applicants as their dependents
Top Nationalities
Over the years, the Portuguese Golden Visa investment residence permit program has attracted investors from around the globe.
Since the program’s start, China has had the largest number of applicants. However, despite Chinese nationals still being the majority, their share of the program is decreasing as investors from other nationalities, such as Brazil and the United States, have also been applying. The program is also becoming increasingly popular in other countries, such as South Africa and Turkey.
The table below provides a clear representation of the highest number of applicants for the Portugal Golden Visa Program.
2023 Statistics for Portugal's Golden Visa
Investment Types
In a departure from previous years, AIMA didn’t provide any granular details on 2024’s golden visa investment types or the value of all the investments into the country. However, since its inception in October 2012, the Golden Visa scheme has attracted significant investments, totaling €7,318,438,201.77 at the end of 2023.
While the real estate investment route represented a substantial portion of these investments, other options, such as capital transfer to a Portuguese bank, Portuguese venture capital, job creation, cultural heritage contribution, and contributions to scientific research projects, are on the rise. Since October 2012, 11 3834 residence permits have been issued for real estate investment. However, as of 2024, real estate is no longer an option.
- 1 312 visas were granted for Capital Transfer investors
- 23 residence permits were issued for people who created ten or more jobs
The chart below displays the breakdown of investment types applicants have pursued from 2012.
More Portugal Golden Visa numbers
- The minimum age to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa is 18 years old
- To apply for Portuguese citizenship via the Golden Visa, the person must hold their investment for five years at least
- A Portuguese passport granted through the Golden Visa gives you visa-free access to 174 countries
- Seven days on average are the minimum stay that the applicant must spend in Portugal to maintain the Golden Visa in the first year, followed by 14 days in the subsequent years (consecutively or non-consecutively) in Portugal.
- 20 percent is the value of the reduced tax rate for those who participate in the Non-Habitual Resident Tax Regime.
- 27 is the number of European countries belonging to the Schengen Zone to which the Portugal Golden Visa holder receives free access
- 90 days is the maximum processing time for the Portugal Golden Visa
- In 2022, in terms of top residency-by-investment programs, Portugal was recognized for offering the best program in the world
About the Portugal Golden Visa
The Portuguese Golden Visa also called the residence permit for investment activity (ARI), is a five-year residency-by-investment scheme for non-EU nationals.
Introduced by the Portuguese government in 2012, this investment program is considered one of the most popular Golden Visas in the world. Since the program’s inception, over 20,000 Golden Visas have been awarded to families from across the world.
To qualify, Golden Visa applicants have to make a significant investment in Portugal. While real estate investment and certain types of capital transfer no longer qualify for the program, there are several attractive options available. They are as follows:
- Fund investment: Make a contribution to a qualified 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: Incorporation of 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), in either case with a business investment of €500,000, combined with the creation of five or maintaining ten jobs (five of them permanent)
Intrigued about the Portugal Golden Visa scheme but are unsure where to start?
Portugal Golden Visa Program: Recent Developments and Future Projections
Despite the Portuguese Government’s announcement, the Portuguese Golden Visa Program is not ending. In 2023, the Portuguese parliament voted to restructure the program and only made some Portugal Golden Visa changes.
The new legislation, which came into force in October 2023, significantly changed the types of investments that qualify for the scheme. Namely, capital transfer and real estate investment options are no longer eligible for the program.
However, other investment options will remain available for those interested in the Portugal Golden Visa program.
On 29 October 2023, the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) replaced SEF. This move is expected to address delays in the Portugal Residency program, as AIMA has greater human resources than its predecessor.
Take a look at our Portugal Golden Visa Ultimate Guide by local experts
Portugal Golden Visa 2024 Statistics Sources
13. Doing Business | |
02. National Institute of Statistics | |
03. Your Search | |
04. Pordata | |
17. TravelBI | |
06. Executive Digest | |
08. Big Mac Index | |
09. Statisa | |
10. US News | 22. The World Bank |
11. Expat Insider | 23. Euractive |
12. Portugal’s bank |
How Global Citizen Solutions Can Assist
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship-by-investment solutions for international families.
With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we help clients from around the world acquire Portugal Golden Visas or homes while diversifying their portfolio with robust investments.
If you have a question related to Portugal Golden Visa facts, speak to one of our consultants so we can understand your objectives and help you move forward onto a path of success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portuguese Golden Visa Statistics
How many people have applied for the Portugal Golden Visa since the program started?
Since 2012, over 12,718 residence permits have been awarded to foreign investors, with 20,424 family members enjoying Portugal Golden Visa family benefits.
What country has invested the most in the Portugal Golden Visa?
According to data obtained from Portugal SEF, China remains the main country in which residence permits are granted. By June 2021, China was the leading force behind Portugal’s Golden Visa investments, with 44 percent already attributed to contributions.
According to Portugal Golden Visa data, what's the most popular investment option?
Previously, buying a €500,000 property was the main investment route applicants took for the Golden Visa, with roughly 90 percent of all investments originating from real estate investments by August 2023.
It is no longer possible to invest in real estate to qualify for the program.
How many people have a Golden Visa in Portugal?
Since the program’s inception in 2012, 12,718 main applicants have been granted Portugal Golden Visas, and 20,424 dependent family members have accompanied them. Every year since the launch of the Golden Visa program in Portugal, the largest number of applicants has been from China.
What are the latest Portuguese Golden Visa statistics for 2024?
Until today, 12,718 primary applicants have received the Portugal Golden Visa, and 20,424 dependent family members have joined them.
Since the inception of the Portugal Golden Visa in 2012, the majority of applicants have been from China. Brazil follows as a distant second, with the UAE coming in third.
What is the total investment through Portugal Golden Visa since its launch?
Since its launch in October 2012, the Golden Visa scheme attracted investments totaling €7,318,438,201.77 by the end of 2023.
What is the approval rate for Portugal Golden Visa applications?
Until the present day, Portugal has issued Golden Visas for 15,619 main applicants and 21,978 residence permits for family members who accompanied the main applicants as their dependents.
What is the average processing time based on recent statistics?
The average processing time for the initial Portugal Golden Visa application is 6 to 12 months. However, time frames can vary depending on individual circumstances.
How many family members have benefited from the Portugal Golden Visa?
21,978 Residence permits have been issued to family members who accompanied the main applicants as their dependents.
How has the Portugal Golden Visa program changed over time in terms of investment types?
The new legislation, which came into force in October 2023, significantly changed the types of investments that qualify for the scheme. Capital transfer and real estate investment options are no longer eligible for the program.
What is the demographic breakdown of Portugal Golden Visa applicants?
In September 2024, Portuguese Golden Visa statistics show the demographic breakdown of applicants as follows:
- 567 permits were issued to people of American nationality
- 306 permits were issued to people of Chinese nationality
- 234 permits were issued to people of United Kingdom nationality
- 199 permits were issued to people of Indian nationality
- 219 permits were issued to people of Brazilian nationality
What is the average investment amount per Portugal Golden Visa applicant?
The average investment amount for Portugal Golden Visa applicants falls between €250,000 and €500,000.
