This page explains, as general information, how South African nationals can approach the Portugal Golden Visa, a residency by investment route now based on funds and other non property options.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
The Portugal Golden Visa is open to third country nationals, a group that includes South African citizens. No published rule bars South African nationals, but each applicant must pass identity, source of funds and security checks.
Applicants usually need a valid passport, criminal record clearance, proof of the source of funds and Portuguese tax registration. South African documents such as the unabridged birth certificate may need apostille and certified translation.
Since the October 2023 changes, buying real estate no longer qualifies. The most used route now is an investment of at least EUR 500,000 in a qualifying Portuguese investment fund that has no property exposure. A cultural or artistic donation route starts at EUR 200,000.
Other routes include research funding, company capitalisation and job creation. Confirm the current routes and amounts with the official authority, since the rules have changed more than once.
Applications are submitted to the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum. The agency has worked through a large backlog, so processing has been slow and timelines have moved.
Confirm the current processing time with the official authority. The programme carries a low physical presence requirement, but you should verify the exact day count that applies to you.
Budget for the qualifying investment or donation plus government processing fees, the residence card and professional help. The investment is the largest line. Use the table as a checklist rather than a quote.
| Route | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying investment fund | From EUR 500,000 | Fund must have no real estate exposure |
| Cultural or artistic donation | From EUR 200,000 | Donation, not recoverable |
| Government and processing fees | Confirm with the official authority | Set by the authority, revised periodically |
| Professional and translation fees | Confirm with each provider | Varies with the case |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), Portugal publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
Yes. The programme is open to third country nationals, which includes South African citizens, subject to the standard checks. Confirm your personal eligibility with the official authority.
No. The real estate routes were removed in October 2023. The programme now runs through funds, donations and other non property options. Confirm the current routes with the official authority.
It grants residency that can build toward citizenship after a qualifying period and other conditions set in Portuguese law. The residence and language rules can change, so verify the current position with the official authority.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
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