Portugal’s Residency by Investment scheme actually operates under national immigration law and is managed by SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). This program recognizes several eligible investment routes, including:
Category 1:
Purchase of real estate in Lisbon, Porto, or coastal hubs starting at EUR 500,000
Category 2:
Investment in properties located in low-density regions or those requiring renovation, starting at EUR 350,000
Category 3:
Acquisition and rehabilitation of heritage or historic buildings starting at EUR 280,000
Category 4:
Capital transfers into funds, companies, or approved government projects (amounts vary)
Applicants must complete the transaction before they can proceed with their residency application.
GOLDEN VISA
The Portugal Golden Visa was introduced in 2012 and has become a favourite choice for people looking to settle in Europe. Through an approved investment, generally in property or even capital funds, non-EU citizens and their families can secure a renewable 5-year residence permit. This not only allows them to live in Portugal, but also also makes traveling across many European countries truly simple, while enjoying the relaxed lifestyle and rich culture Portugal is loved for.
Processing Time
Approval usually takes between 3 and 6 months.
Holders of Portuguese residency can travel without a visa to 29 Schengen countries.
Real estate purchase or capital transfer.
Starts from EUR 280,000, depending on the chosen route.
Spouses, dependent children under 21, and in certain cases, parents and parents-in-law.
Nxtcitizens has successfully guided several individuals and families through residency and citizenship programs. Our team truly takes care of each stage, from selecting suitable investments to preparing documents and ensuring compliance. Beyond approvals, we continue supporting clients and offering them long-term advisory for their future needs.
Option 1
Real Estate
Prime city properties in Lisbon, Porto, or Algarve:
EUR 500,000
Low-density or renovation projects:
EUR 350,000
Historic or heritage properties requiring rehabilitation:
EUR 280,000
Option 2
Capital Transfer
Investment in government-approved funds, local businesses, along with other SEF-sanctioned categories. Minimum contribution totally depends on the chosen option.
Additional Costs
Applicants should also account for government and professional service fees:
Main Applicant
EUR 2,016
Applicants aged 16 and above:
EUR 166
Applicants under 16:
EUR 16
Other minor costs may include document certification, courier services, and administrative charges.
No obligation to live in Portugal full-time to maintain residency.
No interviews, language exams, or education requirements.
Residence permits remain valid for five years with unlimited renewals.
The Portugal Golden Visa allows visa-free access to 29 Schengen countries. Residents can also enjoy the flexibility of several entries and stay in other Schengen states for up to 3 months within every 6-month period.
Investors may benefit from steady rental yields on property.
Non-residents pay tax only on income earned in Portugal.
Citizenship can be pursued later by applicants who live in the country for more than 183 days annually and fulfill cultural and language conditions.
Furthermore, the residence permit actually opens visa-free travel across 29 Schengen Zone countries, and this makes European mobility easier for both leisure and business purposes.
29
COUNTRIES
Investment Security
Portugal requires applicants in order to invest only in approved real estate or even capital transfer schemes. Nxtcitizens connects clients with carefully evaluated opportunities that totally comply with all legal and program requirements, and offer both security and transparency.
Applicants must fulfil one of two main investment options, renting or purchasing property in Malta and making some mandatory contributions to qualify for this program.
Applicable to all investment options
Malta has one of the most comprehensive due diligence procedures in the industry for its residency by investment program. The robust due diligence procedure is critical to protecting the residency program’s integrity while also signaling to potential investors that they are dealing with a serious and reputable jurisdiction
Application Fee For The Main Applicant
5,000 EUR
Each Dependent Child/Spouse
1,000 EUR
Each Dependent Parent/Grand Parent
7,500 EUR
Processing Fee
1,000 EUR
Due Diligence Fees For The Main Applicant
7,500 EUR
Due Diligence Fees For Each Dependent
5,000 EUR
1-2
Week
Initial Stage
Sign the Retainer Agreement with Nxtcitizens, pay the first installment of professional fees, and then choose your property or investment option. All supporting documents are then prepared.
4-8
Week
Investment and Application Submission
Transfer funds for your property purchase or capital investment. The residency application is then lodged with the Portuguese authorities. Government fees and submission costs are paid at their stage.
3-6
Months
Approval and Residency Permit
In this phase, once the application gets approved, applicants must visit Portugal in order to complete their biometrics. After that, the residence permit is issued, and the final professional fees are settled. Residency cards are delivered directly to the applicant.
Citizenship Option
While the program is designed for permanent residency, applicants can apply for citizenship later. Here, eligibility requires living in Portugal for more than 183 days per year, along with successfully meeting cultural and language requirements before submission.