Portugal Golden Visa Application Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide

• Personalized Assessment: Your journey begins with a detailed consultation. We assess your specific objectives for Portugal residency by investment and potential Portugal citizenship by investment, discussing family inclusion and long-term goals.

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• Investment & Eligibility Confirmation: Based on your profile, we present suitable qualified Golden Visa fund options that meet the €500k fund investment Portugal requirement. We clarify all Portugal Golden Visa requirements and confirm your eligibility.

• Obtain Portuguese NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal): This is your crucial Portuguese tax identification number. Our team, or our trusted legal partners, will assist you in obtaining your NIF, which can often be done remotely via a Power of Attorney (POA), saving you an initial trip to Portugal.

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• Open a Portuguese Bank Account: A local bank account is mandatory for your Portugal Golden Visa fund investment. We guide you through the process, connecting you with banks that facilitate remote account opening where possible, or coordinating with local representatives.

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• Preliminary Due Diligence: Our legal partners conduct an initial due diligence check on your behalf to proactively identify and address any potential issues, ensuring a smoother application path.

• Fund Investment: Once your NIF and bank account are established, you will proceed with the €500,000 minimum investment into your chosen CMVM regulated fund Portugal. We provide all necessary documentation to certify your passive Golden Visa investment.

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• Comprehensive Document Collection: We work closely with you to gather and meticulously prepare all required personal and financial documents. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Valid Passport and Travel Documents

• Proof of Legal Entry (if applicable)

• Health Insurance Coverage (valid in Portugal)

• Clean Criminal Record Certificate (from your country of origin/residence, issued within 3 months)

• Proof of Portuguese NIF

• Proof of Investment (from Portuguese financial institution)

• Declaration under oath confirming investment maintenance for 5 years

• Proof of Good Standing with Portuguese Tax and Social Security Authorities

• Authorization for AIMA to access Portuguese Criminal Records

• For non-Portuguese documents, official translations and Apostille (or diplomatic legalization) are required.

• Meticulous Submission: Our experienced partner legal team will then compile and submit your complete Portugal Golden Visa application online through the AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) portal. This involves uploading all digital documents and paying the initial government processing fees (approx. €773.74 per applicant as of 2025).

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• Family Inclusion: Applications for eligible family members (spouse, dependent children, dependent parents) are submitted concurrently to ensure family reunification.

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• Citizenship Clock Starts: Crucially, your 5-year eligibility period for Portuguese citizenship officially begins on the date of your initial online application submission, not when the card is issued.

• Pre-Approval & Scheduling: After the online submission undergoes preliminary analysis, AIMA will issue a pre-approval notification. At this stage, you will be invited to schedule a biometrics appointment at an AIMA service center in Portugal.

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• In-Person Visit: You and your family members included in the application will travel to Portugal for this mandatory in-person appointment. During this visit, your original documents will be verified, and your biometric data (fingerprints, photograph, signature) will be collected. Our Portugal Golden Visa consultants will prepare you thoroughly for this step, ensuring you have all necessary originals.

• Final Review: AIMA conducts a final review of your application and collected biometric data.

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• Permit Issuance: Upon successful final approval, you will be required to pay the final government issuance fee (approx. €7,730.11 per applicant as of 2025).

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• Receive Your Golden Visa Card: Your Portugal Golden Visa residence cards will then be issued, typically valid for two years. Our legal team can often collect these cards on your behalf and arrange for secure delivery.

• Minimum Stay Requirements: To maintain your Golden Visa, you must spend a minimum of 7 days in Portugal during the first year, and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period.

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• Renewal Process: Your residence permit will need to be renewed every two years. We assist with the Portugal Golden Visa renewal process, including updating documents, verifying investment continuity, and coordinating any required new biometric appointments.

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• Path to Citizenship: After 5 years from initially obtaining residency card, you become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship provided you fulfil other conditions such as minimum stay, investment, a clean criminal record, and passing a basic Portuguese language test (A2 level) etc.

Choosing TC for your Portugal Golden Visa means partnering with experts who streamline this entire application process, ensuring compliance, managing expectations regarding Portugal Golden Visa processing time, and maximizing your chances of success.