Portugal Golden Visa Program: Complete Guide for Turks

The Portugal Golden Visa programme is an effective way to obtain European residency. Investment options range from fund contributions to launching a business, with a minimum entry threshold of €250,000.

In this guide, we explain how to obtain Portuguese residency by investment for Turks and the key advantages for those who become residents.

What is the Portugal Golden Visa?

Portugal’s government-run Golden Residence Permit Programme has been in place since 2012. Investors and their family members can obtain a 2-year residence permit, which can be renewed. There are 5 investment options available, with minimum entry starting at €250,000.

The official processing time is 1 year, but due to high demand and the workload of the immigration authority AIMA, in practice, the process takes about 1.5 years.

Nevertheless, the Portuguese residence permit is well worth the wait. The programme requires minimal physical presence – only 7 days per year – and after 5 years, you can apply for citizenship. A Portuguese passport grants visa-free access to 186 countries, and the naturalisation process is relatively straightforward: you must have spent at least 183 days in the country during the last 5 years and pass a Portuguese language exam at A2 level.

The investor must:

• Be over 18 years old.
• Not be a citizen of the EU, EEA, Andorra or Switzerland.
• Have no criminal record or legal issues.
• Pass a due diligence and background check.

What Are the Advantages of Portugal’s Golden Visa for Turks?

Turkish citizens benefit from EU residency, visa-free Schengen travel, a path to citizenship, and family security — without the need to relocate.

In addition to the right to live, study and work in Portugal, the Golden visa offers:

• EU residency with just 7 days/year stay in Portugal
• Visa-free travel across the entire Schengen Area
• Citizenship eligibility after 5 years without full-time residency
• Dual citizenship allowed – keep your Turkish passport
• Full family coverage (spouse, children, dependent parents)
• Access to EU education & healthcare
• Safe, stable backup plan amid Turkish economic or political shifts
  

What are Investment Requirements for the Portugal Golden visa for Turks?

Investors can choose one of 5 approved routes:

• From €250,000: Non-refundable donation to support the preservation or restoration of Portuguese cultural heritage, such as arts projects, exhibitions, or national monuments. For low-density areas, the threshold is €200,000.
  
• From €500,000: Non-refundable contribution to research and development or science projects. Lower investment may apply in low-density municipalities.
  
• From €500,000: Investment in a local business, creating a minimum of 5 jobs. This may be a new company or the acquisition of an existing one. The investment must be held for at least 3 years.
  
• Job creation route: Investment in a Portuguese company with the creation and maintenance of 10 jobs (or 8 in low-density areas) for at least 3 years.
  
• From €500,000: Purchase of shares in approved Portuguese investment or venture capital funds that invest in local assets. Funds must be held for at least 6 years.
  

Real estate purchases are no longer eligible for the Golden Visa. Since the option was removed, fund investment has become the most popular route. Over 6 years, these investments can generate returns of 5–7% annually, and the capital can be redeemed afterward.

Family and Dependents

You may include in your application:

• Spouse
  
• Children up to 26 years old who are unmarried and financially dependent on the main applicant
  
• Parents of the main applicant under the age of 65, if financially dependent, or over 65 without the need to prove dependency

How Much Does the Portugal Golden Visa Cost for Turks?

The minimum investment starts at €250,000. The total cost depends on the selected option and additional fees:

Fees are based on in-person applications. Digital submissions are 30% cheaper.

You will also need to budget for translations, notarisation, legal and immigration consultancy services.

What are the Steps to Obtain a Golden Visa via Fund Investment for Turks?

Step 1: Preliminary assessment

Experts review your case and perform a compliance check.

Step 2: Document preparation

Specialists help gather and verify all documents for AIMA submission.

Step 3: Obtain a Portuguese NIF

This tax ID is required to open a bank account, rent or buy property, or register a business.

Step 4: Due diligence check

The investor must pass a background check on the source of funds, reputation, and affiliations.

Step 5: Fund subscription and transfer

Sign the investment agreement and transfer funds from a Portuguese bank account to the selected fund.

Step 6: Online application

Submit the completed application and investment documents to AIMA.

Step 7: Biometric appointment

All applicants must visit Portugal in person to submit biometrics.

Step 8: Await AIMA’s approval

Step 9: Receive your residence cards

What are the Business Opportunities with a Portuguese Golden Visa for Turks?

Ranked 25th globally in the Index of Economic Freedom, Portugal outperforms the US and UK, and has lower corruption levels than Italy or Spain. Launching a business in Portugal grants access to international markets and facilitates trade with the EU, Asia, and the Americas. Company registration is fast and straightforward, and grants the right to residency.

The Portuguese economy is diverse, with strong sectors in industry, agriculture, tourism, and beyond.

What are the Alternatives to Portugal’s Golden Visa for Turks?

Several European countries offer residency or citizenship by investment under varying conditions.

Greece offers one of the most accessible and popular Golden Visa programmes in the EU. The minimum investment is €250,000. The residence permit is issued for 5 years with the right to renew, and the process takes 6–9 months. No physical presence is required, and investors gain access to Schengen and a potential Greek passport in 7 years (subject to conditions).

Cyprus offers a Permanent Residency programme: investors and their families can obtain unlimited residency in 6 months by purchasing property worth at least €300,000. Only one visit every two years is required. Those planning a permanent move can benefit from Cyprus’s Non-Dom tax regime and apply for citizenship after 8 years.

Astons provides expert assistance with residency and citizenship-by-investment programmes worldwide. Contact us for a free consultation — our specialists will guide you through the process and find the best solution for your goals.

FAQ

What are the requirements for the Portugal Golden Visa for Turks?

You must be over 18, have no criminal record or travel bans in the EU, pass a due diligence check, and spend at least 7 days per year in Portugal.

What documents are needed for the Portugal Golden Visa for Turks?

All documents must be translated into Portuguese, notarised, and apostilled. You’ll need:

• Passport 
• Birth certificate 
• Police clearance 
• Marriage certificate (if applicable) 
• Proof of legal funds 
• Proof of investment 
• Proof of Portuguese address 
• NIF (tax number) 
• Health insurance 
• Bank statement from a Portuguese account 

Requirements may vary by case. For children over 18, you’ll need proof of financial dependence and unmarried status.

What types of investments qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa for Turks?

The lowest entry point is €250,000 for cultural preservation funds (€200,000 in low-density areas).

What are the benefits of Portugal’s Golden Visa for Turks?

Legal EU residency, business and work rights, visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone, access to banking and education, and citizenship eligibility after 5 years (subject to conditions).

How long do I need to live in Portugal for citizenship?

The standard naturalisation period is 5 years, with physical presence for 183 days in the final year.

How long does the process take for Turks?

Officially 1 year; although in reality, the timeline is around 1.5 years.

Can I include my family in the Portugal Golden visa?

Yes – spouse, dependent children, and parents may be included.