About Us
Immigrant Invest is a consulting company that helps investors get a Portugal residence permit to travel without visas, live, study, do business in the EU and apply for citizenship in 10 years.
20 years
Experience
10,000+
Clients worldwide
99%
Success rate

Our mission
For high-net-worth individuals and families, global mobility is no longer a privilege. It is a foundation for security, flexibility, and long-term opportunity.
We help our clients build that foundation through carefully tailored Portuguese residency strategies. With deep legal expertise and a highly personal approach, we guide every stage of the process, from selecting the right programme to securing the outcome with confidence.


Elena Ruda,
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Our work often continues long after an application is approved. Clients return to us for ongoing support with passport renewals, residence permit extensions, and real estate decisions.
Our values
Every client relationship is built on professionalism, transparency, and trust. These principles define the way we work, the advice we give, and the standard of care our clients can expect at every stage.

1.
Compliance at the core
We place compliance at the centre of every strategy. Through rigorous Due Diligence, we identify potential risks early and structure each application to reduce the chance of avoidable refusals.
We place compliance at the centre of every strategy. Through rigorous Due Diligence, we identify potential risks early and structure each application to reduce the chance of avoidable refusals.
2.
Licensed and accountable
As a government-licensed agent, we operate with full responsibility, clear processes, and strict adherence to international legal standards.
As a government-licensed agent, we operate with full responsibility, clear processes, and strict adherence to international legal standards.
3.
Discretion and trust
We protect our clients’ personal and financial information with the highest level of care, supported by strict protocols, confidentiality agreements, and secure handling procedures.
We protect our clients’ personal and financial information with the highest level of care, supported by strict protocols, confidentiality agreements, and secure handling procedures.
4.
Clear and honest advice
We recommend only official, legitimate routes. When a Portuguese programme or option is not suitable, we say so directly and propose realistic alternatives.
We recommend only official, legitimate routes. When a Portuguese programme or option is not suitable, we say so directly and propose realistic alternatives.
5.
Client-first approach
Every client’s situation is unique. We take the time to understand your priorities and shape a strategy that reflects your ambitions, lifestyle, and long-term vision.
Every client’s situation is unique. We take the time to understand your priorities and shape a strategy that reflects your ambitions, lifestyle, and long-term vision.
6.
Precision in every detail
Accuracy is essential to a smooth process, which is why we pay close attention to every document, requirement, and deadline to help minimise delays and avoid unnecessary complications.
Accuracy is essential to a smooth process, which is why we pay close attention to every document, requirement, and deadline to help minimise delays and avoid unnecessary complications.
7.
Forward-thinking expertise
Sometimes citizenship, residency, and tax residency rules in Portugal change. We monitor these developments closely, so our clients can make decisions based on current, practical, and strategically relevant advice.
Sometimes citizenship, residency, and tax residency rules in Portugal change. We monitor these developments closely, so our clients can make decisions based on current, practical, and strategically relevant advice.
8.
Efficient execution
Opportunities can depend on timing. We act quickly and decisively, while maintaining the diligence and care required for complex cross-border matters.
Opportunities can depend on timing. We act quickly and decisively, while maintaining the diligence and care required for complex cross-border matters.
9.
Long-term partnership
Our support continues well beyond approval. Clients and their families return to us for renewals, extensions, real estate guidance, tax residency planning, and new opportunities in Portugal or worldwide.
Our support continues well beyond approval. Clients and their families return to us for renewals, extensions, real estate guidance, tax residency planning, and new opportunities in Portugal or worldwide.
What type of residence permit will suit you best?
Each Portuguese residence route is designed for a different type of applicant. The Golden Visa is often chosen by investors who travel frequently and do not need to live in Portugal for most of the year.
The D7 Visa is better suited to financially independent individuals with stable passive income, while the D8 Visa is aimed at remote workers and entrepreneurs who wish to relocate to Portugal.
The Global Talent Visa is intended for highly qualified professionals, researchers, academics, and specialists who can contribute their expertise through work, research, or recognised professional activity in Portugal.
Comparison criteria
Advantage
Golden Visa
No need to move to Portugal to maintain status
Digital Nomad Visa
Suitable for remote workers with foreign-sourced income who want to live in Portugal
Passive Income D7 Visa
Lowest income threshold — €920 per month
Global Talent Visa
No investment or passive income required. A route for qualified professionals
Comparison criteria
Requirements
Golden Visa
Invest €250,000+
Digital Nomad Visa
Confirm income of €3,680 per month and savings of €11,040
Passive Income D7 Visa
Confirm passive income of €920 per month and savings of €11,040
Global Talent Visa
A contract with a Portuguese university and government fees of €170,000
Comparison criteria
Residence requirement
Golden Visa
7 days a year
Digital Nomad Visa
183+ days a year
Passive Income D7 Visa
8+ months a year
Global Talent Visa
Flexible, depends on the contract
Comparison criteria
Participants
Golden Visa
Investors, their spouses, children under 26, and parents
Digital Nomad Visa
Digital nomads, their spouses, children under 21, and parents
Passive Income D7 Visa
Financially independent individuals, their spouses, children under 21, and parents
Global Talent Visa
Qualified professionals, their spouses, children under 26, and parents
Comparison criteria | Golden Visa | Digital Nomad Visa | Passive Income D7 Visa | Global Talent Visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Advantage | No need to move to Portugal to maintain status | Suitable for remote workers with foreign-sourced income who want to live in Portugal | Lowest income threshold — €920 per month | No investment or passive income required. A route for qualified professionals |
Requirements | Invest €250,000+ | Confirm income of €3,680 per month and savings of €11,040 | Confirm passive income of €920 per month and savings of €11,040 | A contract with a Portuguese university and government fees of €170,000 |
Residence requirement | 7 days a year | 183+ days a year | 8+ months a year | Flexible, depends on the contract |
Participants | Investors, their spouses, children under 26, and parents | Digital nomads, their spouses, children under 21, and parents | Financially independent individuals, their spouses, children under 21, and parents | Qualified professionals, their spouses, children under 26, and parents |
Why you should trust us
Since our establishment in 2006, we've been helping to obtain residence permits in Portugal for over a decade. Over this period, we've successfully assisted more than 10,000 investors and their family members in obtaining their residence permits in Portugal or elsewhere.
99% success rate
Due Diligence of each applicant is the basis of all our clients’ approved applications. Immigrant Invest’s Compliance Department conducts a preliminary check before submitting documents for consideration, ensuring the rejection rate is less than 1%.
Investment Migration Council membership
As a member of the Investment Migration Council, we are committed to the industry’s code of ethics, continuous professional development, and responsible practice across programmes and jurisdictions.
For our clients, this means guidance informed by current best practice, regulatory expectations, and internationally recognised professional standards.

Certificate of Membership
Licences in the EU and Caribbean countries
We have successfully passed stringent checks by authorities in the EU and Caribbean countries and have been recognised as a licensed agent for investment immigration programs.
How we work
We guide our clients through every stage of the journey, from the first complimentary consultation to receiving the desired passport or residence permit, and continue to support them long after approval.
1
Understand your goals
During a 20 to 30-minute call or meeting at our office, we take the time to understand your goals, family circumstances, timelines, and any potential limitations. Based on this, we outline the most suitable residence options.
During a 20 to 30-minute call or meeting at our office, we take the time to understand your goals, family circumstances, timelines, and any potential limitations. Based on this, we outline the most suitable residence options.
2
Check compliance early
An AML Compliance Officer conducts an initial risk screening and prepares a tailored document checklist to identify any potential issues at an early stage. If the pre-check is successful, we agree on the residency type and sign an agreement. If risks are identified, we advise on alternative solutions.
An AML Compliance Officer conducts an initial risk screening and prepares a tailored document checklist to identify any potential issues at an early stage. If the pre-check is successful, we agree on the residency type and sign an agreement. If risks are identified, we advise on alternative solutions.
3
Build your strategy
We define the most effective route, whether through a single programme or parallel options, and assign you a dedicated advisor who will guide the process.
We define the most effective route, whether through a single programme or parallel options, and assign you a dedicated advisor who will guide the process.
4
Prepare documents
Our Legal Department prepares a clear and consistent source-of-funds file, coordinates certifications and sworn translations, and helps you prepare for interviews where required.
Our Legal Department prepares a clear and consistent source-of-funds file, coordinates certifications and sworn translations, and helps you prepare for interviews where required.
5
File an application and follow-up
We submit the application, monitor its progress, and respond to any requests from the authorities within the required timeframes. You receive regular status updates according to an agreed schedule.
We submit the application, monitor its progress, and respond to any requests from the authorities within the required timeframes. You receive regular status updates according to an agreed schedule.
6
Support you after approval
Our support continues post-approval. We assist with renewals, replacements, banking, property matters, and relocation logistics, helping you maintain continuity and peace of mind.
Our support continues post-approval. We assist with renewals, replacements, banking, property matters, and relocation logistics, helping you maintain continuity and peace of mind.
Our team
The whole team consists of 40 people. We are united by one goal: to find the best possible solution for the client based on their situation and tasks.
Immigrant Invest lawyers are members of IMC, the worldwide association for immigration and citizenship by investment. We also have certified AML Officers in our team.


Zlata Erlach,
Head of the Austrian office
After 5 years of maintaining a residence permit, many investors begin planning their next step, whether that means applying for permanent residence, renewing their status, or reassessing their long-term path to citizenship.
Our blog
All postsWe share expert commentaries in the blog: learn more about news and changes in residence permit by investment programs, the nuances of starting a business, how to choose a university, and life in Portugal.

Taxes
Portugal Tax System in 2026: Rates, Rules and Exemptions
In Portugal, personal income tax rates for residents range from 12.5 to 48%, while the standard corporate income tax rate is 19%. Portugal offers targeted tax incentives for some newcomers. Under the IFICI regime, qualifying professionals may pay a 20% rate on eligible Portuguese employment and professional income for up to 10 years. This article explains how Portugal taxes apply to expats, investors, property owners, and businesses, as well as the main tax incentives and double taxation rules.

Residence permit
Portugal Golden Visa: a Detailed Guide for Americans
US citizens can obtain a residence permit in Portugal by applying for a Golden Visa. Residency will allow them to move to an EU country with a mild climate, universal healthcare, and a lower cost of living than in the United States. To join the program, an investor must contribute at least €250,000. Participants who want to recover their capital can purchase investment fund units for at least €500,000. In this article, we examine the procedure and explain why the Portugal Golden Visa can be an attractive option for US citizens.

Business
Portugal NHR 2.0 IFICI: Key Benefits of the New Tax Regime
Portugal has phased out its well-known Non-Habitual Resident, or NHR, preferential tax regime in 2025. NHR was replaced by a new framework, the IFICI tax regime, often referred to as NHR 2.0. Both former and current regimes levy 20% of foreign-based income instead of a progressive rate. However, the two regimes target different taxpayer profiles. This guide outlines the requirements, benefits, procedure, documents, and the differences between the former NHR regime and the new IFICI system.

Residence permit
How to Get Portugal Citizenship by Investment in 2026: Complete Guide
Investment in Portugal does not grant an immediate Portuguese passport but allows foreigners to obtain a Portugal Golden Visa, which can lead to citizenship by naturalisation. To qualify, applicants must invest at least €250,000 in the Portuguese economy. In return, they receive a residence permit that serves as the basis for a Portuguese citizenship application after 7 or 10 years. Learn about the citizenship requirements for investors and compare them with the non-investment paths to obtaining a Portugal second passport.

Permanent Residency
How to move to Portugal for permanent residency: all possible ways
Portugal does not grant permanent residence by investment. To obtain permanent status or citizenship, foreigners live in Portugal for 5 years with a residence permit. Residence permit cards are issued for 2 years and can be extended for 3 more years. To prolong a residence permit obtained, say, after a D7 visa, one needs to live in Portugal for at least 8 months a year. However, Golden Visa holders can spend 7 days a year in Portugal to be able to renew their residence permit and later apply for permanent residency.
Our worldwide offices
We support clients worldwide, including in-person assistance through local offices and teams. This lets us coordinate documents, sworn translations, and filings in the jurisdictions where investment-migration work actually happens, while keeping one point of accountability for your case.
Portugal
Malta
Hungary
Greece
Athens
91 Alexandras Ave 114 74Austria
Türkiye
Istanbul
Suadiye Mahallesi
Bagdat Caddesi No: 399/B
34740 KadikoySt Kitts and Nevis
St Peters
Gillards Housing DevelopmentGrenada
Cyprus
Kazakhstan
Astana
D. Kunaeva St, 29/1, BC Diplomat
Reviews from our clients
Frequently asked questions
What does working with a government-licensed agent mean for me?
It means your application is prepared and submitted by an authorised adviser who operates under official legal requirements. This gives you a structured process, compliant document handling, clear communication with the authorities, and a stronger foundation for a successful outcome.
In many jurisdictions, certain citizenship and residence applications can only be submitted through licensed agents. Where this applies, direct applications are not accepted.
Is there a licence to work in Portugal?
Portugal does not require you to apply through a government-licensed migration agent in the same way as some citizenship-by-investment jurisdictions. However, your application still needs to be prepared and submitted in line with Portuguese legal requirements.
For you, this means the focus should be on working with a properly authorised legal representative who understands the procedure, prepares your documents correctly, and communicates with the authorities on your behalf. This helps reduce avoidable delays, minimise compliance risks, and make the process clearer and more predictable from the start.
What happens during the compliance pre-check?
During the compliance pre-check, an AML Compliance Officer reviews the key details of your case, including your identity, possible name matches, previous refusals, and the general source of your wealth.
You then receive a personalised document checklist and clear early guidance on any potential risk areas, allowing us to resolve issues before the application is submitted.
Which documents do clients usually prepare first?
Typically, the list of documents includes:
- valid passport;
- marriage certificate;
- police check certificate;
- bank statement;
- employment or corporate document;
- evidence for source of funds, such as contracts, sale proceeds, dividends.
The exact list depends on the residency option. In any case, we also specify format, certification, and sworn translations where required.
How long does the process of obtaining residency or citizenship take?
Timelines vary by type of Portuguese resident permit:
- Golden Visa takes at least 12 months;
- D7 visa for digital nomads and D8 visa for financially independent people take both 6 months or more;
- Global Talent Visa processing time is at least 4 months.
According to Portuguese nationality law, a resident must live in the country for 10 years to become eligible for citizenship. This rule applies to all types of residents, including Golden Visa holders.
Will there be an interview or requests for further information?
Portuguese programmes typically do not demand an interview with an applicant. Migration authorities can request further information if documents leave gaps.
To minimise this risk, we prepare your application thoroughly from the start, review the file for potential weak points, and make every effort to anticipate the authorities’ questions before submission.
How is my data protected?
We protect your personal and financial information through strict internal access rules, encrypted storage and transfer, confidentiality agreements with trusted partners, and a documented process for handling originals and certified copies.
We also work only with traceable client funds and do not use unclear or artificial “financial options”. This helps keep your case transparent, compliant, and properly documented from the start.

Schedule a meeting
Let's discuss the details
We will develop an individual solution, select a country and status that will solve your problems, and accompany the entire process.

Head of the Austrian office
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