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Portugal Golden Visa For Pakistani Investors: Requirements, Benefits & Fund Investment Guide

Sidra SidraSaadAhsan 02 December 2025
future route to Portuguese citizenship for pakistani's

Due to multiple factors like work, education, family reunification, and increased interest in investment migration, the rise of demand for EU residency by investment programs have been increasing continuously. Among many golden visa programs, Pakistanis are especially attracted to the Portugal golden visa and the reasons are numerous. The program opens doors of significant lifestyle and business expansion opportunities for global investors, making the Portugal golden visa for Pakistani investors an appealing choice. 

Portugal Golden Visa For Pakistanis: Program Overview

The Portugal residency by investment program grants 5-year residency permits to global investors who invest a minimum €500,000 by choosing the following investment routes:

  • Non-real estate projects Investment

  • Job Creations 

  • Research Activities

  • Portugal Golden Visa Funds

While another investment route is Culture activities that require €250,000 capital transfer. The residence permit granted allows the golden visa holders to live and work in Portugal and benefit from the multiple opportunities it provides to global investors. Pakistanis taking interest in the Portugal golden visa can choose the investment route that they think best aligns with them and start their new and fresh journey in Portugal. 

Significant Citizenship Benefit of Portugal Golden Visa for Pakistanis 

The major benefit of the Portugal golden visa for Pakistani and other investors is that after 5-years tax residency in Portugal the Portugal golden visa holders can also apply for Portuguese citizenship and possibly get it if they meet all the eligibility requirements. 

Rising Global Demand of the Portugal Golden Visa Program

Since the launch of the Portugal Golden Visa in 2012, around 12,718 Portugal golden visas were issued till October 2023 and around 20,424 residence permits were issued to family members of the main applicant under its family inclusion rule. These large numbers define the increasing demand of the Portugal golden visa for global investors with most golden visa holders from countries such as:

Country

No. of Portugal Golden Visa Holders 

China

5366

Brazil

1229

USA

713

Turkey

592

South Africa

550

Investors from various countries such as the UK, USA, and Scotland are finding homes in Portugal due to the increasing instability, uncertainty, and rising inflation rate in their home countries. In 2024, around 10,000 Americans made Portugal their home to benefit from its low tax policies, stability, and security. 

Why the Portugal Golden Visa for Pakistani Applicants Is a Strong Opportunity

Portugal, a Southwestern European country, attracts numerous investors towards the Portugal golden visa program due to multiple residency benefits like possible citizenship, Schengen zone visa-free access, family inclusion, and many others. Let’s discuss some significant benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa for Pakistanis.

Visa-Free Access to the Schengen Area

Portugal golden visa holders can travel visa-free to Europe’s Schengen area which consists of 29 countries including Austria, France, and Spain.  This means the Portuguese residents can travel beyond borders without requiring any visa which is very beneficial for business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors alike who want to expand their businesses internationally and gain global recognition and travel mobility. 

Family Reunification

Pakistani investors who want to bring their family members with them can include their spouse, dependent children, and parents under the Portugal golden visa application. This provides relief to the main applicants as they do not have to worry about their families’ education and healthcare. 

Pathway to PR & Citizenship

After 5 years of residence in Portugal, the applicants can apply for permanent residency and citizenship in Portugal and possibly get it and benefit from the long-term opportunities in Portugal. 

Minimum Stay Requirements

The Portugal golden visa just requires a 7 day stay or visit per year for gaining Portugal residency which is useful for individuals who have commitments in other countries. 

Low Tax Policies

Portugal offers very low tax compared to many other European countries. The Portugal residency by investment program investors can benefit from its 10-year NHR tax policy that imposes a flat 20% tax rate for foreigners on income they earn inside or outside Portugal.  

Portugal Golden Visa Requirements for Pakistani Applicants

Main Eligibility Criteria

To qualify Pakistani investors must consider the following Portugal Golden Visa requirements:

  • The Main applicant must be an adult aged 18 or above.

  • Must have a clean criminal record. 

  • Minimum stay required is 7 days per year.  

  • Investment must be held for a minimum of 5 years.

  • Be in good health. 

Portugal Golden Visa Fund Route - The Most Popular Investment Option 

The Portugal golden visa fund route is the most popular investment route for Portugal golden visa as it requires contributions to technology, innovation, and startup sectors in Portugal. There are various funds list for the Portugal golden visa program some of them are the following:

  • Private Equity Funds

  • Venture Capital Funds 

  • Sustainable Investment Funds

  • Golden Visa Crypto Fund

The funds must be registered with the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), a regulatory body that supervises financial markets in Portugal. Portugal Golden Visa fund requires the following Portugal golden visa requirements to be fulfilled for this route. 

  • A minimum investment of €500,000 in a qualifying fund. 

  • At least 60% of the fund’s capital must be invested in Portugal-based companies. 

  • No real estate fund option is available so funds cannot be directed to real estate. 

  • Eligibility Criteria of Portugal Golden Visa requirements must be fulfilled. 

Conclusion

Portugal Golden Visa for Pakistani Investors is an appealing and attractive choice as it not only provides them with lifestyle opportunities but also provides them with travel freedom and global mobility necessary to expand their businesses worldwide and gain global recognition.