Portugal has long been recognized for its innovative residency programs that combine immigration with economic growth. However, as the global landscape evolves, it is essential to adapt strategies for attracting foreign investment.
Enter the Solidarity Visa, a planned new addition to Portugal’s Golden Visa program that prioritizes social impact over financial returns.
First mentioned as part of the government’s Migration Action Plan, the Solidarity Visa is set to redefine the role of foreign capital by directing investments into crucial social infrastructure that supports vulnerable immigrant populations.
It’s important to note that the Solidarity Visa isn’t available as an immigration option right now, as the Portuguese government needs parliament’s approval to change visa laws.
Nevertheless, in this article, we’ll examine what the Solidarity Visa is how it could work, and who will benefit from it. You’ll also learn more about:
What is the Solidarity Visa?
The Portuguese government first mentioned the new Solidarity Visa in late 2024, with few details on its implementation date or processes. However, the Solidarity Visa can be seen as a complementary tool within the broader Mais Habitação program.
While Mais Habitação tackles housing reform through legislation and public policy, the Solidarity Visa uses private capital to fund affordable housing projects in line with these reforms.
It focuses not on luxury properties or profit margins but rather on aligning immigration policy with social responsibility. For a minimum contribution of €250,000, participants can gain access to Portuguese residency and, eventually, citizenship – all while directly contributing to housing accessibility, reception centers, and integration programs.
In simpler terms, it aims to tackle Portugal’s housing crisis by promoting the construction of affordable rental housing.
How is it different from the Mais Habitação program?
When there were still concerns about the Portugal Golden Visa ending, the government made several changes to the investment scheme in 2023. The most radical shift was to remove real estate as a Golden Visa investment option and introduce the Mais Habitação (More Housing) law.
The legislation aims to improve housing access for Portuguese citizens and residents. It includes broader measures like regulating short-term rentals and penalizing vacant properties.
The Solidarity Visa is complimentary to that and is a specific residency-by-investment program targeting wealthy foreign investors willing to fund these affordable housing and social projects.
Benefits of the Solidarity Visa
Similar to the Portugal Golden Visa, the Solidarity Visa offers investors several benefits, blending immigration advantages with an opportunity to contribute to meaningful social impact.
Residency in Portugal: Visa holders and their families can legally reside in Portugal, work, and enroll in educational institutions.
Visa-free travel: Residency under the Solidarity Visa allows visa-free movement across the Schengen Area, covering 29 European countries.
Portuguese citizenship: After maintaining residency for five years, investors can apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency.
Social impact focus: Unlike traditional Golden Visa options, this program focuses on creating lasting social change, making it appealing to philanthropically inclined investors.
Family Reunification: Investors can include immediate family members in the visa application, which extends the same rights to them.
Solidarity Visa Investment Requirements
The final details regarding the Solidarity Visa investment requirements are pending government confirmation, but a few details are already known.
The expected minimum investment is a €250,000 charitable contribution, and funds must be directed toward social projects that develop affordable housing infrastructure.
The investment must align with the Portuguese government’s Migration Action Plan, focusing on addressing housing shortages and promoting inclusivity. This eliminates the need to manage real estate or business ventures, making the process more straightforward for investors.
While the minimum duration of the investment hasn’t been specified yet, it is likely tied to the five-year residency period required for citizenship or permanent residency eligibility.
Investment Options for the Solidarity Visa
The Portuguese government has yet to publish the exact details of the various investment opportunities, but there are some indications of what it could involve.
Developing social housing initiatives: Creating or upgrading housing to support social well-being. These projects aim to alleviate the housing crisis by providing safe and affordable accommodations for those in need.
Promoting educational opportunities: Establishing language centers dedicated to teaching Portuguese to immigrants, facilitating their integration into society. These programs improve job prospects and encourage active social participation.
Investing in cultural preservation: Supporting efforts to safeguard and celebrate Portuguese heritage by funding the restoration of historic landmarks or sponsoring cultural initiatives and programs.
Comparison: Solidarity Visa vs. Other Visa Options in Portugal
Solidarity Visa vs. Portugal Golden Visa
The Solidarity Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa are part of Portugal’s residency-by-investment initiatives, but they differ significantly in terms of objectives, structure, and appeal.
The Golden Visa has been one of the world’s most popular residency-by-investment programs for over a decade. It offers foreign investors various pathways to obtain Portuguese residency, such as venture capital funds or scientific research.
Unlike the Solidarity Visa, the Golden Visa’s primary appeal lies in its potential financial returns, whether through returns on investment funds or business profits.
Feature | Solidarity Visa | Portugal Golden Visa |
Investment Focus | Social projects (e.g., housing, immigrant integration) | Investment funds, cultural production, scientific R&D |
Investment Amount | €250,000 (expected, subject to confirmation) | Starts at €250,000 |
Return on Investment | None—this is a charitable contribution | Potential for financial returns depending on investment type |
Residency Path | Provides Portuguese residency | Provides Portuguese residency |
Path to Citizenship | Eligible after 5 years | Eligible after 5 years |
Target Investor | Investors focused on social impact | Investors seeking returns alongside residency |
Entry Complexity | Simpler (direct donation to pre-approved projects) | Varies (e.g., job creation, fund management) |
Solidarity Visa vs. Portugal D7 Visa
The Portugal D7 Visa and the Solidarity Visa cater to different audiences despite offering similar residency benefits.
Known as the “Passive Income Visa,” the D7 Visa is a residency program for retirees, remote workers, and individuals with stable passive income from sources such as pensions, dividends, or property rentals.
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient income to support themselves and their families in Portugal.
Feature | Solidarity Visa | D7 Visa |
Purpose | Residency through investment in social projects | Residency for retirees or passive income earners |
Financial Requirement | €250,000 (donation) | Proof of stable passive income (e.g., pensions, rent) |
Target Applicant | Investors focused on social impact | Retirees, remote workers, or individuals with passive income |
Residency Path | Provides Portuguese residency | Provides Portuguese residency |
Path to Citizenship | Eligible after 5 years | Eligible after 5 years |
Physical Presence | Minimal (7 days/year) | Requires staying in Portugal at least 183 days/year |
Financial Returns | None (charitable donation) | No investment required |
Is the Solidarity Visa a Game-Changer for Social Impact?
The Solidarity Visa isn’t an immigration option right now. Still, there are strong indications that the Portuguese government could get the needed support from parliament to approve a change in visa laws in 2025.
But could the new visa be a game-changer for social impact? Global Citizen Solutions CEO Patricia Casaburi thinks so, especially as it falls under the scope of the Mais Habitação law.
“The overarching message of this initiative is clear: Portugal acknowledges its need for immigration but seeks to manage it more effectively. This new policy framework highlights several key points that warrant attention and analysis,” she explains.
According to her, the focus on attracting foreign talent and integrating immigrants effectively suggests a holistic approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges of immigration. If everything goes according to plan, the Solidarity Visa’s potential impact could be considerable.
“The government envisions this residence-by-investment program as a cornerstone of the broader Migration Plan and the ‘Build Portugal’ Plan, particularly focusing on affordable housing projects. This initiative not only aims to enhance Portugal’s immigration framework but also to ensure that immigration continues to be a positive and integral part of the nation’s future,” Casaburi concludes.
Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa?
- Global approach by local experts: A team of experienced local case executives, immigration lawyers, and investment specialists based in Portugal.
- Independent service:We are not a marketing agency for any projects. You will access all eligible routes for the Golden Visa, with over 40 vetted qualifying investment options, so you can decide on the best option for you.
- 100% approval rate: We have the unique distinction of never having had a Golden Visa case rejected and have helped hundreds of clients from more than 35 countries.
- All-encompassing solution: Our dedicated onboarding and immigration teams will assist you throughout the process and beyond with a single channel of communication.
- Transparency: Our fees are clear and detailed, covering the entire process with no hidden costs.
- Privacy: Your personal data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
To see the full list of reasons why to work with Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa, you can find out more here: Why Work with Global Citizen Solutions for Your Golden Visa Portugal Application?
Frequently Asked Questions About the Solidarity Visa
What is the Solidarity Golden Visa in Portugal?
The Solidarity Golden Visa is a new component of Portugal’s Golden Visa program, designed to attract foreign investment for social projects that tackle issues such as housing shortages and immigrant integration. With a minimum investment of approximately €250,000, participants can secure Portuguese residency while directly contributing to initiatives that support vulnerable populations.
How does the Solidarity Visa differ from other visa programs?
Focus on Social Impact: Investments are directed toward non-profit initiatives, such as affordable housing and reception centers, rather than luxury real estate or business ventures.
No Financial Returns: The Solidarity Visa requires a charitable donation with no direct monetary returns, unlike other visas that may offer potential profits.
Affordable Entry: At an expected €250,000, it has a lower investment threshold compared to other residency programs in Portugal.
Who is eligible for the Solidarity Visa?
The visa is for investors outside the European Union and European Economic Area with liquid capital who are comfortable making a non-recoverable investment. It’s ideal for those prioritizing social impact over financial gains.
What are the benefits of the Solidarity Visa?
Live, work, and study in Portugal with the advantage of visa-free travel across 26 European countries. After five years, you may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship. You can also include your spouse and dependent children, up to 26 years old if they are students. Additionally, you can make a positive impact by contributing to meaningful social projects that benefit immigrant communities.
How does the Solidarity Golden Visa work?
Participants are required to invest a minimum of €250,000 in pre-approved social projects. These projects may include building affordable housing, creating immigrant integration programs, or supporting community infrastructure. In exchange for their investment, participants receive Portuguese residency and can apply for citizenship after five years.
What are the requirements for a Solidarity Visa?
The minimum investment required is €250,000, which must be allocated to approved social projects. These investments should support initiatives such as housing accessibility, immigrant integration, or reception infrastructure. It is important to note that the funds will be considered a donation, with no expectation of monetary returns.
How do you apply for a Solidarity Visa?
There are no official guidelines on how to apply for this visa. Potential investors should wait for the official launch and detailed application guidelines.
Can the Solidarity Visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes, the Solidarity Visa allows investors to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship after five years, provided they maintain the required residency conditions (e.g., an average stay of seven days per year) and meet eligibility criteria.