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Portugal's Golden Visa: Your Path to European Residency

Portugal's Golden Visa has consistently stood out as one of Europe's most appealing residency-by-investment programs.
For global professionals and investors, it offers a remarkable advantage: the possibility of future Portuguese (EU) citizenship and residency, without demanding full-time relocation to Portugal. Applicants are only required to spend an average of 7 days per year in the country.

Imagine maintaining your life and business in New York, Tel Aviv, or Johannesburg, while holding an EU residency permit and access to a future Portuguese passport – all with an average requirement of just 7 days per year spent in Portugal. This program offers a long-term plan for unparalleled flexibility, security, and opportunity for many international investors and their families.


While real estate investment options have recently been restricted, two powerful and viable paths remain particularly attractive for discerning entrepreneurs and investors in 2025: strategic investment in regulated funds and impactful business creation that generates employment in Portugal.

Navigating these pathways requires precision and expert guidance. We are here to simplify the complex, offering clear, actionable insights and connecting you with trusted partners.


The new Golden Visa : An alternative gate to Portugal
The new Golden Visa : An alternative gate to Portugal

Option 1: Strategic Investment in Qualified Funds

One of the most passive and appealing routes to the Golden Visa involves investing a minimum of €500,000 in qualified investment funds. These funds are typically venture capital or private equity funds, rigorously regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM). They are often curated to focus on sectors like green energy, technology, hospitality, and Portuguese startups.


This passive investment route is particularly relevant to people and families who are interested in a passive route towards European citizenship without the complexities of day-to-day business management. For example, we've seen families from the US choose this path to offer their children more future opportunities without committing to a move now, prioritizing peace of mind through a clean, passive investment.


What is involved:

  • Fund Selection: Carefully choosing a fund that fully qualifies for the Golden Visa.

  • Capital Transfer: Facilitating the transfer of capital through a Portuguese bank and investment brokers.

  • Agreement: Signing a compliant subscription agreement.

Points to watch for:

  • Eligibility: Not all funds meet the Golden Visa requirements - choose carefully. Our experienced legal partners provide expert legal review to ensure your chosen fund meets all the necessary criteria, saving you time and preventing costly rejections.

  • Liquidity & Exit Terms: Consider exit terms, liquidity, and reporting obligations. A legal and tax review is strongly recommended. Burtucala's network includes partners who can provide comprehensive legal and tax reviews to clarify these aspects, ensuring your investment aligns with your long-term financial strategy.



Option 2: Creating a Business That Employs 10 People

For entrepreneurs with a vision for growth in Portugal, founding or expanding a company that creates 10 full-time jobs for Portuguese residents also qualifies under the Golden Visa.

This route uniquely appeals to people who aren’t just looking for a visa, but who have real plans for building something in Portugal.

With this route to citizenship, people who are interested in investing in a business or opening their operation in Portugal gain another benefit – the possibility of European citizenship.


Think of an entrepreneur from South Africa who wants to expand their logistics company to the EU, or a restaurateur from São Paulo or Tel-Aviv who dreams of opening a boutique eatery in Lisbon. This visa offers a way in - if the plan is solid and the commitment real.


What is involved:

  • Business Plan Development: Building a robust business plan.

  • Company Formalities: Registering the company, opening a bank account, and hiring a qualified accountant.

  • Employment & Compliance: Hiring and maintaining 10 full-time jobs for the required period, and ensuring the company’s full compliance with Portuguese labor law.

Points to watch for:

  • Sustaining Employment: This route requires sustaining long-term employment and meeting strict reporting requirements. Burtucala's legal partners provide invaluable guidance on Portuguese labor law and assist with compliance, ensuring your business meets all the necessary criteria for the Golden Visa.

  • Navigating Regulations: Understanding and adhering to the nuances of Portuguese business and labor regulations is complex. Our trusted legal partners specialize in business and immigration law, offering tailored support to help you build and maintain a compliant operation.


Well, the passport here is not Portuguese, but I had to add it to the article :)

What Both Options Have in Common: Streamlining Your Journey

Regardless of whether you choose the fund investment or business creation route, both paths to the Golden Visa share essential foundational steps. You will need to:

  • Open a Portuguese bank account: A crucial first step for all financial transactions in Portugal.

  • Obtain a local tax number (NIF): Your fiscal identification number, vital for all legal and financial activities.

  • Prepare Official Documents: A bundle of official documents is often needed, requiring translation and legalization in your home country.

  • Submit Your Application: The final submission takes place through Portugal’s digital immigration platform, which is now overseen by AIMA.


While these steps can seem routine, each has its nuances, and getting them right is key to avoiding delays or rejections.


Your Next Step to Success:

Yes, the application process can be bureaucratic. But with the right support, it’s entirely manageable and can be a smooth experience.

We are dedicated to providing you with the clearest information and connecting you with the most reliable partners.

For expert legal guidance throughout your Golden Visa journey, from initial assessment to application submission, consider a personalized consultation.


Ready to explore your Golden Visa options and build your reality in Portugal?

___________________________________________________________________________

This article was written by Nufar Bar, an Israeli certified lawyer based in Portugal, with experience as a consultant in a local Portuguese law firm, specializing in business, immigration, and real estate.

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The transactions will be carried out in a manner that allows maximum flexibility on the part of the client to realize the profit according to his vision and understanding.
The final method of realization will be decided solely by the investor.
The expected income scenarios described are based on familiarity with local market data as of the date the transaction is proposed.
Despite the above, this data does not constitute a concrete guarantee of the final income level.
The above publications are for general information only. We reserve the right to change the publications and data presented from time to time at our sole discretion.
Customers who choose to contact a company or partner to invest in a project will choose within the framework of individual negotiations that

will be conducted in the order in which they contact.
The investment will be made through a limited number of investors as permitted under the Securities Law, 5728-1968 ("Securities Law") and the Joint Investments in

Trust Law, 5754-1994 ("Joint Investments in Trust Law").
In light of the above, the investment with our assistance is not regulated under the Securities Law and/or under the provisions of the Joint Investments in Trust Law, and any advertising material about it has not been approved by the Israel Securities Authority as part of a prospectus.

The full details of the investment and its terms will be disclosed only as part of the negotiation process, in which a limited number of potential investors will be exposed to all information regarding the investment and its terms in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Law.
Only the investors we select during the negotiation process will be able to take part in the investment.

The company and its employees are not licensed under the Law Regulating the Practice of Investment Consulting, Investment Marketing and Investment Portfolio Management, 1995.

Any advertising information provided, as well as any information provided regarding an investment option as part of a future offer, will not constitute investment advice or investment marketing as defined by law.

Investing in projects entails opportunities, as well as risks in connection with the investment funds, including the risk of losing all of the investment funds.

When making an investment decision as part of the negotiation process, investors must rely on their own examination of the investment and its terms, including the benefits and risks involved in the investment.

If necessary, the investor should obtain advice from appropriate advisors regarding legal, accounting, financial and tax issues involved in making the investment.

 

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