The Golden Visa is a residence permit for entry and stay of foreigners in Portugal, for investment purposes, defined by Law n.º 23/2077 of July 4 and n.º 29/2012 of 9 August. In October 2012, the Portuguese Government, following an order of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, approved legislation that amended the legal entry, stay and departure of foreigners from the country, allowing foreigners non-EU), through investment activity, to obtain a special permit of residence, called "Visa Gold" or "Golden Visa" which allows foreign investors to move freely inside the Schengen area.

This permit is granted to citizens who require it, provided they meet certain requirements, primarily those related to investment, real estate acquisition and/or employment generation:

• Properties acquisition equal to or greater than EUR 500,000;
• Transfer of capital by an amount equal to or greater than 1 million;
• Investment leading to create of at least 10 jobs.

Whatever the nature, the investment must be maintained for a minimum of five years.