For American citizens hoping to start a new life, have access to increased travel options, and a safe future in Europe, Portugal’s Golden Visa program is one of the most appealing options in the world. The Portugal residency visa for US citizens is a legitimate pathway for individuals and families exploring high-value, flexible residency by investment options.
At FRR Immigration, we are experienced in bringing ease to our American clients as they proceed through the expedited process of securing their future. In this blog, we discuss the basic eligibility requirements and investment options for a US citizen to secure residency in Portugal via the Golden Visa program, focusing exclusively on the non-real estate investment options available today.
The Program’s Foundation: Residency Visas for Moving to Portugal
The Golden Visa, or the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI), offers US citizens and their families the right to live, work, and study in Portugal. Critically, it offers a path to Portugal permanent residence and, eventually, citizenship after five years, all while maintaining a minimal physical presence requirement of just seven days per year. This flexibility is a crucial factor that enhances the reputation of the Portugal Golden Visa program among international investors.
For anyone moving to Portugal from the US, the Golden Visa eliminates the requirement for the more conventional residency visas that require physical presence on a full-time basis.
Investment Options
Following changes to the legislation, the most popular and compliant routes for American investors now focus on capital injection into the Portuguese economy through non-real estate options. FRR Immigration focuses on the following primary investment pathways under the Portugal Golden Visa requirements:
1. Capital Investment Funds
This is the most popular route for investors who wish to diversify risk and potentially achieve a return on capital.
Minimum Investment: A subscription of at least €500,000 into a qualifying Portuguese venture capital or private equity fund.
Key Requirements:
The funds must be supervised by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM).
The fund must have a minimum maturity of five years at the time of investment.
At least 60% of the investment value must be realized in commercial companies with their headquarters in Portugal.
This option is favored for its passive nature, as the investment is managed by professional fund managers, removing the need for the investor to actively manage a business or property.
2. Investment in Cultural Heritage
For investors interested in a non-reciprocal contribution facilitating support for culture and arts in Portugal, this is a unique and potentially valuable option
Minimum investment: A transfer of €250,000 of capital to support arts production or restoration or conservation of national cultural heritage.
Key Conditions:
The investment must be in the form of non-reciprocal contribution to pre-approved project(s)
The activities must be undertaken solely by public or private entities whose primary mission is to conduct arts production or conservation of national cultural heritage.
This route allows the investor to make a contribution to the preservation of Portugal’s rich historical identity while at the same time obtaining a Portugal residency visa. In some instances, this required amount may be reduced to €200,000 if the location selected for the investment is in a designated low-density area.
The Step-by-Step Application Process for a US Citizen
You may wonder how does a US citizen get residency in Portugal through the Golden Visa program as the process is quite meticulous but highly structured. FRR Immigration collaborates with your legal entity to make sure that every phase goes smoothly and is properly executed.
Obtain a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF) & Open a Bank Account: This is the first practical step. The NIF is needed for any financial transaction in Portugal. The qualifying investment requires the NIF.
Make the Qualifying Investment: The project that you have selected (Fund Subscription, Donation to Cultural Heritage) must be complete and verified before you file. Money must be moved from an international account to your Portuguese account.
Document Collection & Initial Application (Online): Everything necessary (personal, financial, investment) will be collected, translated, and legalized, including you check for a clean criminal record from your country of origin (USA) and sworn statement that you will maintain the investment for five years. An application will be filed with the Portuguese Immigration & Asylum Agency (AIMA).
Biometrics Appointment: Once the AIMA pre-approves the application, the applicant and dependents must fly to Portugal for a mandatory Appointment to provide biometrics (Fingerprints, Photo).
Final Approval and Issuance of Residence Cards: Once they are granted final approval, the Portugal residency visa cards are issued. The card indicates that you and your family members have full residency rights in the Schengen Area.
Read more: Who is eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa?
Why Trust FRR Immigration with Your Portugal Residency Visa
Moving from the United States to Portugal is not simply a financial undertaking; it is a full commitment to making sense of and following complex and ever-changing rules that require action. At FRR Immigration, we understand the specific due diligence required of US investors who are navigating foreign tax and immigration laws.
FRR Immigration makes your residency application process for Portugal residency visa for US citizens clear, compliant, and successful.
Custom Investment Synchronization: We are not simply providing a generic service. We are qualified to focus strictly on immigration vetted Golden Visa investment options—Capital Investment Funds and Cultural Heritage. Then we have you positioned into investment options that meet rigorous Portugal Golden Visa requirements and your longer-term goals.
Comprehensive compliance management: Our service is all-inclusive from assistance with the first NIF and establishing a compliant bank account with the legally required movement of funds documented, to managing the submission of all documents to the Portuguese authorities with specificity.
Focus on Post-Residency Path: We offer ongoing guidance on the maintenance of your investment, the minimal stay requirements, and the eventual application for Portugal permanent residence or citizenship after five years. We ensure the investment remains compliant for the entire period.
Your dream of European access and a secure Plan B starts with the right partner. Let FRR Immigration be the firm that guides you toward your Portugal residency visa.
Contact FRR Immigration today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward securing your future in Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does the Golden Visa application process take?
A: The total process, from initial application to final card issuance, currently takes an estimated 12 to 24 months, depending on the processing times of the Portuguese authorities (AIMA).
Q: What are the minimal stay requirements?
A: Applicants must spend only 7 days in Portugal during the first year and 14 days during each subsequent two-year period under the Portugal Golden Visa program.
Q: Can I include my family in my application?
A: Yes, the Portugal residency visa extends to family reunification, including your spouse/partner, dependent children, and dependent parents.
Q: After five years, what is the next step?
A: After five years, you become eligible to apply for Portugal permanent residence or citizenship, provided you pass a basic Portuguese language (A2) proficiency test.
Read more: Portugal Golden Visa Program for Americans: A Smart Move for Investors and Retirees
