Portugal’s Golden Visa has become one of Europe’s most flexible residency programs. It allows non-EU nationals to secure residency through investment, while maintaining minimal stay requirements. It is a desirable option for expats who wish to enjoy Madeira’s lifestyle yet spend most of their time abroad.
Minimum Investment Amounts
To answer the question of how much to invest in Portugal to get residency, the starting point is €200,000. This applies when supporting cultural projects or heritage initiatives in low-density regions. If the project is not in a low-density area, the minimum rises to €250,000.
Other investment routes include:
- Scientific research with a contribution of at least €500,000.
- Investment funds or venture capital with a minimum of €500,000.
- Company creation by injecting €500,000 into share capital, creating five jobs, or establishing a business that generates at least ten jobs (eight in low-density regions).
Although real estate and pure capital transfers are no longer eligible, these alternatives remain highly competitive.
Residency and Stay Requirements
Once you make the qualifying investment, you will receive a residence permit that is valid for two years. To maintain it, you must spend seven days in Portugal during the first year and fourteen days every two years thereafter. This flexibility means you can base yourself in Madeira, visit occasionally, and keep residency active.
Benefits Beyond Residency
Besides residency, the Golden Visa offers visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone. Family members, including spouses, children, and dependent parents, can join the application. Moreover, you may apply for permanent residency or citizenship after five years of holding residency, depending on the developments in nationality law.
Why Madeira?
Madeira combines the benefits of Portugal’s residency program with a safe, scenic, and tax-efficient environment. Expats value Madeira’s high quality of life, access to healthcare, and EU connectivity. Yet, because the minimum stay rules are so light, you can still reside primarily elsewhere while retaining Portuguese residency.
Final Thoughts
Considering how much to invest in Portugal for residency, the entry point is €200,000 through cultural projects. Madeira provides the ideal base for those seeking flexibility. With strategic planning and professional support, you can secure residency, enjoy Europe’s freedoms, and keep your lifestyle abroad unchanged.
The information provided in this article, including references to investment thresholds and residency rules under Portugal’s Golden Visa Program, is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy based on the most recent publicly available sources, regulations and eligibility criteria may change without prior notice. Readers are strongly advised to seek independent professional advice from qualified legal and tax advisors before making investment or immigration decisions. Madeira Corporate Services shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, or adverse consequence arising directly or indirectly from reliance on the information contained herein.
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