Portugal’s Cultural Golden Visa: The Most Secure Pathway to Residency and Citizenship

The Portuguese Golden Visa Program is one of the most reputable residency-by-investment schemes in Europe. Introduced in 2012, the program allows non-EU nationals to obtain a residence permit in Portugal through qualifying investments, with the possibility of applying for citizenship after five years. Over the years, it has attracted thousands of investors due to its flexibility, low stay requirement, and the ability to eventually secure one of the most powerful passports in the world.

Following the closure of the real estate route in 2023, a significant shift has occurred in the program’s investment landscape. Among the remaining pathways, the Cultural Golden Visa—also referred to as the “Cultural Production” or “Cultural Donation” route—has emerged as one of the safest and most cost-effective options.

Understanding the Cultural Route

The Cultural Golden Visa allows investors to qualify for Portuguese residency by contributing to projects that promote, preserve, or produce Portuguese cultural heritage and artistic works. These projects may include:

• Funding artistic productions such as films, music, or theatre

• Supporting the preservation of historical monuments, museums, or heritage sites

• Financing cultural initiatives through approved cultural foundations

The minimum investment is €250,000, or €200,000 if the project is located in a low-density area as defined by Portuguese law. This investment is a non-refundable contribution, directly allocated to the chosen cultural initiative.

Benefits of the Cultural Golden Visa

The Cultural Route shares all the core advantages of the Golden Visa program while offering unique benefits:

1. Lower Investment Threshold – €250,000 (or €200,000 for low-density areas) makes it one of the most affordable Golden Visa pathways in Europe.

2. Pre-Approved Projects – Projects must be approved by the Ministry of Culture, ensuring their eligibility before investment.

3. No Hidden Ownership Costs – Unlike real estate or capital fund there are no property taxes, maintenance expenses, or management fees.

4. Cultural and Social Impact – Your investment directly supports Portugal’s artistic and heritage preservation efforts.

5. Minimal Physical Presence – Only an average of 7 days per year in Portugal is required.

6. Path to Citizenship – Eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of residency, even without full-time residence.

7. Gatway to Europe: If your final goal is to reside in another EU country, it’s possible after you have either PT citizenship or EU permanent residency.

Project Approval Authority

The official body responsible for certifying eligible projects is Bureau for Cultural Strategy, Planning, and Assessment (Gabinete de Estratégia, Planeamento e Avaliação Culturais), operating under the Ministry of Culture. This bureau evaluates whether each project aligns with national cultural policy and meets the statutory requirements. Only projects with formal certification are eligible for the Golden Visa.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Select an Approved Project
Honu Advisory shall present the available pre-approved projects by the Ministry of Culture as Golden Visa eligible for client to consider. After the project accessment; visit, meeting can be performed. Donation contract will be drafted and the project is selected.

2. Obtain Certification
The project’s eligibility certificate isued by the Ministry of Culture's body shall be obtained by Honu Advisory. This process typically takes up to 15 days.

3. Complete KYC Compliance
Submit personal documentation to the foundation managing the project for due diligence checks.

4. Transfer the Investment
Make the contribution from client's Portuguese bank account and retain proof of transfer. Before this step can be done, Honu will assit clients to obtain NIF and open PT bank account remotely.

5. Receive Official Declarations
The foundation (project owner) issues a commitment declaration, receipt confirmation, and bank proof of funds received.

6. Submit the Golden Visa Application
Immigration lawyer submits the application to AIMA (Agência para a Imigração e Mobilidade).

7. AIMA admissibility check (formalities review)
AIMA verifies completeness (forms, translations, apostilles/legalizations, fee payment).

8. Background and eligibility analysis
Substantive review follows, including criminal-record checks and verification that the investment meets the statutory criteria (using the GEPAC declaration and the foundation documents). Timing varies with complexity of the application and AIMA’s workload.

9. Biometrics appointment scheduling
Once the file passes preliminary review, AIMA releases biometrics slots. Biometrics appointments are booked by Honu.

10. Attend biometrics (in person)
The main applicant and all family members appear at the selected AIMA bureau to: provide fingerprints, digital photograph, and signature; and present originals of key documents

11. Post-biometrics review; Approval and payment of the permit-issuance fee
After biometrics, AIMA finalizes security checks and document verification. Upon approval (deferimento), AIMA invites payment of the government permit-issuance fee for each applicant.

12 . Card production; delivery / collection
The residence permit card(s) to be issued a few weeks after payment is made. Cards are released to the address/representative indicated in the file. Immigration lawyer will collect and cards to be couriered to client.

Required Documentation

• Valid passport

• Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF)

• Portuguese bank account confirmation

• Proof of investment transfer

• GEPAC-issued eligibility certificate

• Foundation’s commitment declaration

• Foundation’s receipt confirmation

• Investor’s signed commitment statement regarding use of funds

• Bank proof of funds received by foundation

• Police clearance certificate from country of residence

• Proof of health insurance coverage

Other Routes — and Why the Cultural Option Is the Safest Choice

Why working with Honu Advisory

Honu Advisory maintains direct access to the Ministry of Culture’s project approvals and collaborates closely with foundations and project owners to secure the most suitable opportunities for each client. We provide:

• Exclusive project access; slots reserved where and when possible and reduced investment thresholds (EUR 200K ínstead of EUR 250K donation)

• Full legal coordination from project selection to residency approval

• Risk assessment to match your donation with your investment objectives

• Bespoke guidance on long-term residency and citizenship strategy

• In-depth knowledge of Portuguese immigration law, EU immigration law, Vietnamese laws in relations to government rules and regulations of one-direction flow of foreign currency.

• Vietnamese lawyer in VN shall assist with documents gathering, certification and legalisation.

With Honu, you can be confident that your investment is secure, your application is compliant, and your path to EU citizenship is strategically planned.

Exponential Growth Since Real Estate Closure

According to the Centro Português das Fundações, the cultural route raised €22.15 million since its inception in 2020. In 2024 alone, contributions reached nearly €12 million—a 165% increase over 2023. The upward trend continues into 2025, with €850,100 raised in Q1 alone.

This growth reflects investor confidence in the route’s security and simplicity.