Portugal’s Golden Visa Residence Program offers investors a way to obtain residency and potential citizenship through investment in the country’s development. It allows non-EU/EEA citizens to acquire a Golden Visa residence permit by investing five years in Portugal. Investors have various options, including real estate, venture capital funds, or starting their own business, and they are not required to live full-time in Portugal. With just seven days of residency per year, investors can maintain their Golden Visa status. This guide details Portugal’s Golden Visa program, including qualifications, investment options, benefits, required documents, and the potential pathway to Portugal/EU citizenship and passport.
Advantages of Portugal’s Golden Visa Program
- Portugal’s Golden Visa program is recognized as one of the top programs in Europe for several reasons. Firstly, it offers reasonable investment amounts, making it accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Investors can apply for the Golden Visa through options such as real estate, financial instruments, or starting a business.
- Another significant advantage is its family-friendly nature, which allows family members to be easily included in the application process. Children can benefit from access to European schools and universities at discounted rates available to EU residents.
- Portugal’s membership in the Schengen area enhances the appeal of the Golden Visa, allowing holders to travel freely within the Schengen zone without time restrictions or visa requirements.
- With a minimum requirement of only seven days per year in Portugal, Golden Visa holders are not restricted to one location, providing flexibility in lifestyle and travel.
- Additionally, Portugal’s membership in the EU and OECD ensures that it remains in good standing with these organizations and avoids potential blacklisting.
- Many Golden Visa holders have also successfully obtained Portuguese citizenship, which grants them the right to live and work permanently in any EU member state.
- Portugal offers a high quality of life, with friendly locals, pleasant weather, excellent cuisine, and a relaxed lifestyle. This makes it an attractive destination for investors seeking more than just residency and its practical advantages.
While the program saw stricter visa rules implemented in 2022, it retains its valuable benefits. These include investment opportunities, tax incentives through the Non-Habitual Residence program, and the potential for EU citizenship in the future.
Requirements for Obtaining Portugal’s Golden Visa
The requirements for obtaining a Portugal Golden Visa are specified in Law 56/2023, published in the Official Gazette of Portugal on October 6, 2023. Below are the critical criteria that applicants must meet:
1. Clean criminal record. The primary investor and accompanying family members must have a clean criminal record.
2. No entry restrictions. Applicants should not be restricted upon entry into the European Union.
3. Legitimate sources of wealth. The legitimacy of the investor’s funds must be verified before accepting them for the Golden Visa investment.
4. Financial dependence of adult children. Adult children included in the application must be financially dependent on the principal applicant.
5. Health insurance. Applicants are required to have health insurance coverage while in Portugal.
6. Residency requirement. After obtaining the residence permit, the leading investor and their family must spend at least seven days in Portugal annually.
7. Meeting investment criteria. Applicants must meet the investment criteria, including real estate purchase, job creation, or a fixed deposit in a local bank.
8. Holding period. The acquired asset must be maintained for at least five years to sustain Golden Visa status. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the residence permit.
Overall, the requirements for the Portugal Golden Visa program are straightforward and relatively easy to meet, making it an appealing option for investors seeking residency in Portugal.
Investment Options for Portugal’s Golden Visa Program
Here are the eight investment options available for obtaining Portugal’s Golden Visa:
1. Capital transfer (including deposit) – from EUR 1.5 million.
Investors can obtain the Golden Visa by transferring capital exceeding EUR 1.5 million through deposits, public debt, or equity investments.
2. Creation of at least ten jobs.
Applicants can obtain a Golden Visa by creating ten jobs in Portugal. This requirement can be reduced by 20% (8 jobs) in sparsely populated or underdeveloped areas.
3. Real estate purchase – from EUR 500,000.
Investors can purchase real estate valued at over EUR 500,000 to qualify for the Golden Visa. This option offers flexibility in ownership structures and investment thresholds.
4. Purchase of real estate constructed at least 30 years ago and located in an urban regeneration area – from EUR 350,000.
Investors can acquire properties valued at over EUR 350,000, constructed more than 30 years ago and located in an urban redevelopment zone. Under this program, different ownership structures are allowed.
5. Investment in public or private research and development – from EUR 500,000.
Investors can obtain the Golden Visa by investing in research and development projects, with a minimum investment of EUR 500,000.
6. Contribution to artistic production, art support, or national heritage reconstruction – from EUR 250,000.
Investors can qualify for the Golden Visa by contributing to artistic production, supporting the arts, or participating in national heritage reconstruction projects with a minimum investment of EUR 250,000.
7. Purchase of investment or venture funds shares – from EUR 500,000.
Investors can invest a minimum of EUR 500,000 in investment or venture funds that allocate at least 60% of their capital to small and medium-sized enterprises in Portugal.
8. Business investment – from EUR 500,000 + creation of 5 jobs.
Investors can transfer capital from abroad (minimum of EUR 500,000) to register a new business or invest in the authorized capital of an existing company in Portugal. Additionally, creating five permanent employment positions for a minimum three-year period is mandatory.
Each investment option provides a way to obtain Portugal’s Golden Visa, offering investors flexibility and opportunities to contribute to the country’s economy and development.
Conclusion
Portugal’s Golden Visa program is one of Europe’s most appealing residency and citizenship pathways. It offers accessible investment options, family-friendly policies, and EU citizenship opportunities. With just seven days of residency required per year, investors can maintain their Golden Visa status while enjoying the benefits of living in Portugal or traveling freely within the Schengen area. Despite stricter visa rules implemented in 2022, the program retains valuable benefits, including investment opportunities, tax incentives, and the potential for EU citizenship. If you are interested, click on the first link to get more detailed information or reach a professional who will answer your questions at no fee.