Portugal's Golden Visa Now Focuses on Fund-Based Investments
Portugal's Golden Visa program has evolved, now focusing on fund-based investments. Investors can now secure residency by investing a minimum of €500,000 in qualified funds, supervised by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), targeting sectors like technology and healthcare.
This shift enhances the program's credibility and sustainability. All qualifying funds are authorized and supervised by the CMVM, operating under EU financial law. The government's pivot supports innovation, job creation, and export competitiveness.
Investors can balance risk and reward through fund diversification. American investors, in particular, are attracted to Portugal's legal system, safety, lifestyle, and alignment with U.S. investment standards. The Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) regime offers favorable tax treatment for up to 10 years.
The application process involves obtaining a Portuguese Tax ID (NIF), selecting a qualifying fund, transferring the investment amount, submitting the Golden Visa application, and attending biometrics upon approval. Portugal's Golden Visa program is now one of Europe's most sophisticated residency-by-investment vehicles, focusing on funds rather than property.
The investment threshold remains €500,000, but it must now be placed in a regulated, non-real-estate fund that invests in growth-stage companies, sustainable energy, technology, agriculture, and other sectors driving Portugal's next wave of development. This fund route provides entry into Portugal's innovation economy through vehicles mirroring private equity, venture capital, and institutional portfolios.
