Portugal Golden Visa – Capital Transfer Route

Q: What is the minimum investment for the Capital Transfer route?

€500,000 for funds/research; €250,000 for cultural projects (€200,000 in low-density areas).

Q: How long must I hold the investment?

Typically 5 years; holding period varies by vehicle.

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

No, low presence is allowed (7 days/year).

Q: Can family members be included?

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

Q: Are returns guaranteed on fund investments?

No — financial risk applies; Golden Visa relies on qualifying transfer.

Q: Is real estate eligible for Capital Transfer?

Pure real-estate acquisition is currently not a qualifying Capital Transfer.

Qualifying capital transfers into approved funds, research, or cultural projects to obtain Portuguese residency.

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At a glance

Quick facts

Minimum investment: €250,000; Currency: EUR

Typical timeline: 15 months; From application start

Highlights

Portugal Golden Visa
Capital Transfer
Investment Fund

Program

Program specifics

Route type: Capital Transfer; 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

Answer 2 short questions. No data is sent to our servers.

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1Do you hold a valid non-EU passport?

Yes

2Can you commit at least the minimum investment for your chosen capital transfer option?

Yes

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

Program overview

The Capital Transfer route allows non-EU nationals to obtain Portuguese residency by investing into qualifying funds, research, or cultural projects. Minimum investments vary by sub-option and funds must be transferred from abroad. Family members, including spouse, dependent children (≤26), and dependent parents, can be included. Physical presence is minimal (7 days/year).

Investment overview

Investment Fund / Venture Capital Fund: €500,000 minimum; ~60% must go into Portuguese companies; 5-year holding expectation.
Research Activities: €500,000 capital transfer to approved research institutions; documentation required.
Artistic Production / Cultural Heritage: €250,000 (or €200,000 in low-density areas); project pre-approval often required.

Costs & proof of funds

Costs & funds

Program fees & proof of funds

Estimated program totals

EUR: €1,250,000

Required proof of funds

EUR: €250,000

Detailed fee table

Program fee breakdown with price, timing and notes.
Item	Price	When	Notes
Investment Fund / Venture Capital Fund	€500,000	Before application submission	Minimum €500,000 into qualifying Portuguese funds; must meet regulator approval and local content rules.
Research Activities	€500,000	Before application submission	Capital transfer to approved research institutions within Portugal’s national scientific system.
Support for Artistic Production / Cultural Heritage	€250,000	Before application submission	Minimum €250,000; €200,000 in low-density areas.
Application analysis fee	€0	At submission	—
Residence permit issuance fee	€0	At issuance	—

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 of transfer)€250,000
Proof of transfer required (bank statements and transaction evidence).
Additional working capital (if applicable)€0
Varies by project.

Required (EUR): €250,000

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

Eligibility

Applicant must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national.
Valid passport and clean criminal record certificate(s).
Evidence of legitimate source of funds and AML compliance.
Completed qualifying capital transfer into approved vehicle.
Attend biometric appointment and meet minimal presence requirements.

Key benefits

Low physical presence requirement (7 days/year).
Multiple investment options: funds, research, cultural support.
Access to Schengen mobility and Portuguese resident rights.
Family inclusion: spouse, dependent children, dependent parents.
Clear pathway to permanent residence and citizenship.

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 certificate)

Translated and apostilled/notarised as required.

Financial

3 items

Bank statements (last 6–12 months)
Investment transfer proof (receipts)
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 a qualifying route
Choose fund, research, or cultural project and confirm eligibility.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Step 2: Get NIF & bank setup
Obtain Portuguese tax number and open a bank account if needed.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Step 3: Execute capital transfer
Complete the transfer and collect receipts.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Step 4: File ARI application
Upload documents and pay analysis fees.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Step 5: Authority review
Respond to any requests for additional information.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Step 6: Biometrics & issuance
Attend biometrics; pay fees and receive residence card.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Step 7: Maintain & renew
Keep investment for minimum 5 years and meet presence rules.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

Comparison

Feature	Capital Transfer	Business Investment
Min Investment	€250k–€500k	€500k or 10 jobs
Type	Passive fund/cultural investment	Active business/company
Ideal For	Passive investors, philanthropists	Entrepreneurs / business owners
Residency Stay	7 days/year	7 days/year
Family	Spouse, children ≤26, dependent parents	Spouse, children ≤26, dependent parents
Path to Citizenship	5 years, 183-day annual stay, language	5 years, 183-day annual stay, language
Risk	Low	Medium
Tax	Portuguese income tax; special regimes	Portuguese income + corporate/personal tax

Disclosure

Risk & compliance

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

Risk notes

1 item

Investments carry financial risk. Capital must usually be maintained for 5 years. Returns are not guaranteed; seek independent advice.

Approved projects

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

Qualifying Venture Capital Fund
Min buy-in
500,000 EUR
Hold period
60 mo
Fund approved for Golden Visa; generally avoids real estate exposure.
Research Program – Public University Collaboration
Min buy-in
500,000 EUR
Hold period
60 mo
Part of national scientific system; pre-approval may be required.
Cultural Production Project
Min buy-in
250,000 EUR
Hold period
60 mo
Supports artistic production/cultural heritage; reduced thresholds in low-density areas.