Blog Article

Golden Visa Portugal: Investing in Regulated Portuguese Investment Funds

More and more investors are interested in investment funds in Portugal, as they not only represent a strategic way of accessing the Portuguese financial market, but they are also a proven route to portfolio diversification, capital growth, and citizenship by investment. Through the Portugal Golden Visa program, these funds provide a legal pathway to residency — and, after five years, Portuguese citizenship by investment — while offering exposure to one of Europe’s most stable economies.

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Main Insights

VIDA Fund is a venture capital fund focused on revitalizing undervalued hospitality assets in Portugal, transforming them into high-performing luxury operations

It offers strong return potential, with a projected IRR of 10–12% and a target cash multiple of 2x over seven years

Investing in the VIDA Fund qualifies for the Golden Visa, combining financial gains with the benefits of EU residency and future Portuguese citizenship

The fund’s portfolio includes real hospitality assets, such as seaside and city resorts, managed through an integrated owner/operator strategy

The Advantages of Investment Funds in Portugal for the Golden Visa

The advantages of regulated investment funds in Portugal, such as strong potential returns, a robust legal framework, and the ability to apply for the Portugal residency by investment program, have attracted attention from investors worldwide.

If you are interested in citizenship through investment in Portugal, this article will explain:

  • What investment funds are
  • The advantages of investing in them
  • The main rules and regulations
  • How they can serve as a route to Portugal citizenship by investment

What are Investment Funds in Portugal?

Investment funds are financial structures that pool resources from different investors to acquire a diversified portfolio of assets, managed by licensed professionals.

In Portugal, available fund types include real estate, venture capital, equity, and bond funds. Their objective is to deliver diversified and professionally managed portfolios aimed at maximizing returns and reducing risks.

Funds work by collecting capital from investors, which is then allocated according to the fund’s strategy. Profits or losses are shared proportionally among participants. In this article, we focus on venture capital funds eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa program.


Advantages of Investing in Portugal

  • Portfolio diversification: Reduced exposure to single-asset risk.
  • Professional management: Experienced managers apply strategic decision-making to maximize performance.
  • Tax efficiency:
    • Non-residents: 0% Corporate Income Tax (IRC) on dividends from funds, except for jurisdictions considered tax havens.
    • Residents: 10% withholding tax.
  • Residency and citizenship by investment: Qualifying funds allow investors to secure Portuguese residency by investment and, later, EU citizenship.
  • Regulatory Entities

    The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) is the primary regulator of investment funds in Portugal, ensuring transparency, investor protection, and market integrity. The Bank of Portugal supervises the financial system, adding another layer of security.

    How Venture Capital Funds Qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa Program

    To obtain the Golden Visa through venture capital funds, the investor must meet certain requirements, such as a minimum investment of €500,000 in an approved fund. The selection process involves choosing duly regulated funds that are eligible for the program.

    By choosing venture capital funds for the Golden Visa, the investor and their family can obtain legal residency in Portugal, with the possibility of applying for Portuguese citizenship after five years of the residency granted, as long as the investor maintains the investment in the selected fund.

    Additional Benefits of Investing Through the Golden Visa

  • Visa-free travel to over 26 Schengen countries
  • Portuguese passport by investment after 5 years, with visa-free access to 186 countries
  • Access to Portugal’s public healthcare and education systems
  • Tax incentives under the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) regime
  • Family reunification including spouse, dependent children, and parents
  • High safety ranking and quality of life in Portugal
  • Procedures for Obtaining Portugal Residency by Investment

  • Choose an eligible venture capital fund.
  • Invest a minimum of €500,000.
  • Submit the application online with all required documents.
  • Attend a biometric appointment in Portugal.
  • Renew the residency card every two years.
  • Apply for permanent residency or citizenship through investment after five years.
  • Have questions or ready to take the first step? Let's Chat.

    Send a message directly to your personal consultant, we’re here to guide you through every stage of the Golden Visa process.

    Risk and Return in Portugal’s Investment Citizenship Funds

    Investing in venture capital funds, as the name suggests, involves certain risks, such as market volatility and the performance of the underlying assets. However, these funds also offer potentially high returns.

    That’s why risk and return analysis should be carried out considering factors such as the fund’s strategy, performance history and asset management.

    The VIDA Fund: A Regulated Option for the Portugal Golden Visa

    VIDA Fund is a CMVM-regulated venture capital fund focused on acquiring and revitalizing undervalued hospitality assets in Portugal.

    • Strategy: Owner-operator model for maximum value creation.
    • Projected returns: 10–12% IRR, 2x equity multiple in 6.5 years.
    • Golden Visa eligibility: Meets all Portugal citizenship by investment program requirements.

    Performance and Management History

    The VIDA Fund’s track record is backed by a projected internal rate of return (IRR) of 10% to 12% per year. The management team consists of experienced professionals in hospitality and investment, ensuring efficient operations and strategic decision-making. The fund targets a cash multiple of 2x over its 6.5-year cycle.

    Why the VIDA Fund Is an Attractive Option for the Portugal Golden Visa Program

    The fund’s appeal lies in its focused strategy and strong return potential. Alongside financial benefits, it allows investors to acquire tangible, high-quality hospitality assets in Portugal — a sector that continues to grow and outperform European tourism averages.

    Eligibility for the Portugal Golden Visa program adds significant value, giving investors and their families access to residency, the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, and the ability to apply for Portuguese citizenship by investment after five years.

    Examples of Assets in the VIDA Fund Portfolio

    • Villas d’Água, Algarve – A seaside resort transformed from an underperforming property into a high-end operation with premium amenities.
    • Riviera, Gaia (Porto) – A luxury resort in a historic riverside location, reimagined with upscale features such as gourmet restaurants, elegant bars, spa facilities, and wellness areas.

    These projects demonstrate VIDA Fund’s ability to convert underutilized assets into high-return investments that meet the standards of both hospitality excellence and investment citizenship programs.

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    Have questions?

    Send a message directly to your personal consultant, we’re here to guide you through the entire process.

    Alternatively you can also Whatsapp Maggie here.

    Or send an email: ir@vida-cap.com

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