The Donation Golden Visa process and timeline
The donation itself is fully remote. The residence application requires one visit to Portugal, for biometrics. Most of the process is handled by the applicant's lawyer.
- 4 stepsFrom choosing a project to the residence application
- 12 to 18 monthsFrom filing to residence card, indicative
- 1 visitTo Portugal during the process, for biometrics
- 7 daysMinimum stay in the first year, then 14 days every two years
What do I need before choosing a project?
An independent Portuguese lawyer and a Portuguese tax number (NIF), usually obtained remotely under a power of attorney. Assemble evidence of the source of funds at the same time.
Your lawyer represents you in the residence application and is independent of Cascais Ventures.
How does the process work?
The process has four steps: choose your project, make your donation, receive your documentation and apply for residency. Each step produces the documents the next one needs.
- 1
Choose your project.
Select a government-approved project and reserve your place. You receive the project's eligibility declaration and sign the donation agreement electronically.
- 2
Make your donation.
Transfer the donation to the project's dedicated account: from a Portuguese bank account or directly from your international one, depending on the project.
- 3
Receive your documentation.
The beneficiary confirms receipt, and GEPAC issues your individual declaration.
- 4
Apply for residency.
Your lawyer files the application with AIMA. You attend one biometrics appointment in Portugal. The residence card is issued, valid for two years.
Which documents will I need?
Ten documents make up the core file, and your lawyer assembles most of them. The donation itself produces three: proof of the transfer, the beneficiary’s confirmation and the GEPAC declarations.
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificates
- Portuguese tax number (NIF)
- Proof of the transfer
- Beneficiary's confirmation of the donation
- GEPAC declarations
- Health insurance
- Tax and social security clearance
- Power of attorney for your lawyer
- Declaration on the investment, signed by you
How long does it take?
From first call to donation usually takes about two months, for the administrative steps. Your lawyer files the application about a week after the donation, and the residence card follows 12 to 18 months after filing: biometrics are typically scheduled around eight months after filing.
The timeline
Indicative. AIMA processing times vary.
From filing to residency card in 12 to 18 months. The application is filed about a week after the donation.
How much time must I spend in Portugal?
7 days in the first year, then 14 days in each following two-year period. The years count as legal residence while you hold a valid permit and meet this requirement, wherever you live.
Source: Decreto Regulamentar 84/2007, Art. 65.º-C.
What happens after the residence card?
The permit runs on two-year cycles. After five years you can take permanent residence, and after ten you can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
- 1Every 2 years
Renewals
The permit is renewed provided the stay requirement and the general conditions are met, with the declarations the project supplies.
- 2After 5 years
Permanent residence
Optional, with basic Portuguese. Holders who do not take it keep renewing every two years.
- 3After 10 years
Portuguese citizenship
7 years for CPLP nationals, counted from the first residence card.
How often is the permit renewed?
Every two years, under the ARI’s own cycle (Lei 23/2007, Art. 90.º-A, n.º 2). Government fees for each renewal are on What it costs.
When can I apply for permanent residence?
After five years of legal residence, with basic Portuguese. Permanent residence is optional: holders who do not take it keep renewing every two years.
When can I apply for Portuguese citizenship?
After 10 years of legal residence (7 for CPLP nationals), counted from the issue of the first residence card. The applicant also needs A2 Portuguese and a civic knowledge test.
The rule is set by the Nationality Law in force since 19 May 2026 (Lei Orgânica 1/2026). Portuguese citizenship is EU citizenship: the right to live and work in any member state. CPLP: the Community of Portuguese Language Countries.
Sources: Lei 23/2007, Art. 90.º-A, n.º 2 (renewals) · Decreto Regulamentar 84/2007, Art. 65.º-C (stay requirement) · Lei Orgânica 1/2026 (Nationality Law) · AIMA, ARI application requirements.
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Updated 5 October 2026 · Cascais Ventures · Primary sources linked on this page (links checked 9 October 2026)