ResidencyPortugal
A flexible EU residency route with a path to citizenship.
Portugal's residency-by-investment programme offers qualifying routes such as approved investment funds and other eligible options, with low minimum-stay requirements and a path toward permanent residency and citizenship over time.
- Residence requirement: 7 days per year
- Holding period: Maintain investment 5+ years
Program law
Portugal's residence-by-investment programme operates under Decree-Law 14/2021 (effective 1 January 2022) and subsequent amendments that redefined qualifying investments (real estate excluded from 2023).
Key benefits
EU & Schengen residency
Live, work and study in Portugal and travel freely across the Schengen Area.
Low stay requirement
Only about 7 days per year keeps your residency valid.
Path to citizenship
Eligible to apply for permanent residency and citizenship after five years.
Family included
Spouse, dependent children and dependent parents can be included.
Fees & costs
Investment options
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Qualifying investment fund units | EUR 500,000 |
| Scientific research — EUR 400,000 in low-density areas | EUR 500,000 |
| Company creating 5+ jobs | EUR 500,000 |
| Arts & cultural heritage — EUR 200,000 in low-density areas | from EUR 250,000 |
Government fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application analysis fee — per application | EUR 533 |
| Initial residence permit — per family member | EUR 5,337 |
| Residence card renewal — per card | EUR 3,023.20 |
Process & timeline
Retainer, document preparation, biometrics appointment and the qualifying investment.
Submit the residence-permit file with proof of investment and government fees.
Residence permit approved and issued after review.
Eligibility
- Main applicant aged 18+
- Clean criminal record (home country and Portugal)
- Valid health insurance
- Maintain the qualifying investment
- Meet the minimum stay
Required documents
All applicants
- Notarised & apostilled passport
- Birth record
- Portugal-valid health insurance
- Criminal record for 16+
- Portuguese tax number (NIF)
Main applicant
- Proof of investment / capital transfer
- Proof of funds
Married couples
- Marriage certificate (translated & apostilled)
- Divorce certificate, if applicable
Frequently asked questions
How much time must I spend in Portugal?
The programme has a low minimum-stay requirement — typically a short period each year.
Information last verified: 2026-10-29 · Official programme data
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