Indians Can Get a Portuguese Golden Visa & EU Citizenship With INR 2.6 cr Donation
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If you are someone aspiring to secure a Golden Visa to Portugal, apart from investment routes, you can now gain eligibility for Portugal’s Golden Visa even with a donation of INR 2.60 crore (EUR 250,000). This golden visa offers residency rights, visa-free travel across the Schengen region countries, and a direct path to European Union (EU) citizenship within five years.
Portugal Golden Visa for Indians
Started in October 2012, the Golden Visa, which is formally called the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI), was introduced to revive Portugal’s economy after the global financial crisis. Since then, the program has attracted over EUR 7.5 billion in global capital.
In 2024, Portugal issued 4,987 residence permits by investment, the highest number of visas issued in a year since 2017. The program has benefitted nearly 15,619 investors and 22,000 family members, channeling about EUR 7.3 billion into the country.
The Donation Route Explained for Portugal Golden Visas
The cultural donation pathway is regarded as the most affordable option under the Golden Visa. Instead of being profit-driven investments, applicants make a non-refundable contribution to Portugal’s art and heritage
- Minimum donation: EUR 250,000 (INR 2.60 crore)
- Low-density regions: EUR 200,000 (INR 2.08 crore)
- Oversight authority: General Directorate for the Arts (GEPAC)
- Eligible Causes for donation: Museums, Heritage conservation, Cultural Site Restoration, Music, Film, and Performing Arts
All donations must go through approved organizations, and no partial allocation will be allowed for this. Families often consider this option for golden visas for its lower financial requirements, simplicity, and a chance to leave a cultural legacy in Portugal.
Unlike the fund investments, donations yield no return (financially), making it a philanthropic contribution rather than an asset, but the reward lies in the residency rights, Schengen access, and eligibility for citizenship after 5 years.
The cultural donations have surged since real estate was removed from the set of options in October 2023, and the contributions have jumped from EUR 4.5 million in 2023 to EUR 12 million in 2024, and further to EUR 2.1 million already collected by Q1 2025.
Alternative Golden Visa Routes to Portugal
Besides the cultural donation Golden visa route, applicants can qualify through other routes, such as:
- EUR 500,000 donation to scientific research
- Starting a company with at least 5 permanent jobs
- Creating a minimum of 10 jobs in an existing firm
Golden Visa Routes For Immigration Abroad
Golden visas are increasingly becoming a popular immigration pathway for individuals and families seeking residency abroad. To effectively navigate the application complexities and stress-free visa process, you can reach out to GetGIS for expert guidance.
