Portugal Golden Visa Investment Fund: A Guide for 2024

The Portugal Golden Visa program is designed for expats to acquire residency in Portugal via a qualifying investment in the country’s economy. As of 2024, the investment funds route is the most popular way of qualifying for the scheme.

Specifically, Portuguese Golden Visa funds have taken center stage, representing 30% of the total permits issued in 2023.

Portuguese funds do not lead to large fees and taxes, as the former real estate option did. Depending on the fund’s and investor’s tax structure, investing in the Portuguese Golden Visa fund option may yield significant tax efficiencies.

As the Portuguese investment funds route takes center stage, we’ve curated an ultimate guide breaking down all the information you should know before committing to this investment option.

Our Portugal Investment Fund Golden Visa Guide covers

• Overview of the scheme
• Investment requirements and regulations
• Who is eligible for the Portuguese funds?
• Requirements for American citizens
• Advantages and disadvantages of Portugal Golden Visa Investment Funds
• Fees, costs, and investment fund pathways
• Profile diversification for investors
• Documents required
• Application requirements overview of the Golden Visa process
• Fund investments exit strategy
• Key considerations for Portuguese Golden Visa funds

Portugal Golden Visa Overview

The Portuguese Golden Visa Program is a five-year residency-by-investment scheme. Applicants simply transfer capital into a qualifying Golden Visa fund to acquire Portuguese residency. After five years of holding and maintaining the investment, applicants are eligible for citizenship. 

The program rewards foreign applicants with a Golden Visa residency permit, which allows visa-free travel to the European Union and the opportunity to live, work, or study in Portugal.

According to the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), formerly known as SEF, since the inception of Portugal Golden Visa, 12,718 ARIs have been granted to investors and their families through more than €7.3 billion in investments.

With flexible application requirements, a reasonable timeline to receive your residence permit and affordable investment options.

The Portuguese Golden Visa program is also an excellent way for UK citizens to secure European Union residency following Brexit. You can read our article on the Portugal Golden Visa for UK citizens for further information.

For information about the Golden Visa benefits, investment routes, and requirements, consult our Golden Visa Portugal Guide here.

Portugal Golden Visa Update 2024

In late 2023, the Portuguese Government passed the “Mais Habitaçao” legislation. The new legislation is in effect as of 2024, and real estate investments and capital transfer routes are no longer valid criteria. All real estate acquisitions (€500,000, €400,000, €350,000, €280,000), real estate-focused funds of €500,000, and the capital transfer of €1,500,000 were eliminated from the program.

The Portugal Golden Visa Ultimate Guide offers more detailed information, including several attractive investment routes that remain eligible options for the program.

For more information, including continuous updates on this visa category, please refer to our articles: Portugal Golden Visa Ending: Everything We Know So Far and Golden Visa Changes.

What Is Portugal Golden Visa Investment Fund?

The Portuguese Golden Visa Investment Fund is a legitimate pathway to obtaining residency in Portugal. It requires a minimum investment of €500,000 in a qualifying venture capital fund. The scheme’s objective is to use capital transfer to fund the capitalization of Portuguese companies.

These funds must adhere to strict criteria set by Portuguese regulations, including a commitment to maintain the investment for a minimum of five years and investing at least 60% of the fund’s capital in companies based in Portugal.

Sara Sousa Rebolo, president of the Portuguese Association of Immigration, Investment, and Relocation (PAIIR), highlighted the appeal of venture capital funds, noting their strong advertising and diversification strategies.

Overall, the shift towards investment funds to obtain a Golden Visas reflects changes in the law governing ARIs, which eliminated other options like capital transfers and real estate acquisitions. This legislative adjustment contributed to the surge in foreign investment through national equity investment funds, ultimately driving growth in Portugal’s investment fund industry, and positively contributing to the Portuguese economy.

Who can Invest in the Golden Visa Investment Funds?

The following applicants are eligible to qualify for the Golden Visa fund option:

• Be a non-EU/EEA citizen or a non-Swiss citizen
• Have a clean criminal record
• Be over 18 years old
• Have sufficient legal funds to invest

In some instances, specific Golden Visa funds have additional requirements, such as:

• Having experience with a financial instrument such as company stock, government bonds, company bonds, funds, etc.
• Submitting proof of having enough money in their bank account
• Providing a legitimate source of funds

Can a US citizen invest in a Portuguese Investment Fund for a Golden Visa?

Yes, American citizens qualify for the investment fund pathway under the Golden Visa scheme. However, the IRS requires foreign financial institutions and certain non-financial foreign entities to report on the foreign assets held by their US account holders. Therefore, any bank, fund, and fund manager in Portugal who has an American client or investor must abide by the US government’s legislation.

While some banks and funds shy away from working with American investors, there are banks and funds in Portugal that are open to American investments and can provide the necessary reporting for your bank account to the US tax authorities.

How are the Portuguese investment funds regulated?

The Portugal Golden Visa Fund is regulated by CMVM (The Portuguese Securities Market Commission), which requires funds to comply with including but not limited to the following requirements:

1. Report the valuation of their net assets on a semi-annual basis. That means investors may have their participation unit price revised every six months
2. Employ independent accredited accounting firms such as PwC, KPMG, or EY for annual audits.
3. They should disclose their fees in the PPM/management regulation document. That means investors should know the management entities’ fees and custodian bank charges.

Advantages of the Portuguese Golden Visa Investment Fund

There are a number of benefits to picking the Golden Visa investment funds, including:

Disadvantages of the Portuguese Golden Visa Investment Fund

The Portugal Golden Visa fund investment also has some disadvantages, such as:

What is the minimum investment required?

For the investment fund option, a capital transfer into Portuguese investment funds or venture capital funds to the amount of or greater than €500,000 is needed to procure legal residency in Portugal. Prerequisites for the Golden Visa fund investment include:

• Funds must be focused on the capitalization of companies, registered under Portuguese law
• A minimum maturity of five years at the time of investment
• At least 60% of the investment value is made in commercial companies on Portuguese-owned territories

Portugal Golden Visa statistics point to an influx of investors rushing to invest in the Golden Visa, with growing interest in the fund investment Golden Visa option – particularly amongst American citizens.

We’ve created the chart below to show you a comparison of the Portuguese investment funds to other investment options.

Fund Investment Profile and Diversification

The level of security of risk of a Portuguese VC fund or Golden Visa Portugal investment fund depends on several factors, including (but not limited to) investment mandate, managers’ credentials, leverage and liquidity, exposure to the stock market, the economic cycle, and legal documents.

Some funds may offer limited potential for capital appreciation with a safer investment profile, while others may have a more leveraged approach aiming to provide Golden Visa investors with multiples of the capital invested. For example, high-growth companies focused on technology have a different profile from property development projects that tend to have a more predictable cash-flow curve.

Some Portugal Golden Visa Investment Fund programs may offer the opportunity of an early exit, but generally, the investor should expect to realize all gains after five to ten years.

The risk-return profile of these funds will vary according to the sector exposure and portfolio diversification (i.e., how many companies comprise the fund portfolio).

Examples of risk-return levels based on sector exposure and investment portfolio diversification

 

List of Funds that Qualify for Portuguese Golden Visa

Portugal has long been recognized for its rich investment landscape, characterized by steady economic growth and a welcoming environment for foreign investors. While the country’s real estate sector has historically been a magnet for international capital, Portugal’s investment horizon extends far beyond. 

However, it’s important to note that recent regulatory changes have excluded real estate-related funds from eligibility for the Portuguese Golden Visa program. While this adjustment may affect some investors, the program still extends its welcome to a variety of other investment fund categories, such as Growth/Buy-out funds, and Venture Capital (VC).

Below, we’ll provide a Portugal Golden Visa investment fund list to explore some of the attractive fund options that qualify for the Portuguese Golden Visa.

Growth/buy-out funds (Private Equity funds)

With Private Equity funds, you can invest in more established companies, like SMEs or mid-caps, that are already market-proven and very often have positive operational results. 

The goal of these funds is to acquire companies (or majority stakes), restructure, improve systems, expand to other markets, consolidate, and eventually sell these companies at a multiple to a major industry player or to other international Private Equity. 

There are Private Equity funds that are sector agnostic, investing in businesses across different industries, depending on the respective growth potential and opportunistic timing. And then you have those Private Equities that are more sector-specific or niche-oriented investing in areas such as renewable energy, agri-business, healthcare/LS, and hospitality (which is a thriving industry in Portugal as you might know), among others.

In Portugal, it is estimated that family businesses may represent between 70% to 80% of the total national companies (99% are SMEs), employing 50% of the workforce and contributing to 2/3 of the GDP – such figures present opportunities for funds to help grow and consolidate these businesses and participate in their profits.

Although Portugal currently exhibits lower Private Equity investment as a percentage of GDP compared to the more established and dynamic markets of France and Spain, this suggests significant growth potential and an opportunity for Portugal to catch up and eventually consolidate its position among them.

In fact, we now see Spanish Private Equity and VC fund managers establishing their businesses in Portugal to take advantage of the higher growth potential in Portuguese businesses.

The Development Bank of Portugal, subsidized by the European Union, invests in these funds together with private investors, such as pension funds, family offices, and foreign private investors such as the Golden Visa investors. The Development Bank contributes 2x the capital of private investment capped to an amount that may vary between €30-50mm per fund. That helps fund managers to consolidate large sums to develop their growth plans and the private investor benefits from a larger bank requiring a stronger level of corporate governance.

Venture Capital funds (VC)

Venture capital funds (or FCR – Fundo de Capital de Risco, dubbed “Capital at Risk Funds”) are considered a qualifying investment for those wishing to apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa.

The term ‘venture capital’ may sound daunting and complicated, but it is simply a designation of investment funds that are managed by corporate experts in the field who seek to invest in start-ups or medium-sized projects with strong growth potential. Some of the eligible investment funds are managed as private equity funds, which usually invest in more established and revenue-generating companies (later stage than VC).

Each fund has a specific, well-defined investment mandate and may focus on sectors such as energy, industry, technology, and healthcare, or even have an agnostic approach.

VC funds invest in early-stage startups with high growth potential. VC investments are inherently risky, as many startups fail, but successful investments can yield substantial returns. Portugal has become an attractive destination for entrepreneurs not only for the standard of living, weather, and specialized talent but also for its strategic location and renowned Portuguese talent, which is considered a critical element for the accelerating growth of its startup ecosystem.

Investors should understand the areas of focus and sectors the fund intends to invest in. Some funds structure themselves as sector-agnostic, while others are more sector-specific or niche-oriented. Naturally, each sector will entail different risk levels, considering the economic circumstances and trends at the time of investment. For example, funds with a growth/buy-out policy invest in established companies with proven market products and positive EBITDA, typically involving larger investments compared to VC funds that invest smaller amounts in several startups and early-stage companies, where growth is less certain (but potential can be high).

For those looking for sustainable investment options, it’s worth noting that several funds qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa program and focus on various sustainability themes. These funds invest in companies or projects that promote environmental, social, and governance (ESG) best practices.

Guide To The Exit Market

When investing in a fund, it’s crucial to put some thought into the exit of the investment fund.

Minimum lock-up period

Most investment funds that qualify for the Golden Visa will ensure that they do not liquidate within a minimum of six years. This ensures that your investment will remain valid for the required time period to apply for permanent residency and citizenship.

Resale or transfer of participation fund units

For most Portuguese investment funds, participation units can be transferred or sold between participants, but it is usually difficult to find a demand for a participation unit in a fund that is suited to Golden Visa timelines unless traded around the incorporation of the fund. 

This makes Portuguese investment funds rather illiquid until the fund reaches its maturity or is dissolved by the fund manager. Although uncommon, some funds have longer terms but offer the possibility of buying back the investor’s participation units once the participants complete the required time for the GV, these funds usually have low returns compared to others.

Extension periods

Most investment funds have a specific exit target in terms of timing. The majority of the Portugal investment funds are set for a six-to-eight-year period.

The majority of investment funds have the option to extend, and this option can be triggered at the six-year mark. In some cases, the fund manager will make the decision on this, not the investors, meaning that you may be locked in a bit further than the time required to apply for citizenship. In other cases, the extension of the fund is subject to the investors’ vote, and those who vote against it may be able to redeem their shares. We recommend checking with the fund, as this could be a crucial detail.

Extension period options can be favorable, as the expected exit year might not be ideal due to an economic downturn, for example, or because the project returns will be higher if the fund holds certain businesses for a while longer.

Exit market

The primary objective of the Portugal investment funds is to exit the portfolio by eventually selling it at a profit. 

Fund managers are generally highly incentivized with a performance fee based on a percentage of the appreciation in value. This is beneficial to Golden Visa investors because incentives between investors and fund managers are aligned. 

With this said, they are splitting your profit but not your potential loss, so the downside risk will fall on the investors’ shoulders. 

Portugal Golden Visa Fund Requirements

If you are interested in applying for the Portuguese Golden Visa through a Venture Capital Fund (FCR), you should carefully make your decision based on two important criteria:

• Fund eligibility for the Portuguese Golden Visa
• Fund credentials, including fund strategy, management pedigree, and legal obligations

Not every private equity fund in Portugal qualifies for the Golden Visa program. You need to make sure the chosen fund fulfills all the necessary technical requirements as listed by the Portuguese immigration authorities, AIMA, and that the investment fund is regulated by the Portuguese CMVM.

Portugal Golden Visa Investment Funds Required Documents

When applying for the Portuguese Golden Visa, you must submit numerous documents to the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), formerly known as SEF.

Note that if any document is missing or incomplete, your application for the Portugal Golden Visa can be significantly delayed. That’s why it’s important to stay informed about all the paperwork you must prepare beforehand.

Note that the documents listed below are not exhaustive, and additional documentation requirements may be requested by the authorities.

Golden Visa Portugal required documents

• Passport or another valid travel document
• Proof of entry and legal stay in Portugal
• Proof that you are covered by health protection, namely:
  • A document certifying that you are covered by the National Health Service or;
  • A document showing that you are an internationally recognized health insurance holder for the period of legal residence requested
• Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or the country (or countries) where you have resided for more than one year (certified by diplomatic representation or Portuguese consular office). The certificate cannot be older than three months and must be translated into Portuguese;
• Proof of your tax identification number, or equivalent, of the country of origin, of residence, or fiscal residence;
• Completion of Application (using the approved model) containing the authorization for consultation of the Portuguese Criminal Registry;
• Declaration on Commitment to Honor, by which the applicant declares that he will fulfill the minimum quantitative and time requirements (five years) for the investment activity in Portugal;
• Present a negative statement debt issued, with a maximum advance of 45 days, by the Tax Authority and Customs and Social Security or, if not possible, declaration of the non-existence of registration with these entities;
• Receipt of payment of the ARI application analysis fee.

Golden Visa investment funds required documents

To apply for the fund investments, you must demonstrate that you’ve made the investment with the minimum required amount and must submit the following documents:

• Declaration by the credit institution authorized or registered in the national territory with the Banco de Portugal, attesting to the effective transfer of an amount equal to or greater than what is required;
• Certificate proving ownership of the participation investment fund units, free of charge and charges (issued by the entity responsible for maintaining a registered updated version of the holders of participation units, under the terms of Portuguese legislation, of the respective management regulation or contractual instrument);
• Declaration issued by the management company of the respective Golden Visa fund investment, attesting the viability of the capitalization plan, the maturity of at least five years, and application of at least 60 percent of the investment in commercial companies based in Portugal;
• Certificate of commercial registration, if the investment is made through a company single shareholder, demonstrating that the applicant is the partner, cf. Article 65a (13) of Regulatory Dec. 84/07, of 11/05, in its current wording.

Application Process for Portugal Golden Visa

The length of time the Golden Visa process takes depends on many different factors, including how long your decision-making process takes, how quickly you are able to provide the correct documents, the experience of the law firm, and the schedule of the AIMA office, amongst other things.

Here is a step-by-step guide to the Portuguese Golden Visa Investment Fund process:

Fees and Costs for Portugal Golden Visa Investment Fund in 2024

When applying for a Portugal Golden Visa through an investment fund in 2024, you’ll encounter various fees and costs. Here’s a breakdown:

Mandatory fees:

• Government fees:
  • Processing fee: €533 per applicant (increased to €83 for dependents) at application and renewal.
  • Initial application fee: €5,325 per applicant.
  • Renewal application fee: €2,663 per applicant at each five-year renewal.
• Minimum investment: €500,000 in a qualified Private Equity or Venture Capital fund.

Variable fees:

• Fund management fees: Usually range between 1 and 2 percent of the invested amount annually. This covers the fund manager’s costs for managing the fund and its investments.
• Performance fees: Some funds charge additional fees based on their performance exceeding a certain benchmark. These fees vary greatly depending on the fund and its structure.
• Legal fees: These can vary depending on the complexity of your case, the experience of the lawyer you choose for legal representation, and the number of family members included in your application. Expect to pay between €5,000 and €20,000.
• Due diligence fees: Some funds might charge a separate fee for conducting due diligence on your application. This typically falls within the €1,000-€3,000 range.
• Translation and certification fees: Depending on the volume and complexity of the documents, translating and certifying them for the application can incur additional costs.
• Travel and accommodation: Consider potential travel and accommodation costs if required for interviews or document submission in person.

Please note that fund management fees and performance fees are deducted from the fund’s pooled capital, while the subscription fees are charged on top of your investment. These subscription fees range between 2-4% from the €500,000. The amount is charged to account for the due diligence, KYC, and marketing costs.

Questions To Consider Before Investing in Portuguese Golden Visa Funds

Considerations to take into account when choosing the fund investment Portugal option:

• Is my selected Portugal yield fund eligible for the Golden Visa?
• What is my fund investment strategy, and what are my legal obligations?
• Do the Portuguese authorities regulate the fund?

As an investor in Portugal’s Golden Visa, you must keep your investment for a minimum of five years before applying for permanent residence and citizenship in Portugal. In this context, it’s essential to have an investment strategy in mind and ask about the exit strategy for the Golden Visa funds.

In terms of due diligence and compliance checks, it’s important to consider the following questions:

• Are the Portugal Golden Visa funds regulated by the Portuguese authorities?
• Is the fund fully eligible for the Portuguese Golden Visa, according to AIMA?
• Does the fund have the right attributes to safeguard the investor’s Golden Visa status? As a Golden Visa investor, you must maintain your investment in the Golden Visa fund for a minimum of five years, after which you can apply for permanent residency and citizenship in Portugal.

Questions to ask the fund managers

• How will the fund assure diversification? If so, how often and based on what?
• What will the fund specialize in?
• What is the expected target return?
• Does the fund distribute dividends (how often and how much)?
• What fees (subscription fee, management fee, performance fee) will the fund investment involve?

Portugal Golden Visa Fund Investment: Considerations for American Citizens

If you’re an American citizen thinking of investing in Portugal Golden Visa Fund Investment, you must adhere to specific regulations. 

US citizens and US tax residents are subject to specific rules for the Portugal Golden Visa fund investment. This section of the article provides American citizens with further information regarding certain tax details that they should be aware of. Below, we’ve outlined some key considerations to take into account.

FATCA Compliant Bank

One of the first steps toward acquiring a Portugal Golden Visa is opening a bank account in Portugal. We strongly recommend that you consider a FATCA-compliant bank.

FATCA stands for Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. It’s the US government’s attempt to combat tax evasion by Americans holding accounts and other financial assets overseas. 

FATCA has a set of rules that influence how overseas financial institutions directly report to the IRS on assets owned by Americans. 

As an American considering a Portuguese Golden Visa investment fund, picking a FATCA-compliant bank will decrease the risk of being non-compliant with US tax authorities.

PFICs

What is a PFIC?

The Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) rules are designed to prevent United States Persons from deferring tax on passive income earned through non-US corporations. Also, PFIC rules are in place to prevent converting this income into capital gains that will then be taxed at preferential rates.

A foreign corporation is a PFIC if it meets either:

1. Passive Income Test – A foreign corporation is a PFIC if greater than or equal to 75 percent of its gross income is passive income, for example, dividends, payment in lieu of dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and annuities.
2. Passive Asset Test – A foreign corporation is a PFIC if the average annual percentage of the fair market value of all passive income-producing assets is greater than or equal to 50 percent of the value of the entity’s assets. This is determined on a quarterly basis, and it is considered passive if it generates passive income or is reasonably expected to generate such income in the foreseeable future.

Almost all foreign mutual funds are PFICs. In other cases, possible examples of PFICs include:

• Passive investments in offshore hedge funds, including VC funds, stocks, annuities, or income producing property
• Foreign brokerage accounts with bond funds, and equity funds
• Foreign retirement accounts
• Foreign cash value life insurance policies

What is Form 8621?

Form 8621 is the form that a US person must file if they are a direct or indirect shareholder of a passive foreign investment company (PFIC) under some specific criteria.

Who must file Form 8621?

According to the IRS, any US person who is a direct or indirect shareholder of a PFIC must file Form 8621 for each tax year if they:

1. Receive certain direct/ indirect distributions from a Passive Foreign Investment Company or Qualifying Electing Fund (PFIC).
2. Recognize a gain on a direct/indirect disposition of PFIC stock.
3. Are reporting information with regards to section 1296 mark-to-market election or a QEF
4. In Part II of the form are making an election reportable
5. Will need to file an annual report pursuant to section 1298(f)

Each PFIC must have a separate Form 8621 in which stock is held. All interests in PFICs must be reported annually.

Who is considered a US Person?

United States Person means:

• A citizen or resident of the United States: This includes individuals born in the United States, naturalized citizens, individuals born abroad with a U.S. citizen parent, and individuals who meet the Substantial Presence Test for green card holders.
• A domestic partnership: This refers to a legally recognized partnership between two individuals, similar to marriage, that is treated as a married couple for tax purposes. However, this category may have specific requirements depending on the state/jurisdiction.
• A domestic corporation: This includes any corporation created or organized under the laws of the United States or any of its states or territories.
• Any estate other than a foreign estate: This encompasses estates of deceased individuals who were U.S. citizens or residents at the time of death.
• Any trust if: This category involves two conditions:
  • A court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust: This means that a U.S. court has the authority to make decisions regarding the trust’s administration and assets.
  • One or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust:This implies that U.S. individuals have ultimate control over the trust’s investments, distributions, and other significant actions.

When must Form 8621 be filed?

The investor must annually calculate their pro rata share of the investment’s earnings, regardless of whether they have received any distribution, as it will be considered taxable income for that year.

By doing this, you will maintain the beneficial capital gain rate. Otherwise, you would be subject to a considerably higher capital gain tax rate.

Nonetheless, one must be aware that you can only make this selection in the first year of holding. It is highly complex to retroactively make a QEF election.

Portuguese Investment Funds and PFIC

Most Portuguese funds have until the end of April to report accounts, whilst US tax filing is due on 15 April.

This means that, due to the schedule difference between the date by which investment funds in Portugal issue their reporting and the US’ date of submission of tax return, US investors may consider filing for a tax extension deadline of 15 October to secure enough time to be able to appropriately file their taxes.

Any information contained in this communication is not intended as or to be construed as tax advice. We advise our clients and readers to seek professional tax consultancy from a trusted partner in their jurisdiction.

Tax treatment as a US citizen

Although there is a Double Taxation Agreement between Portugal and the United States, if you are a U.S. citizen or a resident in another country, the rules for filing income, estate, and gift tax returns, plus paying estimated tax, are generally the same whether you are in the US or Portugal. 

Your worldwide income is subject to U.S. income tax, regardless of where you live. However, you may still be eligible for Portugal’s special Non-Habitual Resident Tax regime and enjoy certain tax benefits. 

For more information, consult our NHR Portugal tax regime guide.

Important Note: The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime was eliminated in January 2024. Read more here: Is The Portugal NHR Program Ending?

2024 News: Golden Visa Investments Boom in Portuguese Fund Units

Why is the Portugal Golden Visa fund option so popular?

Portugal remains a highly sought-after destination for expats to apply for citizenship. However, in October 2023, the real estate investment option was removed and replaced by the Golden Visa Investment fund.

In 2023, the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) data showed a notable rise in foreign investment through investment funds and venture capital funds aimed at obtaining Residency Permits for Investment (ARI) in Portugal. Over 125 million euros were invested in these funds from January to September, representing a significant increase compared to previous years. This investment route became increasingly popular, with 30% of golden visas issued in 2023 being linked to national funds.

The impact of this investment trend was substantial, with a 45.4 percent increase in investment compared to 2022, and 2.6 times more investment than in the previous three years combined. Notably, for every 10 ARIs granted, 3 were obtained through investment fund acquisitions, showcasing the attractiveness of this option for foreign investors.

Portuguese Golden Visa Investment Fund Credentials

Once you’ve established that the fund is appropriately regulated and is an eligible Golden Visa instrument, the second phase of due diligence is required on the fund credentials.

The three main aspects of analyzing a Portuguese Golden Visa qualified investment fund include:

Fund investment strategy: Does the fund investment strategy make sense? For instance, what is the fund’s term? How does the fund plan to pay back investors?

Fund manager credentials: Do fund managers have the right experience and credentials? Are they regulated fund managers?

Regulated fund managers are those who hold specific licenses issued by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) based on their roles and investment strategies. These licenses ensure they meet specific professional qualifications and adhere to strict regulations, offering an added layer of protection for investors.

Fund legal protections: Are the legal documents appropriately drafted to safeguard the investor’s investment?

Glossary and Acronyms for the Portuguese Golden Visa Investment Fund

• Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) – Portuguese immigration services, since dissolved
• Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) – The new immigration agency in Portugal
• Investment Fund Managers – People appointed by government bodies to strategize, regulate, and control all investments.
• Comissão do Mercado de Valores Mobiliários (CMVM) – The Portuguese equivalent of the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission). The CMVM is a legal entity governed by public law and is part of the European System of Financial Supervisors  (ESFS) and the National Council of Financial Supervisors. (Chapter 1, articles 1 – 3).

Regarding the terms, it would be useful to understand some Portuguese-specific acronyms used in this industry, such as:

• UP (Unidade de Participação)
• PU (Participation Unit), in English, is the equivalent of stocks or shares.
• FCR (Fundo de Capital de Risco) – Private Equity Fund or Venture Capital Fund
• SCR (Sociedade de Capital de Risco) – Venture Capital Fund
• RG (Regulamento de Gestão) – Management Regulation, also known as PPM (Private Placement Memorandum)

Investing Wisely With Global Citizen Solutions

Investors must exercise careful consideration when selecting the correct fund investment. Legal documents and the caliber of the fund managers must be thoroughly scrutinized.

Our international team of professional investment managers can help if you are interested in applying for the Golden Visa in Portugal by investing in a fund.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Portuguese Investment Fund for the Golden Visa

What is an investment fund?

An investment fund is a financial product that utilizes money from different investors, for pre-established assets and strategies such as stock market equities. In Portugal, these fund units are controlled and regulated by the investment fund managers at CMVM – Portuguese Securities Market Commission – which supervises the financial instruments market and helps to protect investors.

Portuguese Law 23/2007 was amended on 4 July 2024 to allow applicants to contribute to a qualifying investment as part of the Golden Visa process.

Can I get residency in Portugal through investment funds?

Yes, it is possible to get a residency permit in Portugal through the Golden Visa investment funds. You must make a minimum investment of €500,000 and ensure the investment fund is accepted for the Portugal Golden Visa.

Does Portugal have citizenship by investment?

The Portugal Golden Visa program doesn’t automatically lead to citizenship. However, it is possible to apply for Portuguese citizenship if you hold your respective investment for five years, maintain your residency visa and meet the citizenship eligibility criteria. This would enable you to apply for citizenship by naturalization. 

How will Portugal Golden Visa changes in 2022 affect the investment fund option?

On 1 January 2022, the Portugal Golden Visa underwent extensive changes. For the investment fund option, the investment amount increased. Specifically, a capital transfer in Portuguese investment funds to the amount of or greater than €500,000 will be needed to apply for legal residency in Portugal.

As real estate investments are no longer eligible for a Golden Visa application, the investment fund option has become increasingly popular, particularly among American investors.

What are the benefits of the Portugal investment fund Golden Visa?

Getting a Golden Visa by investing in a fund has several benefits: Funds are specifically managed by experts in each sector, you can obtain residency with a Portuguese fund investment, and there are tax benefits; many investors are exempt from paying tax in Portugal.

Funds are also regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission, which can provide peace of mind.

Are all Portuguese investment funds eligible for the Portuguese Golden Visa?

Not all investments are eligible for the Golden Visa. It is crucial to consult an expert before investing in funds.

Can I invest in more than one fund for the Golden Visa application?

Yes, you may invest in more than one fund if the sum of your investment is €500,000 or more. For example, you can invest €200,000 in fund X and €300,000 in fund Y. Since the total sum is €500,000, you would meet the minimum investment requirement and be able to apply for the Golden Visa.

Theoretically, you could invest in three or more Golden Visa eligible funds (subject to their minimum ticket).

Would I lose my Golden Visa if my participation unit's total value depreciates?

No, if you invested the minimum required (€500,000), you should not lose your Golden Visa, regardless of the price fluctuations on shares during and at the end of the fund term. 

Can I exit my investment prematurely for the Portugal Golden Visa?

It may be possible to exit, although investors should consider the following:

1. You would not be able to renew your Golden Visa or acquire permanent residency if you exit before the five-year minimum term required for the Golden Visa, as you would not meet the renewal criteria.
2. Traditionally, venture capital funds are not liquid investments, and you should expect to sell your shares back to the fund or to another investor at a discount.

Is Portugal's Golden Visa worth it?

The Portugal Golden Visa is worth it if you’re comfortable with the minimum investment amount and you’re looking to widen your opportunities, procure EU residency, and even Portuguese citizenship, which also ensures EU citizenship, after five years.

What rules do I need to be aware of as an American applying for the Portugal Golden Visa qualified investment fund?

Because one of the first steps in the Portugal Golden Visa program is to open a bank account, Americans interested in the investment fund route should consider a FATCA compliant bank, on top of tax considerations.

What does PFIC mean?

PFIC stands for Passive Foreign Investment Company. For the sake of income tax accumulated in the United States, a Portugal Golden Visa qualified investment fund will usually be considered a PFIC.

What is a FATCA compliant bank?

FATCA stands for Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. It’s the US government’s attempt to combat tax evasion by Americans holding accounts and other financial assets overseas. Some Portuguese banks are FATCA compliant, meaning they’re in touch with the US authorities and can help you properly account for all your tax activities.

What are the eligible funds for Portugal Golden Visa?

Portuguese investment or venture capital funds focus on capitalizing companies legally registered in Portugal. They must have a minimum maturity of five years at the time of the investment, and at least 60 percent of the value of the investments must be made in commercial companies on Portuguese territory.

Are Portuguese investment funds safe?

A Portugal investment fund is a relatively safe investment because it is regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), the Bank of Portugal, and the external fund management company. The Portuguese Tax Authorities also audit it.

Though these well-regulated Portuguese investment routes are low risk, it’s advisable to do your research and seek investment advice before you commit.

What is the minimum investment required for the Portugal Golden Visa through an investment fund?

The minimum investment for the Golden Visa eligible funds is €500,000 in a qualifying venture capital investment fund. As real estate and capital transfers can no longer be used, this is the next best option for international investors looking for a residence permit in Portugal.