Updated on June 25, 2026
Portugal Global Talent Visa
Obtain residency in Portugal without investment or delay
€170,000+
Total fees
4+ months
Obtaining period
5 years
Residency validity
What is the Portugal Global Talent Visa?
The Portugal Global Talent Visa, also known as GTP, is a residency permit created for highly qualified professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry experts who can contribute to Portugal’s academic and innovation landscape.
Applicants secure a formal partnership with a recognised Portuguese university or research institution. This cooperation may include mentorship, innovation support, research participation, or guest lectures, all of which can be completed online or in person, depending on the applicant’s availability.
Successful applicants receive a two-year residence permit, renewable for three additional years, giving them a total of five years of legal residence in Portugal. After this period, they may apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
Could the Portugal Global Talent Programme be your path to a better quality of life?
Get our detailed guide to learn:
-
How to obtain residency smoothly
-
Rights and opportunities that come with your new status
-
Obligations to fulfil to maintain residency
-
Answers to frequently asked questions
Trusted by 10,000+ investors7 benefits you get with the Portugal Global Talent Visa
1
100% approval rate
The Global Talent Program maintains a 100% approval rate due to its structured cooperation with AIMA and accredited Portuguese universities, with every case pre-screened for eligibility.
The Global Talent Program maintains a 100% approval rate due to its structured cooperation with AIMA and accredited Portuguese universities, with every case pre-screened for eligibility.
2
Fast and predictable process
Residency is issued within 4—6 months, which is significantly faster than the Golden Visa, where processing may take 12 months or more.
All applications are processed with full legal support, which keeps the timeline clear and reliable.
Residency is issued within 4—6 months, which is significantly faster than the Golden Visa, where processing may take 12 months or more.
All applications are processed with full legal support, which keeps the timeline clear and reliable.
3
29 visa-free countries
Portuguese residency holders can travel throughout the Schengen Area, spending up to 90 days in any 180-day period in 29 countries without a visa.
Portuguese residency holders can travel throughout the Schengen Area, spending up to 90 days in any 180-day period in 29 countries without a visa.
4
Flexible stay requirement
Residency obligations depend on the applicant’s level of academic involvement.
Active cooperation with the university allows professionals to keep their residency without long stays in Portugal.
Residency obligations depend on the applicant’s level of academic involvement.
Active cooperation with the university allows professionals to keep their residency without long stays in Portugal.
5
Family inclusion
Portugal GTP visa allows applicants to include a spouse or partner and up to two dependent children under 18 or full-time students under 26.
Every family member receives a residence card with the right to live, study, and travel freely across the Schengen Area.
Portugal GTP visa allows applicants to include a spouse or partner and up to two dependent children under 18 or full-time students under 26.
Every family member receives a residence card with the right to live, study, and travel freely across the Schengen Area.
6
Path to EU citizenship
After 5 years, residents may apply for permanent residency in Portugal. They also become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship, gaining full access to EU rights and freedoms.
After 5 years, residents may apply for permanent residency in Portugal. They also become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship, gaining full access to EU rights and freedoms.
7
Prestigious academic affiliation
Each participant is connected with a recognised Portuguese university, where they may contribute to research initiatives, mentorship programmes, startup support, or expert lectures.
This collaboration strengthens their professional reputation and enhances their international standing.
Each participant is connected with a recognised Portuguese university, where they may contribute to research initiatives, mentorship programmes, startup support, or expert lectures.
This collaboration strengthens their professional reputation and enhances their international standing.
Who can get a Global Talent Visa
Children under 18
Expenses for obtaining a Portugal residence permit
The Portugal Global Talent Program follows a transparent three-stage payment structure. The first payment of €20,000 is the only non-refundable fee and covers compliance checks, document preparation, and matching with a university. The remaining two payments are required only after official milestones are successfully reached.
If AIMA rejects the application or does not renew the residence permit, all subsequent payments are refunded in full within 30 business days.
Fees — €170,000+
The fee of €170,000 covers the main applicant and up to three dependants; adding more family members increases the amount. Besides the fee, the applicants must secure a residential address in Portugal through renting or purchasing a property.
Find out what the Portugal Global Talent Programme will cost you
The total cost depends on family composition. We can provide a free, individualised calculation for your case, covering additional expenses like taxes, insurance, and more.
Trusted by 10,000+ investorsDocuments required for obtaining the Portugal Global Talent Visa
The list of required documents depends on the applicant’s background, but in general it includes:
- Valid passport with at least 12 months of validity.
- Copies of all passport pages.
- Two recent passport-style photos.
- Letter of Commitment from a Portuguese university.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Proof of 3–5 years of professional experience.
- Updated CV.
- Criminal record certificates from all countries of residence in the past five years.
- Official translations of all criminal record documents.
- Bank statements showing a minimum balance of €15,000.
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal.
- Health insurance with coverage of at least €30,000.
- Completed application forms.
- Receipts of government fee payments.
Priscila Carvalho,
Investment Migration Expert
All documents not in English must be translated into Portuguese, and the translation must be certified by a Portuguese lawyer. If a document was originally issued in English, it can be submitted in English unless the authorities specifically request a Portuguese translation.
Process of obtaining a Portugal residence permit
The process of obtaining a Portugal residence permit typically takes 4+ months, based on Immigrant Invest’s legal practice. Below is a step-by-step guide to how the process usually unfolds.
1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence and agreement conclusion
Immigrant Invest conducts a preliminary Due Diligence check to identify any circumstances preventing the applicant from participation in the selected program. Upon successful completion of the check, Immigrant Invest prepares a service agreement to provide further support.
The process is fully confidential.
1 month
Collecting documents
An assigned Immigrant Invest lawyer guides the applicant through the process of collecting visa documents, including translation and certification, if applicable.
Immigrant Invest also helps the applicant obtain an individual taxpayer number, NIF, and open a bank account in Portugal.
2—3 weeks
University matching and obtaining a Letter of Commitment
Once the applicant provides all the required documents, lawyers submit the professional summary and CV to over 10 partner universities. Each university reviews the profile and proposes potential collaboration areas.
The chosen university issues an official Letter of Commitment, confirming the partnership and project participation.
3 months
Applying for residency
Lawyers file the complete application directly with AIMA, the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum, under a power of attorney. AIMA appoints the date for biometric submission and issues an official appointment confirmation letter.
During the first visit to Portugal, applicants hand over original documents, meet the university to sign the hosting agreement, and finalise the bank account and in‑person KYC. Our team prepares a tailored schedule to ensure every meeting runs smoothly.
1—1.5 months from appointment to card delivery
Submitting biometrics and obtaining residence cards
The applicant travels to Portugal and attends AIMA in person, accompanied by a lawyer and an interpreter, to submit biometrics.
Once the application is processed, clients return to Portugal for biometrics and submit original documents. The residence permit card is normally issued 45—90 days after the appointment.
The card is delivered to the Lisbon office, where it can be collected in person or couriered to the client’s chosen address.
2—3 months after the main applicant's approval
Obtaining residency for family members
Family members can submit applications under the family reunification process immediately after the main applicant's residence card is issued.
Applicants must pay for health insurance, biometric submission, residence card issuance, and documents translation and notarisation.
Portugal Global Talent Visa compared to the Golden Visa
Portugal’s Golden Visa has long been a popular route to EU residency, but it now involves long waiting times. For professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors who value speed, flexibility, and security, the Global Talent Program offers a more practical solution.
Empower your career via university partnership
Academic affiliation
It strengthens your professional profile and supports your status in the EU
University cooperation
Each partnership is confirmed by a Letter of Commitment outlining your role in research, mentorship, or innovation
Flexible engagement level
You may deliver short lectures, mentor students, or support startup projects online or in person
Why trust Immigrant Invest
Immigrant Invest has been helping investors from all over the world obtain residency in Portugal and beyond since 2006. We know the nuances of laws in each foreign jurisdiction, how Due Diligence is carried out, and the best ways to resolve potential issues.
Immigrant Invest lawyers are members of the IMC, the worldwide association for immigration and citizenship by investment. Our team also includes certified AML Officers, who conduct a preliminary Due Diligence check. This significantly increases the chances of Golden Visa approval to 99%.
Schedule a meeting
Let's discuss the details
Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.
Prefer messengers?
How to obtain permanent residence and citizenship in Portugal?
Portugal offers a clear long-term immigration pathway. Holders of the Global Talent Visa may apply for permanent residence after 5 years, and for citizenship after 10 years, provided they meet the legal requirements.
Permanent residence after 5 years
Permanent residence status grants the right to stay in Portugal indefinitely with similar rights to citizens, except voting in national elections.
To apply for permanent residency, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- 5 years of continuous legal residence in Portugal;
- demonstrated ties to the country during the residency period;
- no serious criminal convictions;
- valid passport and residence card;
- proof of stable income and accommodation;
- health insurance, if applicable.
Citizenship after 5 years
To apply for Portuguese citizenship, the applicant must meet the legal requirements for naturalisation.
Citizenship requirements typically include:
- 5 years of legal residence in Portugal;
- clean criminal record in Portugal and abroad;
- basic knowledge of the Portuguese language at A2 level;
- evidence of integration and continued ties to Portugal;
- valid documents confirming legal residence status.
Obtaining Portuguese citizenship provides full access to EU rights, including free movement, work, study, and business opportunities across all EU and Schengen countries.
Frequently asked questions
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
Prefer messengers?