Are you searching for an affordable way to secure EU residency? Then Portugal’s new Startup Co-Investor Visa might be the perfect solution for you.
With an investment threshold of just €150,000, this program costs less than one-third of the traditional Golden Visa investment options. Plus, it offers something even more valuable: priority processing that’s up to four times faster than other residency routes.
You might be wondering: if this visa is such a good deal, why isn’t everyone talking about it?
The answer is simple: it’s still relatively new, and many immigration consultants are still focused on promoting traditional investment pathways.
But this innovative program is gaining traction fast, especially among professionals and entrepreneurs who want to combine their EU residency goals with potential investment returns.
As part of my research for this article, I spoke extensively with José Mineiro, CEO of Visadoro and a pioneer in Portuguese investment migration. José has helped numerous US citizens successfully navigate this program. He shared valuable insights about how it works in practice.
Let’s explore the Startup Co-Investor Visa in detail, including investment requirements, how to qualify, and how to find the right startup project to begin your Portuguese residency journey.
Interested in the Startup Co-Investor Visa Program?
The Startup Co-Investor Visa: Program Overview
Portugal’s Startup Co-Investor Visa represents a fresh approach to attracting international investment. Unlike traditional investment visas, this program connects foreign investors directly with Portugal’s growing startup ecosystem.
The program combines two powerful elements: residency rights and early-stage investment opportunities. By investing €150,000 in a pre-approved Portuguese startup, you not only gain a path to EU residency but also become a co-founder in the venture.
What makes this visa particularly appealing is its priority status with immigration authorities.
Golden Visa applications are currently backlogged, often taking 8-12 months to process, but the Startup Co-Investor route typically moves 4 times faster than a typical Golden Visa application.
Here’s what sets the Startup Co-Investor route apart from other residency options:
- Lower entry threshold – €150,000 vs €500,000 for traditional routes (e.g. Golden Visa)
- Priority processing by immigration authorities
- Pre-vetted startup opportunities through official incubators
- Built-in professional support structure
- Potential return on investment if the startup succeeds
- Clear pathway to permanent residency and citizenship
From October 2023, Portugal stopped accepting new Golden Visa applications through real estate investments. This change has sparked increased interest in alternative routes like the Startup Co-Investor program.
IMPORTANT: The success of your residency application depends on choosing the right startup project. All investments must go through approved incubators who pre-vet the startups and provide ongoing support throughout the residency period.
How the Program Works
The Startup Co-Investor program follows a clear, structured process. Here’s the exact pathway:
- Program enrollment and capital investment (€150K)
- Selection of a pre-vetted Portuguese startup
- Subscription to the incubator program and property lease contract
- Obtaining IAPMEI approvals
- Documentation collection and application compilation
- Consular appointment for Entry Visa issuance
- Biometrics appointment booking
- Final residency appointment in Portugal and card issuance
IMPORTANT: A key advantage of this program is that your investment is refundable if your residency application is refused.
The program includes:
- 5 years of startup incubator fees
- A domicile address (required for residency)
- Professional handling of mandatory startup reporting (3 times per year)
- Support for future institutional funding opportunities
- Assistance with European VC connections and EU grant funding sources
Interested in the Startup Co-Investor Visa?
Requirements For Success
The Startup Co-Investor visa program opens an exciting pathway to Portuguese residency through early-stage startup investment.
The program requires a €150,000 capital investment, making it significantly more affordable than traditional investment residency routes, including the HQA visa and Golden Visa.
As a participant, you’ll take on a meaningful role as a co-founder, contributing your professional expertise to help grow the startup. This active involvement helps build genuine connections to Portugal’s business community – a valuable factor when applying for permanent residency or citizenship later.
The program structure includes comprehensive professional support through a 5-year incubator partnership. This ensures your investment is properly managed while meeting all compliance requirements, including quarterly reporting and IAPMEI oversight.
One of the most compelling advantages of this program is the priority processing status. Applications typically get processed four times faster than traditional visa routes, getting you and your family into Portugal sooner.
Professional Support & Incubator Structure
Your startup co-investment includes a comprehensive support structure designed to protect and nurture your investment. This includes:
- 5 years of startup incubator fees
- Regular startup reporting (3 times per year)
- Professional team handling all mandatory requirements
- Support for potential future funding opportunities
- Connections to European VCs and EU grant funding sources
When startups reach specific growth and performance milestones, they may become eligible for institutional funding. The program team then assists in connecting with European VCs and identifying EU grant funding opportunities.
Investment Structuring & Protection
The Startup Co-Investor program includes several key safeguards for your €150,000 investment.
First, and most importantly, your capital investment is refundable if your residency application is refused. This provides essential protection during the application process.
The program structure includes:
- Pre-vetting of startup opportunities
- Professional oversight of all investments
- Regular reporting three times per year
- A domicile address (a key residency requirement)
- 5 years of incubator program fees included
All statutory reporting requirements are managed by a professional team, ensuring your investment maintains compliance throughout the residency period. This includes mandatory documentation for IAPMEI approvals, startup status updates, and financial reporting.
Next Steps
Portugal’s innovative Startup Co-Investor Visa offers a faster, more affordable path to Portuguese residency compared to traditional investment routes, such as the Golden Visa.
With an entry point of €150,000, comprehensive professional support, and priority processing, this program provides an exciting alternative if you’re interested in combining EU residency goals with potential investment returns in Portugal’s startup sector.
The structured approach includes professional oversight, regular reporting, and built-in protection measures, including a refund if your residency application isn’t successful.
Your five-year journey is supported by an experienced incubator team who manage compliance requirements and help identify future funding opportunities.
For primary applicants, the program offers additional flexibility with stay requirements, while maintaining a clear path to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
