Portugal Golden Visa Consultant: Why Work With One

Paperwork can be tedious and overwhelming. Plus, it can get messy quite quickly when you factor in the unknown of applying for residency in a foreign country without speaking the language or being familiar with the bureaucratic processes.

As a boutique investment migration consultancy, our Portugal Golden Visa consultants help expats like yourself apply for residence permits in Portugal (and over ten other countries). Our mission is to make your application process seamless and hassle-free.

Below, we cover our services in depth and explain how we can help you successfully apply for a Portugal Golden Visa.

Can I do the Golden Visa application myself?

It is possible to lodge your application. However, the paperwork and required documents are long. Many Golden Visa applicants who have attempted it themselves have found themselves having to reapply several times because they left out a crucial document.

Portugal is notorious for its complex bureaucratic system, and even Portuguese residents find using it slow and frustrating. Ultimately, the possibility of error can increase when you submit your Portugal Golden Visa application. Mistakes in the paperwork can cause delays, which could lead to not getting your residence permit in time before arriving in the country. Given that acquiring the Golden Visa is a timely matter, any small delays at the beginning lead to a longer waiting time, especially if you hope to get Portuguese citizenship.

Our Portuguese Golden Visa consultants are exact in determining what paperwork is needed, the process of obtaining each document, and everything else so that when you lodge your application, you can rest assured that it will run smoothly.

Why work with a Golden Visa consultant?

Working with a Golden Visa consultant can be beneficial for several reasons:

Expertise and experience

Our consultants are typically well-versed in the specific regulations and requirements of the Portugal Golden Visa program. They stay updated on any changes in legislation, ensuring your application adheres to the latest standards.

Navigating the application process can be complex, but a consultant’s experience can help streamline it. They can guide you through each step, ensuring all necessary documents are correctly prepared and submitted.

Time and efficiency

A Golden Visa consultancy firm can save time by handling administrative tasks, paperwork, and communication with relevant authorities. This allows you to focus on your daily responsibilities without being overwhelmed by the intricacies of the application process.

The Golden Visa application process involves a lot of details, and even a small mistake can lead to delays or rejection. Consultants are familiar with potential pitfalls and can help you avoid common errors.

Network and local connections

Our Portugal immigration consultants often establish networks and connections with the local government and institutions. This can expedite the application process and address any issues.

Customized advice

Golden Visa consultants can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation. They can assess your eligibility, financial situation, and investment preferences to guide you toward the most suitable investment option under the Golden Visa program.

Language barrier

A consultant can help bridge the language gap if you are not fluent in Portuguese. They can communicate with relevant authorities on your behalf, ensuring all communication is clear and accurate.

Risk mitigation

Golden Visa consultants can help you assess the risks of different investment options. They can provide insights into market trends, potential pitfalls, and the overall viability of specific investment opportunities.

Post-approval assistance

Beyond the application process, consultants can assist with post-approval matters, such as helping you settle into Portugal, understanding your rights and obligations, and addressing any issues that may arise.

While working with a consultant can be beneficial, choosing a reputable and experienced professional or agency is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful Golden Visa application process.

Six Ways Portuguese Golden Visa Consultants can Help

Our industry-leading experts deliver full-scale residency or citizenship solutions related to investment migration and relocation. From helping you file your immigration application to providing professional legal requirements and tax advice, our team is wholly committed to your success. Learn more about our team here.

1. Onboarding:
Our Portugal Golden Visa agency of consultants can provide newcomers with an overview of the program. This includes explaining this program’s benefits, requirements, and various investment options. It also involves collecting the paperwork and documents.

2. Opening a Portuguese bank account and acquiring a NIF number:
Consultants open bank accounts in Portugal for applicants. This is a crucial step for handling financial transactions related to the Golden Visa investment.
They can also assist in obtaining a unique tax identification number (NIF), a mandatory requirement for conducting financial transactions and fulfilling tax obligations in Portugal.

3. Consulting on investment Options, eligibility criteria, and requirements:
Golden Visa consultants offer in-depth consultations on various investment options, such as venture capital funds and job creation. They can help applicants choose the most suitable investment route based on their preferences and financial situation.

Our team will also assess applicants’ eligibility, considering factors like financial capacity, legal requirements, and the type of investment chosen. This helps ensure that the chosen investment aligns with the Golden Visa program criteria.

4. Consulting on paperwork required:
Golden Visa applications involve a significant amount of paperwork. Consultants provide detailed guidance on the documents needed for the application, ensuring that all required information is accurately compiled and submitted.

5. Assisting in lodging the online application:
We’ll assist you by submitting your application online. This includes navigating the platform, entering relevant details, and ensuring that all required documents are uploaded correctly.

6. Option to collect the residence card on your behalf:
Some consultants may offer the convenience of collecting the residence card on behalf of the applicant. This can be particularly helpful for individuals unable to be present in Portugal during certain stages of the application process.

These services aim to simplify the Golden Visa application journey, providing comprehensive support from the initial onboarding stages to the final steps of collecting the residence card. The goal is to enhance efficiency, minimize errors, and ensure a smooth applicant experience.

About the Portugal Golden Visa Program

Portugal’s Golden Visa is a Portuguese government-mandated residency by investment program. The scheme was introduced in 2012 to attract foreign investment to the country and boost Portugal’s economy and has since become one of the most popular residency by investment programs in the word.

The Golden Visa grants applicants and their family members the right to live, work, and study in Portugal.

After five years of keeping their investment in Portugal and being a legal resident of the country, Golden Visa investors can obtain permanent residency in Portugal and get Portuguese citizenship (and consequently EU citizenship) and a passport.

To be eligible for the program, you must be a non-EU citizen and make a qualifying investment in Portugal.

There’s a wide variety of attractive investment options to pick from, including venture capital funds and cultural donations. The most popular route to Portugal residency was through a real estate investment in residential properties or commercial properties, however, this investment avenue is no longer eligible. The option to apply with capital transfers equal to or exceeding €500,000 has also been discontinued.

Despite the capital transfer and property investment routes no longer qualifying for the program, there are still several compelling options to choose from.

Golden Visa program investment opportunities

• Investment fund subscription: Contribute at least €500,000 to a qualified investment fund, such as a venture capital fund, a private equity fund, or a mutual fund. At least 60 percent of the fund’s value must be invested in commercial companies based in Portuguese national territory. 
• Investment or donation in an artistic production or reconstruction of national cultural heritage with a donation of at least €250,000 (Read more: Portugal’s Cultural Production Golden Visa)
• Scientific research: Science or technology research contribution of at least €500,000 
• Creation of ten jobs: Creation and maintenance of ten jobs during the required period 
• Share capital and job creation: Incorporation of a commercial company or reinforcement of a company’s share capital, in either case with an investment of €500,000, combined with the creation of five or maintaining ten jobs (including five permanent jobs) 

If unsure about Golden Visa investment pathways, you can find statistics on the top nationalities and investment routes to residency in our Portugal Golden Visa statistics article.

Benefits of the Portuguese Golden Visa Program

The attractive benefits of being a Portuguese Golden Visa holder are one of the main reasons why Portugal attracts so many foreign investors each year. Legal residents of Portugal have visa-free access to the 27 EU countries in the EU’s Schengen Area.

Another advantage is the residency requirements are easier to meet than those for Golden Visas elsewhere in the world. With a Portuguese Golden Visa, you must stay in Portugal a minimum average of seven days per year (or 14 days for each two-year period), with at least seven days in the first year.

Five years after residency, you qualify for a European passport. The opportunity to affordably invest your money in a buoyant market is also a key benefit, with a minimum investment requirement of €250,000.

In addition, the tax benefits for Golden Visa holders mean that you don’t need to pay extra taxes on income produced outside Portugal.

Most importantly, the Golden Visa allows investors and their families to enjoy the benefits of living in Portugal, including miles of Atlantic coastline, natural beauty, year-round sunshine, safety, and a high quality of life.

Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa?

• Global approach by local experts: A team of experienced local case executives, immigration lawyers, and investment specialists based in Portugal.
• Independent service:We are not a marketing agency for any projects. You will access all eligible routes for the Golden Visa, with over 40 vetted qualifying investment options, so you can decide on the best option for you.
• 100% approval rate: We have the unique distinction of never having had a Golden Visa case rejected and have helped hundreds of clients from more than 35 countries.
• All-encompassing solution: Our dedicated onboarding and immigration teams will assist you throughout the process and beyond with a single channel of communication. 
• Transparency: Our fees are clear and detailed, covering the entire process with no hidden costs. 
• Privacy: Your personal data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.

To see the full list of reasons why to work with Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa, you can find out more here: Why Work with Global Citizen Solutions for Your Golden Visa Portugal Application?

Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Visa Consultants

Why should I enlist the help of a Portugal Golden Visa consultant?

Submitting a lengthy, detailed application in a foreign country is tricky. An expert advisor can advise on the investment requirements, necessary paperwork, and procedures to obtain a residence permit successfully. Our Portugal immigration consultants can also assist those needing assistance with the overall application and the legal aspects of securing your residence permit in Portugal.

What’s the timeline like for the Portugal Golden Visa application?

The whole Golden Visa application process takes at least 18 months from beginning to end, including the approval and the issuance of your residence permit. This estimate is dependent on whether you have all the paperwork in order when submitting your application.

What’s the minimum amount needed to invest in the Golden Visa program?

You need to make a minimum investment of €250,000 to acquire the Golden Visa. This does not include application costs, which include the initial application fee, legal fees, renewal fees, plus yearly trips to Portugal in order to meet the minimum stay requirements and obtain Portuguese permanent residency. For more detailed information on the costs of the program, see here.

If you invest in a low density area, the minimum investment amount decreases to €200,00.

Can I obtain an EU passport if I apply to the Golden Visa program?

Yes, if you hold your Golden Visa investment and residency permit for at least five years, you’re eligible for permanent residence, followed by Portuguese citizenship, and in turn, will get a Portuguese passport (an EU passport).

What kind of investments can I make under the Golden Visa Portugal program? 

There are several investment routes available under the Golden Visa Portugal program. These include the following:

• Fund investment subscription: Make a contribution to a qualified investment fund worth at least €500,000
• Investment or donation in the arts or reconstruction of national heritage with a donation of at least €250,000
• Scientific research: Science or technology research contribution of at least €500,000
• Creation of ten jobs: Creation and maintenance of ten jobs during the required period
• Share capital and job creation: Incorporation of a company or reinforcement of a company’s share capital, in either case with an investment of €500,000, combined with the creation of five or maintaining ten jobs (5 of them permanent)

Real estate investments and capital transfers are no longer eligible.

Please note that these are updated investment routes as of October 2023. For more information on these changes, please see our guide the Portugal Golden Visa changes.

What documents are required to apply for the Golden Visa? 

Here is a list of documents that are required to apply for the Golden Visa program:

• Portuguese Golden Visa application form
• Copy of a valid passport and travel documents
• Declaration from your Portuguese bank account confirming the transfer of funds from abroad
• Proof of private health insurance in Portugal (only required if the investor resides in Portugal)
• A background check or a police clearance letter from your home country
• A declaration of honor compromising to maintain the investment for 5 years

Do real estate investments qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa Program?

No, real estate investments were made ineligible for the Portugal Golden Visa in October 2023, along with capital transfers. If you are looking for Golden Visa programs that permit a real estate investment, you can consider the Greece Golden Visa or the Spain Golden Visa. However, it’s worth noting that Spain intends to end the real estate pathway for its Golden Visa. Meanwhile, the Greece Golden Visa program has increased the real estate investment threshold.

How is a Portugal Golden Visa valid for?

Following a successful Portugal Golden Visa application, you’ll receive a residence permit that is valid for two years, which can then be renewed at two-year intervals, provided you maintain your investment and continue to meet the residency requirements. This applies to the main applicant as well as any dependent family members.

How do I choose a reputable Portugal Golden Visa consultant?

To select a reputable Portugal Golden Visa consultant, prioritize those with a proven track record and expertise in your preferred investment option. Verify their licensing and professional affiliations. Opt for consultants offering transparent fee structures, clear timelines, and ideally, local Portuguese knowledge. Research online reviews and seek recommendations from satisfied clients.