Portugal Golden Visa Family Coverage: Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

1. One €500,000 fund investment can secure Portugal Golden Visa residency for your spouse, dependent children, and qualifying parents or in-laws.
2. A minimal stay of 14 days every two years grants Schengen visa-free travel, permanent residency after 5 years, and citizenship after 10 years.
3. Submitting applications together for the main applicant and all dependents keeps timelines aligned, with the full process usually taking 12 to 18 months.
4. A family of four typically pays more than €50,000 in government fees over 5 years, plus legal fees of €16,000 to €20,000 and a 1% fund subscription fee.
5. Partnering with VIDA Capital connects you with CMVM-regulated, asset-backed fund investments and guidance tailored to US families.

Who Counts as a Dependent in 2026?

Portugal’s Golden Visa program clearly defines which family members qualify as dependents under a single investment.

Spouse or Partner: Your legally married spouse or recognized common-law partner qualifies with proper documentation, such as a marriage certificate or proof of a stable relationship. Portuguese law recognizes same-sex partnerships.

Dependent Children: Children under 18 automatically qualify as dependents. Adult children qualify if they are unmarried, financially dependent, and enrolled as full-time students. They must keep full-time student status and cannot work during the residency period.

Parents and In-Laws: Parents of the main applicant who are over 65, or financially dependent on the main applicant, can also be included.

Some limits apply to family inclusion. Siblings do not qualify unless they are minor dependents under your legal guardianship. Adult children who lose dependent status must apply separately through student visas or work permits. The program also requires liquid capital, since retirement accounts such as 401(k)s cannot fund the €500,000 minimum investment directly.

How to Include Family in Your Golden Visa: Step-by-Step

Coordinating your family’s Portugal Golden Visa application works best with structured steps and dedicated legal support.

Pre-Application Phase: Start by selecting a specialized law firm, with VIDA Capital able to introduce vetted, experienced offices. Your lawyer arranges your NIF tax number remotely and opens a Portuguese bank account. Complete your €500,000 fund investment before submitting any applications.

Application Submission: Submit applications at the same time for the main applicant and all dependents through your legal representative. This coordinated approach usually works better than later family reunification, which often brings extra delays and complexity.

Biometrics and Documentation: After AIMA issues preliminary approval, schedule in-person appointments for all applicants. Each family member provides biometric data and any updated documents. Most families receive residence cards 12 to 18 months after the initial application.

Residence Card Issuance: Each approved family member receives a 2-year residence card. These cards allow visa-free travel across the Schengen area without separate visa applications.

Renewals and Maintenance: Renew residence cards every 2 years while keeping your qualifying investment and meeting the 14-day stay requirement in each 2-year period. You must prove ongoing ownership of the investment and confirm that the investment still meets program rules. At renewal, you repeat biometrics and provide updated criminal records. Since card issuance often takes close to a year, many investors complete only one renewal within the 5-year period.

Permanent Residency and Citizenship: You can apply for permanent residency after 5 years of legal residence, provided you maintained both your investment and stay requirements. Under current rules, most applicants qualify for citizenship after 10 years of residency, while CPLP and EU nationals may qualify after 7 years.

Family Golden Visa Costs in 2026: Full Fee Overview

Clear visibility on Golden Visa costs helps you plan your family’s budget with confidence.

A family of four usually pays government fees over 5 years that total more than €50,000. These payments occur in stages during application, biometrics, and renewals. You also need the €500,000 investment amount, plus legal fees and the 1% subscription fee, so careful cash flow planning matters.

Why US Families Work with VIDA Capital

VIDA Capital focuses on US-based families who want Portugal Golden Visa residency through secure, asset-backed fund investments.

The team offers a concierge-style service that covers lawyer selection, clear fee explanations, and hands-on support from first call to residence card issuance. You gain a single point of contact who coordinates with legal and banking partners.

The VIDA Fund provides CMVM-regulated, Deloitte-audited investment opportunities centered on hospitality assets in Portugal. The 6.5-year fund lifecycle targets capital preservation and measured growth through income-producing hospitality properties.* *Historical returns are not guaranteed.

VIDA Capital’s results reflect this focus. The firm has submitted more than 100 Golden Visa applications for families and raised over €20 million for VIDA Fund I from more than 50 investors. Client feedback highlights professionalism and transparency:

“Over the course of our engagement, which commenced in early 2023, the VIDA team has consistently demonstrated an exceptional level of investment opportunities, professionalism, efficiency, and transparency that distinguishes them in today’s landscape.” – Chris Lightbound, VIDA Fund Investor

“VIDA presented a compelling investment thesis led by a passionate and expert hospitality team who truly embody their vision. Beyond strong governance and ethical practices, my experience revealed Maria and Alex to be exceptional individuals, consistently going above and beyond for investors.” – Eugenio S., VIDA Fund Investor

Secure your EU residency and a path to EU citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa through VIDA Capital’s family-focused advisory model.

Portugal vs Greece and Spain: Family Residency Comparison

Portugal offers a more flexible residency path for families than many other European programs.

Portugal requires only 14 days of presence every two years, while Greece requires 7 years of actual residence for citizenship. Spain has closed its Golden Visa program to new applicants, removing that option entirely.

Portugal also provides strong family inclusion rules. Parents over 65 can join without proving financial dependency, while Greece allows both sets of parents regardless of age. Portugal includes dependent adult children in full-time education up to age 26, which helps families with university students.

The low stay requirement makes Portugal a practical “Plan B” for families. You can keep your current home base while building EU residency rights and a future citizenship option.

Portugal Golden Visa Family FAQ for 2026

Does the Portuguese Golden Visa include family?

Portugal’s Golden Visa includes close family members under one main application. Eligible relatives are your spouse or common-law partner, children under 18, dependent adult children up to 26 who are unmarried and full-time students, and parents or in-laws over 65 or financially dependent on you. Each approved family member receives the same residency rights and long-term citizenship path as the main applicant.

Can children over 18 get Portugal residency?

Adult children over 18 can qualify as dependents if they meet strict conditions. They must be unmarried, financially dependent on the main applicant, and enrolled as full-time students. This status usually applies up to age 26. They must keep full-time enrollment and cannot work during the residency period.

What are the Portugal Golden Visa rules for parents over 65?

Parents and in-laws can join the main applicant’s Golden Visa if they are over 65 or financially dependent on the main applicant. They receive residence cards and follow the same renewal schedule as the rest of the family.

Can you add family after the initial Golden Visa application?

Family reunification after initial approval remains possible, but simultaneous submission usually works better. Later additions often face longer processing times and extra steps. Reunification works best for situations such as newborn children or parents who turn 65 after your first application. Including all eligible family members from the start keeps residence card timelines aligned.

Can siblings co-invest for Portugal residency?

Each main applicant must invest a separate €500,000 to qualify for the Golden Visa. Siblings cannot share a single investment to cover multiple families. Each sibling can make an individual qualifying investment and include their own spouse, children, and parents. Adult siblings cannot appear as dependents in each other’s applications.

Next Steps to Secure Your Family’s EU Future

Portugal’s Golden Visa program gives your family a clear route to EU residency through one €500,000 asset-backed investment.

The program combines broad family inclusion, light physical presence rules, and a defined path to permanent residency and citizenship. This structure suits families who want European mobility and long-term security without relocating immediately.

Successful applications depend on expert guidance, accurate documentation, and thoughtful planning for each family member. VIDA Capital’s advisory team, together with the asset-backed VIDA Fund, provides a structured path from first consultation to residence card issuance.

Secure your EU residency and a path to EU citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa and take the next step toward protecting your family’s global mobility and long-term security.