How to Get the Portugal Golden Visa in 2025 — Step-by-Step Process

The Portugal Golden Visa is one of the most popular residency programs in Europe. It gives non-EU citizens the chance to live, work, and study in Portugal, while enjoying visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone. After five years, you can even apply for permanent residency or citizenship. Introduced in 2012, the program is still one of the easiest and most flexible ways to move to Europe in 2025.

If you’re thinking about applying, here’s an easy step-by-step guide to help you understand how the Portugal Golden Visa works and how you can get it.

Step 1: Learn What the Portugal Golden Visa Is

The Portugal Golden Visa lets you get residency in exchange for making an approved investment in the country. You don’t have to live there full-time — just stay at least seven days per year to keep your status active.

In 2025, you can qualify through different investment options such as:

• Investing €500,000 in an approved investment fund
  
  

• Creating 10 jobs in Portugal through your business
  
  

• Donating €250,000 or more to support cultural or scientific projects
  
  

Step 2: Get Your Documents Ready

Before applying, gather all the required documents. You’ll need:

• A valid passport
  
  

• Proof of investment funds and where they came from
  
  

• A Portuguese tax number (NIF)
  
  

• A clean criminal record certificate
  
  

• Health insurance valid in Portugal
  
  

• Proof of your investment or fund commitment
  
  

It’s a good idea to work with a Portuguese immigration lawyer who can help you organize everything correctly.

Step 3: Make Your Investment

After choosing your investment option, open a bank account in Portugal and transfer your funds. Once done, you’ll get official proof of your investment, which you’ll need for your application.

Step 4: Apply for the Golden Visa

Go to the SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) website — this is Portugal’s immigration office. You can submit your application online, upload your documents, and pay the required fee. Once your application is reviewed, SEF will schedule a biometric appointment for you in Portugal.

Step 5: Attend Your Biometric Appointment

At the appointment, you’ll give your fingerprints, photo, and signature. After this step, SEF will issue your residence permit, which is valid for two years. You just need to spend seven days per year in Portugal to keep it active.

When your two-year permit ends, you can renew it for three more years as long as your investment remains active.

Step 6: Apply for Citizenship or Permanent Residency

After five years of holding the Portugal Golden Visa, you can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship. Once you become a citizen, you’ll get a Portuguese passport, giving you visa-free access to over 180 countries and the right to live anywhere in the European Union.

Why the Portugal Golden Visa Is Worth It

• Only 7 days of stay required per year
  
  

• Path to EU citizenship after 5 years
  
  

• Safe and stable investment options
  
  

• Great quality of life and healthcare
  
  

• Tax-friendly policies for foreigners
  
  

Final Thoughts

The Portugal Golden Visa 2025 is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to invest, live, or settle in Europe. With simple requirements, flexible options, and a clear path to citizenship, it remains one of the best residency programs in the world. If you’re looking for a safe and rewarding way to start a new life in Europe — Portugal is the place to begin.