If you’ve ever dreamed of living in sunny Portugal—sipping wine by the ocean, enjoying world-class cuisine, and holding an EU residency card in your pocket—the Portuguese Golden Visa might just be your ticket in. And the best part? You don’t even have to buy real estate anymore. Instead, savvy investors are turning to a lesser known but powerful route: investment funds. These professionally managed funds allow you to grow your wealth while securing your residency in one of Europe’s most desirable destinations.
So, how does it work? Instead of sinking money into property, you invest at least €500,000 in a qualifying Portuguese fund. These funds support Portugal’s economy by backing startups, tech ventures, and sustainable projects—all while offering you a pathway to Portuguese residency (and eventual citizenship). But not all funds qualify, and choosing the right one is crucial. Let’s break down how these funds are picked, approved, and which ones are worth your attention.
Selection and Approval Process of Qualifying Funds
Not all investment funds qualify for the Golden Visa program. To ensure eligibility and safeguard investors, Portugal has established a stringent selection and approval process:
- Regulatory Oversight: Funds must be registered with and regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM). This ensures they adhere to national and EU financial regulations.
- Investment Focus: Eligible funds are required to allocate at least 60% of their investments into companies based in Portugal. This stipulation ensures that the capital directly benefits the Portuguese economy.
- Maturity Period: The fund must have a minimum maturity of five years at the time of investment, aligning with the residency requirements of the Golden Visa program.
- Exclusion of Real Estate: Recent legislative changes have excluded investments in real estate-focused funds from qualifying. This shift directs investments towards other sectors, promoting diversified economic growth.
Top 10 Qualifying Investment Funds and Their Managers
Based on recent analyses and available data, here are ten notable investment funds that qualify for the Portuguese Golden Visa, along with their managing entities:
- BlueCrow Growth Fund
Focuses on growth-stage companies in Portugal, emphasizing sectors like technology and healthcare. Managed by BlueCrow Capital. - Iberis Capital Fund
Invests in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across various industries in Portugal. Managed by Iberis Capital. - Portugal Gateway Fund
Targets investments in innovative startups and early-stage companies. Managed by Portugal Ventures. - NEST Capital Fund
Specializes in sustainable and environmental projects within Portugal. Managed by NEST Capital. - Explorer IV Fund
Focuses on diversified investments in established Portuguese companies. Managed by Explorer Investments. - Oxy Capital Fund
Invests in turnaround opportunities and restructuring of Portuguese businesses. Managed by Oxy Capital. - Portugal Yield Fund
Emphasizes income-generating assets in various sectors. Managed by Lynx Asset Managers. - Atlantic Bridge Portugal Fund
Targets technology and innovation-driven companies. Managed by Atlantic Bridge. - Caixa Capital Fund
Invests in diverse sectors with a focus on growth potential. Managed by Caixa Capital. - Indico Capital Partners Fund
Focuses on early-stage technology companies in Portugal. Managed by Indico Capital Partners.
