• The right to live, work, study, and undertake business in Portugal.
• Exceptional levels of safety and security, excellent education opportunities, and high-quality healthcare.
• Can be renewed for an initial two-year period, then for consecutive five-year periods.
• Eligible for permanent residence after five years.
• Family reunification
• May, upon fulfilment of certain requirements (including a language requirement), be eligible for citizenship after six years of residence.

• Aged 18 or over 

• Good character 

• Third country (i.e. non-EU, EEA or Swiss) national 

• Valid Schengen Visa 

• Good standing with the Portuguese Tax and  Customs Authority and Social Security 

• Travel requirement to supply biometrics 

• Residence requirement of seven days within the  first year and 14 days every subsequent two years 

• Interview requirement 

• No language requirement for residence 

Applicants can choose between five investment options:

1. Investment in support of artistic production or recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage: €250,000*.
2. Investment in research activities of public or private entities that are part of the national scientific and technological system: €500,000*.
3. Investment in investment funds or venture capital funds in non-real estate collective investment entities, incorporated under Portuguese legislation, whose maturity, at the time of investment, is at least 5 years old and at least 60% of the value of investments made in companies headquartered in Portugal: €500,000.
4. Incorporation of a company headquartered in Portugal, combined with the creation of 5 permanent jobs, or to reinforce the social capital of a company already incorporated and headquartered in Portugal, with
   the creation of at least 5 permanent jobs or maintenance of at least 10 jobs, with a minimum of 5 permanent employees, for a minimum of 3 years: €500,000.
5. Create at least 10 jobs in Portugal*. Processing fees apply.
   *For these options, the minimum investment amount or the number of jobs created is reduced by 20% where the investment is made in low population density areas.

Additionally, the following fees apply:

• Residency Permit Issue Fees Per applicant (other than minors born in Portugal):
  €5,817.60
• Initial Application Fees Per applicant: €581.76

Permit Renewal Fees also apply for applicants who wish to renew their permit, as follows:

• Permit Renewal Fees Per Applicant: €2,908.80
• Lexen Law Professional Fees

The Portuguese Residence by Investment Programme is solely for residency, however upon fulfilment of certain requirements, individuals may be eligible for citizenship after five years of legal residence in Portugal.

After residing in Portugal for five years, applicants can apply for citizenship via naturalisation. Requirements for naturalisation include being at least 18 years of age, basic knowledge of the Portuguese language, can demonstrate successful integration, and have not been convicted for a crime that corresponds to a penalty to or more than three years according to Portuguese law.

If successful, naturalised citizens can apply for a Portuguese passport.

Applicants must have made their investment before applying and submit the proof of investment as well as their intentions to maintain it for at least five years.

• Step 1: Interested applicants must submit an application at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Services (SEF).
• Step 2: Submit the application along with documentation.
• Step 3: Pay all the relevant fees.
• Step 4: Wait for confirmation from the SEF.
• Step 5: Schedule an appointment to submit your application at a local branch of the SEF.

What are the investment options under the Portugal Residence by Investment Programme?

Applicants can choose between five investment options:

• Investment in investment funds of venture capital funds
• Investment in scientific research activities
• Investment in support of artistic production or recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage
• Incorporation of a new or investment into an existing Portuguese company
• The creation of a least 10 new jobs

Applicant Eligibility

Main Requirments:

• Aged 18 or over
• Good character
• Third country (i.e. non-EU, EEA or Swiss) national
• Valid Schengen Visa
• Good standing with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority and Social Security
• Travel requirement to supply biometrics
• Residence requirement of seven days within the first year and 14 days every subsequent two years
• Interview requirement
• No language requirement for residence

Which family members can I include in my application for economic citizenship?

After receipt of a residence permit, the main applicant may apply for residence permits for the following family members:

• Spouse or civil partner
• Children, biological or adopted, of the main applicant or of the spouse, if:

1. Aged under 18
2. Disabled and dependent upon the main applicant or spouse
3. Aged 18 or over, unmarried, enrolled in an educational establishment, and dependent on the main applicant or spouse
4. Dependent parents of the main applicant or of the spouse aged 65 or over

How long does it take to process a Residence by Investment application?

From submission of the application to an approval in principle, applicants are generally expected to wait between three and six months.

Are citizens of certain countries not allowed to apply?

Applications are welcomed from all nationalities, except Russia and Belarus.

Duration of the residence permit 

The residence permit can be renewed for an initial two-year period, then for consecutive five-year periods.

Is This Programme for Me? 

The Portugal Residence by Investment Programme allows qualified applicants to obtain permanent residence status in Portugal, even while living elsewhere and retaining their citizenship of birth.

The following may also be a good fit for the programme:

• Individuals and families who want to enjoy visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area.
• Investors looking to invest in Portugal.
• Families who want to live, study, and/or undertake business in Portugal.