A Gateway to European Residency
Portugal's Golden Visa programme, established in 2012, allows non-EU nationals to obtain residency rights through qualifying investments. The programme has attracted over €6 billion in foreign investment and remains one of Europe's most respected residency-by-investment schemes.
Arc Bridge provides end-to-end advisory services, from identifying qualifying investments that align with your financial objectives to managing the entire application process through our network of specialist immigration lawyers.
- €500K
- Minimum Investment
- 5 Years
- Path to Citizenship
- 26
- Schengen Countries
Qualifying Criteria
Investment Commitment
A qualifying investment in commercial real estate, rehabilitation property, or approved investment fund meeting the minimum threshold.
Clean Record
Applicants must have no criminal record and meet standard background check requirements for residency applications.
Maintain Investment
The qualifying investment must be maintained for a minimum of five years from the date of residency card issuance.
Five Steps to Residency
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Consultation
Initial assessment of objectives and eligibility
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Property Selection
Identify qualifying investments aligned with goals
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Acquisition
Complete purchase with full legal and tax advisory
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Application
Submit Golden Visa application with supporting documents
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Residency
Receive residency card and begin path to citizenship
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum investment for the Golden Visa?
The minimum qualifying investment depends on the route — €500,000 for most real-estate investments, with reductions available in low-density areas or for rehabilitation projects.
How long does the application process take?
From document submission to receiving your residency card typically takes 6 to 12 months, depending on processing times at SEF.
Do I need to live in Portugal?
No. The minimum stay requirement is just 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period.
Can my family be included?
Yes. Spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents can all be included in the same application.
What happens after five years?
After five years of legal residency you become eligible to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.