
The Golden Visa (officially the Residence Permit for Investment Activity) is a legal framework designed for eligible non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss investors. Successful applicants may obtain a renewable Portuguese residency permit, granting access to Portugal and greater visa-free travel rights throughout the EU Schengen region. The qualifying investment serves as the mechanism for participation in the programme, made through specific investment categories established under Portuguese law.
The programme has generated over €54 billion from 2012 to 2025 and created over 30,000 jobs. In 2025, The Economist named Portugal “Economy of the Year,” highlighting its resilient Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and leading position in the EU’s energy transition.

Investors and their qualifying family members receive the following benefits from a €500,000 investment into one or more alternative investment funds:
Residency rights and tax residency status are separate under Portuguese law.
Golden Visa capital can be allocated across multiple approved funds, allowing exposure across different sectors of the Portuguese economy.
Residents enjoy a high quality of life in one of Europe’s safest countries, supported by a resiliant and growing economy.
A single Golden Visa application can include a spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents, subject to family reunification eligibility criteria.
Closed-ended, CMVM-regulated funds are commonly used for Golden Visa investments, offering diversified exposure across multiple sectors driving Portugal’s long-term growth. They are typically favoured for disciplined capital deployment, diversification, and long-term structuring, with professional advice essential to ensure suitability.
Open-ended funds generally invest in liquid assets such as government bonds and listed securities, offering greater liquidity and lower volatility. These structures are often taxed on income or gains, making professional guidance important when assessing their role within a Golden Visa and wider wealth planning strategy.
Portugal continues to attract international recognition as one of Europe’s most resilient and investable economies, with positive outlooks from institutions such as the OECD, S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s, and Fitch Ratings.

Selecting the right fund requires deeper analysis than scanning a basic list of options. Investors need professional insights to align their investment strategy with their long-term financial goals and Portuguese residency requirements.
Our curated index simplifies the due diligence process and provides a structured framework for evaluating CMVM-regulated funds.

Risk Disclosure: All investments carry risk. You should always obtain independent legal, tax, and financial advice before making any investment decision
Schedule a free discovery call with a Portugal Pathways team member to access the Golden Visa Investment Fund Index and guide.

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Portugal Pathways provides a comparison framework and professional introductions rather than regulated advice. Suitability, risk assessment, and specific product recommendations require authorised professionals.
No. CMVM regulation refers to the regulatory framework for fund governance. Approval depends on individual eligibility, documentation, and discretionary review by the relevant authorities.