Portugal Golden Visa Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding the Portugal Golden Visa Programme
 
What is the Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment programme designed for non-EU nationals who wish to live, work, or invest in Portugal.
Through a qualifying investment, such as subscribing to CMVM-regulated investment funds, applicants gain residency rights, Schengen mobility, and a path to EU citizenship in five years.

Why is the fund-route the most secure option in 2025?
Following the 2023 law reform, real-estate routes were discontinued, making the fund-investment route the only eligible and fully compliant pathway.

Investing in regulated Portuguese funds ensures:

• Legal transparency and investor protection,

• Professional management and diversification,

• Qualification under AIMA and CMVM oversight.

 

What are the main benefits of the Golden Visa?

• Legal Portuguese residency and Schengen travel freedom.

• Family reunification (spouse, children, parents).

• Only 14 days of stay required every two years.

• Access to Portugal’s favourable tax and lifestyle benefits.

• Eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship after five years (and Portuguese Passport).

 

Investment Fund Route
 

What is the minimum investment required?
A minimum investment of €500,000 in a CMVM-regulated Portuguese investment fund qualifies for the Golden Visa.
 

What kinds of funds are eligible?
Funds must be registered and supervised by the CMVM and focus on:

• Sustainable industries (energy, innovation, technology),

• Tourism and hospitality,

• Infrastructure or export-oriented businesses.

MFG Consultants exclusively works with verified, CMVM-regulated funds offering audited performance, clear exit strategies, and full investor transparency. We have a selection of 40 to 50 curated funds from many different sectors and only from top fund managers with proved track record.
 

What is the typical return on investment?
Returns vary depending on fund strategy but generally range between 3% and 8% annually (conservative); up to 12% (balanced) and up to 20% (aggressive). Funds with diversified portfolios and professional management typically offer balanced risk profiles suitable for capital-preservation investors.
 

Is my capital protected?
While no fund can legally guarantee returns, investing through regulated vehicles significantly reduces risk.
Each fund undergoes independent audits, financial reporting, and compliance checks under CMVM supervision.
 

Legal & Compliance
 

Who regulates these investments?
All Golden Visa-eligible funds are regulated by the CMVM (Portuguese Securities Market Commission) and supervised under the AIMA (Agency for Migration and Asylum) for immigration compliance.
 

How does MFG Consultants ensure investor protection?
Every client undergoes a rigorous due-diligence and KYC process.
All documentation, transfers, and contracts are handled by our Certified Portuguese-qualified team, ensuring 100% compliance with local and EU laws. Your process is dealt by real professionals, not marketeers nor social media enthusiasts.

Is MFG Consultants affiliated with any fund?
No. MFG Consultants is a fully independent advisory firm... not a fund promoter or intermediary.
We match each investor with the fund(s) that best suits their risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and long-term objectives, without receiving hidden commissions. Each investment is personalized according to the investor´s profile (normally 2-4 different funds from our portfolio).

Family Inclusion & Residency Rights

Who can be included in the application?
The main investor may include:

• Spouse or legal partner,

• Children under 18,

• Dependent children up to 26 (unmarried, in full-time education),

• Dependent parents of either spouse.

 

Do my children also qualify for citizenship?
Yes. Family members included in your application obtain the same residency rights and can apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years, under the same conditions as the main investor.
 

How much time must I spend in Portugal?
Only 14 days within each 2-year period, making Portugal one of the most flexible residency programmes in Europe.
 

Application Process

What are the main steps of the Golden Visa process?

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1. Select and subscribe to a CMVM-regulated investment fund.

2. Obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a bank account.

3. Prepare and legalise supporting documents.

4. Submit the Golden Visa application through AIMA.

5. Attend biometric appointment in Portugal.

6. Receive residence permit and renew every two years.

 

How long does the process take?
Typically 6 to 9 months after application, depending on document readiness and AIMA processing capacity. If we have all your  documentation, we normally take around 6 to 8 weeks to process your application (NIF + Bank Account + Funds Subscription + GV application). Note that in case of citizenship, even if there´s any delays from AIMA to call you for the biometrics, the time starts from the day of your GV application is submitted.
 

How long must I keep the investment?
At least five years from the date of residence permit issuance — after which you can redeem or roll over your fund participation.
 

Costs, Fees & Taxes
 

What are the total costs involved?

• Investment: €500,000 minimum

• Fund setup and management fees: depends on the fund

• Legal and administrative costs: contact us for more information or download the GV brochure

• Government application and renewal fees tabled in AIMA (non-negotiable)

 

MFG Consultants provides a transparent cost breakdown for every fund and client profile plus a service agreement.
 

What are the tax implications for investors?
Portugal offers an attractive tax regime for new residents, including the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR 2.0) regime (or its successor), which can reduce global income tax for up to 10 years. Our team coordinates with certified Portuguese tax advisors to ensure efficiency and compliance.
 

About MFG Consultants
 

Why choose MFG Consultants?

• Independent advisory – not affiliated with any fund or developer.

• Portuguese-licensed professionals – regulated under CMVM and AIMA.

• Data-driven investment analysis – verified, transparent, and objective.

• 100% approval rate – every application successfully processed.

• Global trust – clients from 25+ countries, recognised as Investment Advisory Firm of the Year by Corporate LiveWire.

 

How does MFG Consultants stand apart from “Golden Visa agencies”?
Most agencies are unregulated sales intermediaries that promote one or two funds for commissions.
MFG Consultants operates as a fiduciary advisory partner, offering diversified fund options, verified documentation, and client-first strategies rooted in transparency.
 

Start Your Application
Ready to explore the Portugal Golden Visa through CMVM-regulated investment funds?
Our bilingual legal and investment team is ready to guide you.
 
info@mfg-consultants.com
+351 916 008 844 (WhatsApp - leave message)