Fact sheet · November 2026
An EU residence permit with visa-free Schengen travel, a low presence requirement and a path to citizenship, from a qualifying investment of EUR 200,000.
Why Portugal
With its rich history, Portugal is considered one of the world's most globalized nations and is ranked among the top 10 countries on the Global Peace Index. It is the world's largest supplier of cork and enjoys the benefits of a strong tourism industry. Portugal has produced streamlined legislation to create an efficient process by which non-EU citizens may obtain a residence permit based on investment.
Key facts
- Minimum qualifying investment: EUR 200,000
- Presence in the first two years: 14 days
- Until permanent residence is possible: 5 years
- Legal residence before citizenship: 10 years
Key benefits
Schengen travel
Visa-free travel in Europe's Schengen Area, with the right to live, work, and study in Portugal.
Path to citizenship
Apply after 10 years of legal residence (7 for EU and CPLP nationals), keeping other citizenship(s).
Low presence
14 days during the first two years and 21 days for the subsequent three years.
Family reunification
Family members can be included, including a civil or same-gender partner.
Country profile
Population 11.4 million Languages Portuguese, with English widely spoken Economy Services and manufacturing-based Currency Euro
Program overview
Qualifying investment from EUR 200,000 (cultural donation in a low-density area) up to EUR 500,000 The right to live, work, and study in Portugal Income-generating and recoverable investment options
Qualifying options
Choose any one qualifying option from the capital transfer or business categories.
Investment funds EUR 500,000 Fund or venture capital units with a five-year maturity and 60% in Portuguese-based companies; real estate excluded.
Research activities EUR 500,000 In entities of the national scientific and technological system. EUR 400,000 in a low population density area.
Cultural donation EUR 250,000 Supporting artistic production or national cultural heritage. EUR 200,000 in a low population density area.
Company investment EUR 500,000 Incorporate or add capital to a Portuguese company, creating five permanent jobs (or keeping ten) for three years.
Job creation 10 jobs Creation of a minimum of ten new jobs, or eight new jobs in a low population density area.
Main applicant requirements
A Portuguese taxpayer number and a bank account in Portugal
Legal documents prepared with the Portugal team, remotely or in person
A visit to the immigration office in Portugal to provide biometric data and original documents
A low population density area has under 100 inhabitants per km² or a GDP per capita below 75% of the national average.
Good to know
The first residence permit is valid for two years and is renewable for three years.
Permanent residence is possible after five years, and citizenship
after 10 years (7 for EU and CPLP nationals).
Fund investments need a maturity of at least five years, with at least 60% of the portfolio in Portuguese companies.
Your application journey
- Client contacts Phoenix Immigration Consulting Services
- Initial due diligence checks completed
- Client agreement signed and retainer paid
- Legal documents, taxpayer number, chosen option and bank account
- Investment finalized and personal documents collected
- Application submitted online and accepted by the authority
- Family visits Portugal to give biometrics and original documents
- Application approved and residence card(s) paid
- Two-year residence permit issued, renewable for three years
Program rules, government fees, processing times and visa-free access can change at any time. Figures are indicative as of November 2026; please confirm current terms with Phoenix Immigration Consulting Services before applying. This fact sheet is for general information and is not legal advice.