Portugal Golden Visa

Dr. Antoine Saliba Haig | 16 Dec 2020

Portugal Golden Visa

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency by investment programme open for Non-EU Nationals. The Portugal Golden Visa programme was launched in 2012 with the aim of granting the applicants residency in Portugal and the right to apply for citizenship after 6 years in return for investment in Portugal. Beneficiaries of the Portugal Golden Visa programme can live and work in Portugal, with minimum stay requirements of only 7 days in the first year and 14 days in the subsequent 2 year periods. In addition applicants will enjoy the right of Visa free travel within the 26 Schengen Area countries. 

Legal Basis

Legal amendments in Portuguese law have opened up the possibility of applying for a residence permit for pursuing investment activities to those who enter Portugal regularly and their dependents in return for transferring capital, creating jobs or acquiring real estate. This is possible by virtue of Law number 29/2012 and Order number 11820-A/2012

Investment options

Applicants can choose from any of the three main investment routes with different amounts of investment mentioned below:

Real Estate

The main applicant may opt to purchase property in Portugal:

  • Investment in real estate with a total value equal or greater than €500.000 for new properties or ,
  • Investment in real estate with a total value equal or greater than €400.000 for new properties in areas with less than 100 habitants per km2
  • Investment in real estate with a total value equal or greater than €350.000 for old proprieties built over 30 years ago or,
  • Investment in real estate with a total value equal or greater than €280.000 for old properties built over 30 years ago in areas with less than 100 habitants per km2.

Job Creation 

The main applicant may opt to open a company which creates 10 permanent jobs. These jobs are to be newly created and certified by the local Social Security Institutions. 

Capital Transfer

The main applicant may invest:

  • in an amount equal or greater than €1.000.000  (1 million) into a Portuguese Financial Institution for a period of 5 years, or
  • in an amount equal to or above €500,000 , for purchasing shares in investment funds or in venture capital geared to capitalize small and medium companies, that, in turn, must present a feasible capitalization plan, or
  • in an amount equal or greater than €350,000 for investing in scientific research activities, or
  • in an amount equal or greather than €250,000 for investing in artistic output or supporting the arts and national heritage. 

Eligibility Criteria

The main applicant under the Portuguese Golden Visa programme must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Enter Portugal for the first time with a valid Schengen Visa 
  • Invest in one of the 3 investment options available. Investment funds must originate from outside of Portugal.
  • Provide evidence of no criminal record
  • Reside in Portugal for 7 days in the first year, and 14 days in the subsequent 2 year periods
  • A five-year minimum investment time is required, counting from the date of the issue of the residence permit

Benefits

  • No visa required to travel to Portugal
  • No visa required to travel within the Schengen Area
  • The right to live, work and reside freely in Portugal
  • Family members can be included in the application
  • Minimum residency requirements
  • Favourable tax rates
  • The right to obtain permanent residency after 5 years
  • The right to apply for Portuguese (EU) citizenship after 6 years

Why Work With Us

We are able to advise you on the requirements and tax and legal implications of the Portugal Golden Visa programme and indicate expected time frames based on the specific circumstances and nature of your application.

 

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