Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 4 March 2026

Answers to the most common questions about working with Movingto — our process, investment options, timelines, and what to expect. For program-specific details, see our visa guides.

Portugal Golden Visa Questions

What is the minimum investment for Portugal Golden Visa in 2026?

The minimum investment for Portugal Golden Visa in 2026 is €500,000 in a qualifying investment fund. Real estate is no longer eligible for new applications as of October 2023. The fund investment must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years.

According to AIMA (Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service), qualifying funds must invest at least 60% of capital in Portuguese companies or be registered with the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM).

At Movingto, we've processed 2,500+ successful Golden Visa applications with a 100% approval rate since 2021. Our fund comparison platform at funds.movingto.com shows all qualifying investment options.

Can I use my 401k or IRA for Portugal Golden Visa?

Yes. US investors can use self-directed IRA or Solo 401k funds for Portugal Golden Visa investment. Movingto has a dedicated IRA/401k desk specifically for US clients — 90% of our clients are American.

The process requires:

• Converting to a self-directed IRA with a custodian that allows alternative investments
• Selecting a fund that accepts IRA investment (not all do — our platform identifies compatible funds)
• Proper structuring to avoid prohibited transaction rules per IRS regulations

We connect you with custodians experienced in Golden Visa IRA investments and ensure your fund selection is IRA-compatible.

How long does Portugal Golden Visa take in 2026?

Current processing time for Portugal Golden Visa is 12-18 months from application submission to residence card issuance. This includes:

• Document preparation: 6-10 weeks
• AIMA processing: 8-14 months
• Biometrics appointment: 2-4 weeks after approval
• Card issuance: 2-3 weeks after biometrics

Processing times have improved significantly since 2024 when AIMA replaced SEF. Our 2,500+ successful applications give us accurate timeline expectations.

Do I need to live in Portugal with a Golden Visa?

No. Portugal Golden Visa requires only 7 days per year in Portugal (or 14 days over 2 years). This is the lowest physical presence requirement of any EU Golden Visa program.

You can maintain your US residence and tax status while holding Portuguese residency. After 5 years, you're eligible for permanent residence or citizenship — Portuguese citizenship requires passing a basic A2 language test.

What are PFIC tax rules for US investors in Portuguese funds?

Most Portuguese Golden Visa funds are classified as Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs) by the IRS, which triggers complex tax treatment for US investors.

Options to manage PFIC taxation:

• QEF election: Report your share of fund income annually (requires fund cooperation)
• Mark-to-market election: Report unrealized gains annually
• Partnership-structured funds: Issue K-1 forms, avoiding PFIC treatment entirely

Our fund platform identifies which funds offer K-1 reporting (PFIC-free) vs. those requiring QEF elections. We're integrated with US/EU cross-border tax advisors who specialize in Golden Visa tax planning.

About Movingto

Is Movingto a legitimate company?

Yes. Movingto is an immigration firm with licensed Portuguese lawyers founded in 2021 by Dean and Ana Fankhauser, who have personally relocated across 5 countries.

Our track record:

• 2,500+ successful visa applications
• 100% approval rate
• 90% US-based clients
• Dedicated legal team (not outsourced affiliates)
• Named lawyers with verifiable bar registrations

Your legal work is handled by immigration lawyers who work exclusively with Movingto. You see your lawyer's name, credentials, and bar registration before signing any agreement.

How does Movingto compare to other immigration firms?

Movingto differs from traditional immigration firms and other Golden Visa agencies in several ways:

We're fund-first rather than real estate-focused. Most firms push property because that's what they know — we built expertise around investment funds because they work better for US tax situations.

What is the best Golden Visa company for Americans?

The best Golden Visa company for Americans needs three things: US tax expertise (PFIC/FBAR/IRA), a strong approval track record, and fund options suitable for US investors.

Movingto specializes in US clients (90% of our business). We've processed 2,500+ successful applications with a 100% approval rate. Our fund comparison platform identifies which investments work for American tax situations.

Key questions to ask any firm:

• What percentage of your clients are American?
• Do you have IRA/401k investment experience?
• What's your documented approval rate?
• Do you understand PFIC taxation?

Choosing the Right Program

Why choose Portugal Golden Visa over Greece or Italy?

For American investors, Portugal Golden Visa offers the best combination of benefits:

• Fastest EU citizenship: 5 years vs 7 years (Greece) or 10 years (Italy)
• Minimal presence: Only 7 days per year — the lowest in Europe
• US tax optimization: Fund options with K-1 reporting avoid PFIC complexity
• IRA/401k compatible: Qualifying funds accept US retirement account investment
• Family inclusion: Spouse, children, and dependent parents in one application
• No language requirement: Until citizenship application (then only A2 basic level)

Greece requires €250k-€800k in real estate (tax-inefficient for Americans). Italy's €250k startup route carries investment risk and takes 10 years to citizenship. Portugal's fund route is designed for US investors seeking a clear path to EU citizenship with minimal disruption to American life.

Compare programs: Portugal Golden Visa | Greece Golden Visa | Italy Golden Visa

Process & Pricing

How much does Movingto charge for Golden Visa?

Fixed-fee pricing quoted upfront — no hourly billing, no surprise charges. Your quote includes Movingto coordination and legal fees, both disclosed before you sign.

Government fees (paid directly to authorities) are listed separately. For Portugal Golden Visa, government fees are approximately €5,500 per adult applicant plus €533 per dependent.

Request a quote through our free consultation.

What is the Movingto application process?

1. Free consultation: Eligibility assessment and visa recommendation
2. Agreement: Fixed-fee quote with clear scope
3. Lawyer assignment: You see credentials before proceeding
4. Fund selection: Compare options on funds.movingto.com
5. Document preparation: Personalized checklist, portal tracking
6. Filing: Lawyer submits to AIMA
7. Tracking: Real-time status updates in client portal
8. Approval & biometrics: We coordinate your appointment
9. Post-approval: Banking, NIF, healthcare, schools, renewals, citizenship

What documents do I need for Portugal Golden Visa?

Standard document requirements for Portugal Golden Visa:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Passport photos (Portuguese specifications)
• Criminal background check (FBI for US applicants)
• Proof of investment (fund subscription documents)
• Source of funds documentation
• Health insurance covering Portugal
• Portuguese tax number (NIF) — we arrange this
• Proof of address

Your case manager provides a personalized checklist based on your situation. Complex source-of-funds (stock options, business sales, inheritance) requires additional documentation — this is where our 2,500+ application experience matters.

After Approval

How do I get Portuguese citizenship after Golden Visa?

Portuguese citizenship is available after 5 years of legal residence via Golden Visa. Requirements:

• Maintained residence permit for 5 years
• A2 Portuguese language certificate (basic conversational level)
• Clean criminal record
• Connection to Portugal (the minimal 7-day/year requirement satisfies this)

Portugal allows dual citizenship — you don't need to renounce US citizenship. The Portuguese Ministry of Justice processes citizenship applications in 12-24 months.

Portuguese citizenship grants you an EU passport with visa-free access to 180+ countries.

Can Movingto help with Portuguese bank accounts?

Yes. Opening a Portuguese bank account as a US person is notoriously difficult due to FATCA compliance requirements. We know which banks accept American clients and guide you through the process.

This is part of our full lifecycle support — we don't disappear after your visa is approved.

Learn More

• Portugal Golden Visa Guide — Complete program details
• Fund Comparison Platform — Compare all qualifying investments
• About Movingto — Our story and team
• Client Journeys — Real case studies
• Book a Free Consultation