Golden Visa Program Portugal

The Portugal Golden Visa Program is a government-initiated program aimed at attracting foreign investment from non-European Union (EU) / European Economic Area (EEA) individuals. The program offers a fast-track to obtaining a residency permit in Portugal, subsequently leading to Portuguese citizenship in 5 years, given that all the specific legal requirements are met.

Eligibility for the Program

The Portugal Golden Visa Program is open to all non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens. However, applicants must fulfill certain conditions to be deemed eligible:

• Applicants are required to make a qualifying investment in Portugal. These investments can range from real estate purchases to capital transfers or job creation.

Key Benefits of the Program

Participation in the Portugal Golden Visa Program comes with a host of benefits that make it an attractive option for investors:

• Visa-free travel: The program grants visa-free access to the entire Schengen Area, which comprises 26 European countries. This allows residents the freedom to travel and conduct business throughout these countries.
• Rights in Portugal: The residence permit gives participants the right to live, work, and study in Portugal. This benefit extends to the immediate family members of the main applicant.
• Minimal Stay Requirement: Participants are required to stay in Portugal for an average of only seven days per year over a five-year period. This offers a significant level of flexibility for individuals who wish to maintain businesses or residences in other countries.
• Quality of Life: Portugal is known for its high standard of living. It is a safe and secure country with a solid infrastructure, superb climate, excellent health and education systems, and affordable cost of living.

Investment Requirements

In order to obtain a Golden Visa, applicants must make a minimum investment in the Portuguese economy:

• Real Estate Investment: Applicants can opt for a real estate investment, which requires a minimum spend of EUR 280,000.
• Alternative Investment Options: Besides real estate, applicants can also choose other investment options such as making a capital investment in a Portuguese company or creating jobs in Portugal.

Important Note: The Portugal Golden Visa program is projected to end in 2022. Hence, interested individuals should expedite their decision-making and application processes.

Investment Options for the Portugal Golden Visa Program

The Portugal Golden Visa program presents various investment options to prospective applicants:

• Property Purchase: Applicants can choose to purchase a property worth at least €500,000. If the property is in a low-density area, the investment amount is reduced to €400,000.
• Urban Regeneration: A second option is to invest €350,000 in a property located in a Portuguese urban regeneration area. If the property is situated in a low-density area, the investment amount is dropped to €280,000. The chosen project should be qualified for investment by the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service – SEF.
• Fund Investment: Applicants may also invest €500,000 in a fund in Portugal.
• Job Creation or Company Investment: Finally, applicants can choose to invest in a Portuguese company or create jobs in Portugal.

Before making any investment, applicants are required to obtain a NIF Number (Portuguese Tax Identification Number) and open a Portuguese bank account. The investment options are also regulated by the Portuguese CMVM (Securities Market Commission), ensuring their legal compliance.

Investment in Portuguese Urban Regeneration Areas

For those looking to invest in Portuguese urban regeneration areas for the Golden Visa program, there are certain conditions to be met:

• Applicants must invest a minimum of €350,000 in a property in a Portuguese urban regeneration area. If the property is in a low-density area, the required investment is €280,000.
• The chosen project should be pre-approved for investment by the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service – SEF.

Starting from January 2022, purchasing real estate in certain metropolitan areas of Portugal, like Lisbon, Porto, and the coastal Algarve, will not qualify for the Golden Visa program.

The Portugal Golden Visa Program serves as an excellent gateway for non-EU/EEA citizens to gain access to Portugal and the broader EU community. However, interested individuals should seek advice from professionals and thoroughly research all aspects of the program before making an investment decision.

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the Portugal Golden Visa Program?Any non-European Union, non-European Economic Area, and non-Swiss citizen can apply for the Portugal Golden Visa Program provided they make a qualifying investment in the Portuguese economy.
2. What are the investment options available for the Portugal Golden Visa Program?Investment options include property purchase, investment in urban regeneration, fund investment, job creation, or investment in a Portuguese company. The minimum investment amounts vary depending on the option and location chosen.
3. What are the main benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa Program?Benefits include visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area, the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, minimal stay requirements in Portugal, and high standards of living.
4. What are the requirements for purchasing real estate in urban regeneration areas?Applicants must invest a minimum of €350,000 in a property located in a Portuguese urban regeneration area. If the property is located in a low-density area, the required investment drops to €280,000. The chosen project must be pre-approved for investment by the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).
5. What is the stay requirement in Portugal for Golden Visa holders?The stay requirement for Golden Visa holders is minimal. They are required to stay in Portugal for an average of seven days per year over a five-year period.