Does a Golden Visa let me work or run a business in Portugal?

Although the Golden Visa is an investment-based route, it confers genuine residence rights, not merely an investor pass. Holders can reside in Portugal and are generally free to work as employees, be self-employed, or run a business there.

This is separate from the investment itself, which must be made and maintained to keep the permit valid. Many investors keep their main economic life elsewhere given the light stay rules, but the option to work or build a business locally is part of what the permit provides.