Can I travel within the Schengen Area with a Golden Visa?

The Portuguese Golden Visa grants you more than just the right to live in Portugal, it also provides visa-free access to the entire Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries.

As a Golden Visa holder, you can travel freely across borders within this zone without needing additional visas or entry permissions, just like a resident of any EU country.

This is one of the major benefits that attracts global investors and digital nomads to the program.

The 90/180-Day Rule Still Applies

Even though you can travel through the Schengen countries, it’s important to know that the 90/180-day rule still applies once you leave Portugal.

This rule allows you to spend up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area outside of Portugal.

Portugal itself doesn’t count toward this limit since it’s your country of legal residence under the Golden Visa.

For example, you could spend 60 days in Spain, travel to Germany for another 30 days, and still return to Portugal without any issue, as long as your total stay in other Schengen countries doesn't exceed 90 days within the six-month window.

Does This Apply to All Family Members?

Yes, any family member included in your Golden Visa application, such as a spouse, dependent children, or dependent parents, also gets the same travel rights.

Once they have their residence permits issued under your Golden Visa, they too can move freely within the Schengen Area under the same rules.

What About Traveling Before My Residency Card Is Issued?

If you're still waiting for your Golden Visa residence card to be issued, you cannot use the visa application alone to travel within the Schengen Area.

Until your residence permit is approved and delivered, you must use a valid passport and any applicable visas for travel. Once the card is in hand, your travel freedom begins.

Key Advantages for Digital Nomads and Investors

This freedom of movement is extremely valuable for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and investors who operate across Europe.

You could meet clients in France, network at tech events in Germany, or spend the summer working from Greece, all without navigating separate visa processes.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area as a Golden Visa holder, as long as you follow the 90/180-day rule and maintain your legal residency in Portugal.

It’s a major perk that adds lifestyle flexibility and mobility across Europe, even if you’re not yet an EU citizen.