Portugal Golden Visa – Business Investment Route

Q: What is the minimum investment for the Business Investment route?

€500,000 for company capitalisation or creation of 10 full-time jobs.

Q: Do I need to live full-time in Portugal?

No, minimal presence is required (7 days/year).

Q: Can I include family members?

Yes — spouse, dependent children (≤26), and dependent parents.

Q: Is there a holding period for the investment?

Typically 5 years to maintain Golden Visa eligibility.

Q: Are returns guaranteed on business investments?

No — business risk applies; investment must meet Golden Visa criteria.

Q: Can foreign companies be used for the investment?

Investment must be into a qualifying Portuguese company or generate jobs within Portugal.

Invest in a Portuguese business, create jobs, or capitalise a company to qualify for Portuguese residency.

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At a glance

Quick facts

Minimum investment: €500,000; Currency: EUR

Typical timeline: 18 months; From application start

Highlights

Portugal Golden Visa
Business Investment
Job Creation

Program

Program specifics

Route type: Business / Job Creation Investment; Eligible residency pathway

Last updated: Sep 26, 2025; Subject to regulatory change

Information is indicative and may change; confirm current terms with an advisor.

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Quick eligibility check

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1Do you hold a valid non-EU passport?

Yes

2Can you commit at least €500,000 in a business or job creation investment?

Yes

Select answers above to get an instant indication and tailored next steps.

Program overview

The Business Investment route enables non-EU nationals to obtain Portuguese residency by investing in a Portuguese company or creating at least 10 full-time jobs. Family members, including spouse, dependent children (≤26), and dependent parents, can be included. Minimal physical presence is required (7 days/year). This route supports active entrepreneurs and investors looking to contribute to Portugal’s economy.

Investment overview

Job Creation: Invest €500,000 to create at least 10 full-time jobs. Business plan approval is required; holding period ~5 years.
Company Capitalisation: Inject €500,000 into an existing qualifying Portuguese company; maintain operations and employment; 5-year holding period.

Costs & proof of funds

Costs & funds

Program fees & proof of funds

Estimated program totals

EUR: €500,000

Required proof of funds

EUR: €500,000

Detailed fee table

Program fee breakdown with price, timing and notes.
Item	Price	When	Notes
Business Capital / Job Creation Investment	€500,000	Before application submission	Invest in a qualifying Portuguese company or create 10 full-time jobs; must meet regulatory approval.
Application Analysis Fee	€0	At submission	Government processing fee.
Residence Permit Issuance Fee	€0	At issuance	Covers main applicant and dependents.

Swipe horizontally to see all columns.

We’ll share a personalized cost sheet after your pre-screen.

Estimates only — final costs may vary by case & government updates.

Proof of funds

Investment amount proof€500,000
Bank statements, incorporation docs, or proof of employment creation.
Additional working capital (if required)€0
Varies depending on business type and plan.

Required (EUR): €500,000

Figures are indicative and may change with family size, project selection and program updates.

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals as main applicant.
Valid passport and clean criminal record.
Evidence of legitimate source of funds and AML compliance.
Creation of at least 10 full-time jobs or capital injection into a qualifying company.
Attendance at biometric appointment and minimal physical presence.

Key benefits

Pathway to Portuguese residency and citizenship after 5 years.
Flexible investment in business or job creation.
Family inclusion: spouse, dependent children (≤26), dependent parents.
Access to Schengen travel and Portuguese public services.
Supports entrepreneurship and active investment in Portugal.

Checklist

Document checklist

8 total items

Documents vary by profile and family composition; we'll tailor your final list.

Identity

3 items

Valid passport (certified copy)
Passport-sized photos
Civil status proof (birth/marriage certificates)

Translated and apostilled/notarised if required.

Financial

3 items

Bank statements (last 6–12 months)
Proof of investment / capital transfer
Source of funds documentation

Amounts must be traceable and AML compliant.

Compliance

2 items

Criminal record certificate(s)
CV / professional background (if requested)

Additional documents may be requested by authorities.

Snapshot

Eligible dependents

3 of 4 categories included

IncludedNot included

Spouse: Included
Yes
Children: Up to 26 years26
Yes
Parents: From 0+ years0+
Yes
Siblings: Not included
No

Application process

Process

How it works

7 steps

Step 1: Select qualifying business route
Choose between job creation or company capitalisation and confirm eligibility.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Step 2: Obtain NIF & open bank account
Obtain Portuguese tax number and bank account if required.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Step 3: Execute investment
Complete capital transfer or company investment.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Step 4: File ARI application
Upload documents and pay government fees.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Step 5: Authority review
Respond to requests for additional information.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Step 6: Biometrics & issuance
Attend biometric appointment; pay issuance fees and receive residence card.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Step 7: Maintain investment & renew
Keep investment for minimum 5 years; comply with presence requirements.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

Comparison

Feature	Business Investment Route	Capital Transfer Route
Minimum Investment	€500,000	€250,000–€500,000
Type of Investment	Active business / job creation	Passive capital / funds
Ideal For	Entrepreneurs / active investors	Passive investors / philanthropists
Residency Stay	7 days/year	7 days/year
Family Inclusion	Spouse, children ≤26, dependent parents	Spouse, children ≤26, dependent parents
Path to Citizenship	5 years, 183-day annual stay, language requirement	5 years, 183-day annual stay, language requirement
Risk Level	Medium (active business)	Low (passive capital)
Tax Consideration	Portuguese corporate/personal tax	Income tax on passive returns

Disclosure

Risk & compliance

Please read carefully. These notes are informational and do not constitute legal or financial advice.

Risk notes

1 item

Business investments carry financial and operational risks. Job creation must be maintained, and returns are not guaranteed. Seek independent advice.

Approved projects

Government-approved developments or investment options vetted for eligibility and exit horizons.

Job Creation Enterprise
Min buy-in
500,000 EUR
Hold period
60 mo
Investment in a company creating at least 10 jobs; business plan approval required.
Company Capitalisation
Min buy-in
500,000 EUR
Hold period
60 mo
Passive capital into an existing Portuguese company; must maintain operations and jobs.