Visa Gold

Golden Visa Portugal 2026

Complete Guide – Updated and Step-by-Step Rules

The Golden Visa Portugal program remains active in 2026, with an exclusive focus on investments with economic, scientific and cultural impact. Below we present a clear, up-to-date and structured guide to support foreign investors throughout the application process.

Step by Step to Apply for the Golden Visa in 2026

1. Check the minimum requirements

Before starting the process, the applicant must confirm that they meet the following legal criteria:

• Be a third-country citizen (outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland)

• Be at least 18 years old

• Have a clean criminal record in the country of origin and in Portugal

• Prove the lawful origin of the funds invested

• Make an eligible investment before submitting the application

2. Choose the allowed investment modality

Since the exclusion of the real estate sector, the Golden Visa has started to privilege productive and structuring investments.

Note: The choice of modality must take into account the investor's profile, the time horizon, the level of risk and the tax strategy. A professional follow-up is highly recommended.

3. Obtain NIF and open a bank account in Portugal

These are the first mandatory operational steps:

• Appointment of a tax representative to obtain the NIF

• Opening a bank account in a Portuguese institution

• Transfer of funds from abroad, with documentation proving the origin

4. Execute the investment

The application can only be submitted after the actual implementation of the investment. It is necessary to gather:

• Bank receipts of the transfer

• Contracts, certificates or investment declarations

• Documentation issued by the entity receiving the capital

5. Gather the necessary documentation

AIMA requires personal, financial, and legal documentation, including:

• Valid passport

• Criminal record certificates

• Proof of address

• Proof of investment made

• Declaration of commitment to stay

• Health insurance valid in Portugal

For family reunification, birth, marriage or legal guardianship certificates will be required.

6. Submit the application to AIMA

The application is submitted online to the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA).
After initial approval, the collection of biometric data will be scheduled in Portugal.

7. Pay the legal fees

The values can be updated, but in 2026 the approximate rates are:

New Golden Visa Portugal Rules in 2026

The program was reformulated to favor investments with a real impact on the Portuguese economy.

Valid Modalities

1. Investment funds or venture capital
   Minimum investment of €500,000 in funds operating in Portugal.

2. Artistic production or heritage preservation
   Minimum donation of €250,000 to recognized cultural entities.

3. Scientific and technological research
   Investment of €500,000 in certified projects in the areas of science and innovation.

4. Creation of skilled jobs
   Creation of at least 10 permanent jobs in the national territory.

5. Incorporation or strengthening of a company in Portugal
   Minimum investment of €500,000, with effective economic activity.

Excluded Modalities (in force since 2024 and maintained in 2026)

The following options are not eligible for the Golden Visa:

• Acquisition of residential real estate

• Real estate investment in low-density areas

• Capital transfer without direct economic impact

• Investments exclusively for housing rental

Conclusion

The Golden Visa Portugal 2026 continues to be a solid way to obtain European residency, as long as it is structured with strategic planning, adequate investment and specialized monitoring.