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How to apply for Golden Visa Portugal

In this article, we’ll explain how the program works and how to apply for the golden visa Portugal.

If you’re looking for a way to invest in Portugal and get a residency at the same time, then you may be interested in the Portugal Golden Visa program.

The process of applying for a Portugal Golden Visa is a simple one. Nevertheless, it typically takes just over half a year if everything goes as planned.

It is advised to work with an immigration attorney if you are thinking about applying for the Portugal Golden Visa.

Getting legal assistance will ensure your investment pays off and that you receive your visa as soon as possible.

Why people want to move to Portugal

In recent years, Portugal has become increasingly popular as a destination for people looking to relocate.

And it’s no wonder why – the country boasts warm weather, a low cost of living, and according to the Global peace index, Portugal is the sixth safest country in the world.

For many people, the appeal of Portugal lies in its climate. The country enjoys temperate weather year-round.

This makes it a great choice for those looking to escape the cold winters of Northern Europe or North America.

In addition to its pleasant weather, Portugal is also relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries. Expenses such as food, transportation, and housing are all relatively low when compared to places like London or Paris.

This makes Portugal an attractive option for retirees or any person trying to get a high-quality life offshore.

The requirements: What you need in order to apply

Portugal offers multiple investment options you can take to be eligible to obtain the Portugal golden visa.

But, if you have decided to invest in real estate, then you want to choose an approved property for Portugal’s golden visa purposes.

You can use it as your home, rent it out, or use it as a vacation home. Most of these properties have a guaranteed rental income.

They will also reap the benefits when the home’s value increases over time.

You must know the requirements to invest in real estate to obtain the Portugal golden visa.

The real estate investment amounts are as follows:

500,000 EUR for residential or commercial property in high-density areas.
400,000 EUR for residential or commercial property in low-density areas.
350,000 EUR for residential or commercial property for a renovation that is older than 30 years and located in a high-density urban rehabilitation area.
280,000 EUR for residential or commercial property for a renovation that is older than 30 years and located in a low-density rehabilitation area.

You must be aware there are location restrictions due to the changes of January 2022. Residential properties in Porto, Lisbon, or coastal towns on mainland Portugal are not eligible for the golden visa.

However, commercial properties, such as hotels, are eligible. So, if you want to live in larger cities, investing in hotels may unlock new areas for you.

Documents required for application

Along with the Portugal golden visa application, you will need to submit the following documents:

Passport or valid identification document
Proof of legal entry into Portugal
Proof of health insurance
Criminal record certificate from country of origin or residence
Evidence of compliance with tax and social security obligations
Receipt of payment of the Portugal golden visa investment and fees.

In addition, you must commit to maintaining your investment for a minimum of five years. You might need to provide evidence of your investment, such as:

Bank statement for financial investment
Employment contracts (only for business investment option)
Deeds of purchase for real estate investment

The process: How to apply for golden visa Portugal

If you decide to work with an immigration consultancy, they will organize your pre-registration appointment and complete it for you through the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Services (SEF).

The processing time for a Portugal golden visa will take several months.

Once your golden visa has been processed, the SEF will contact you (or your legal representatives) to set up an appointment.

Learn more about the Portugal golden visa application process.

What you get from having a Portugal golden visa

While there are outstanding lifestyle benefits, there are also great professional and financial rewards when you get the Portugal golden visa.

To name a few:

Fast-tracked path to EU citizenship: After five years of maintaining your investment and meeting the minimum stay in the country, you will be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Visa-free travel in the Schengen area: You’ll get to take advantage of visa-free travel. This means you don’t have to go through border control or checks when crossing into member countries.
Family reunification: You can bring your immediate family members with you. They will also obtain a Portuguese residence permit and can take advantage of the same benefits as you.
Favorable tax rates: If you choose to relocate to Portugal full-time, you can be exempted from income tax for ten years with the Non-habitual residency program.
Minimal time required in Portugal: To keep your residency permit valid, you must spend at least seven days every year in Portugal.

The drawbacks: What to be aware of before applying

There are guidelines set that you must fulfill to be eligible for a golden visa. The requirements include:

You have to be above 18 years old.
Make a significant investment in Portugal. See the Portugal golden visa investment options here.
You must not have any history of criminal records.
You must commit to maintaining the investment for at least five years.

Learn more about the Portugal golden visa requirements.

We’ve gone through how to apply for the golden visa Portugal.This residency program is an excellent way to obtain residency in Portugal.

The process is relatively simple and straightforward, and the requirements are not overly onerous.

If you are looking for a way to live and work in Portugal, the Golden Visa may be the perfect solution for you.

Portugal golden visa application process

This article will outline the Portugal golden visa application process and what you’ll need to do to get a golden visa.

Portugal’s golden visa program is one of Europe’s most popular residency-by-investment programs. The program offers investors a fast track to Portuguese residency and citizenship.

Obtaining a Portugal Golden Visa is a straightforward process. Even so, it takes a little more than six months to complete the process if you do all the work yourself.

It’s advisable to work with an immigration lawyer to assist you with obtaining a Portugal Golden Visa, so you can be sure that your application is submitted.

Working with an immigration attorney will ensure that your investment pays off, as it’ll put in a visa application faster.

What is the Portugal golden visa program?

The Portugal Golden Visa program offers a quick and easy way for non-EU citizens to get residency in Portugal.

To qualify, applicants must make at least €280,000 investment in real estate. Once granted residency, holders can live and work in Portugal and travel throughout the Schengen Area.

The program has been popular with Chinese and South African investors, who have made up the majority of applicants in recent years.

Basic requirements

The Portugal golden visa program needs you to fulfill particular requirements, which include:

You must be 18 years or older
Invest in Portugal. See the Portugal golden visa investment opportunities listed here.
You must not have any criminal history.
Not have EU or Swiss citizenship.

The application process

Step 1: Decide on your investment

When deciding between the Portugal Golden Visa, you first need to decide what investment you want to make.

If you wish to buy qualifying real estate, this can delay your visa process as you may need to search for the property.

Step 2: Open a Portuguese Bank account & get a NIF number

After deciding on the investment that you intend to make, you must open a Portuguese bank account and get a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF).

You must get your NIF number from Portugal by visiting and submitting proof of your address from your own country.

But, if you use an immigration consultancy and give them power of attorney, they will get the NIF number and open the account for you.

Step 3: Make your investment

Before starting your investment project, you’ve got to underwrite your account with funds from abroad.

The money will need to come from your Portuguese account, which your immigration consultancy helps you set up with your outside capital.

Step 4: Submit visa application & documents

Once your investment is finalized, you can submit your application for the Golden Visa to Portugal. If working with a Portugal golden visa lawyer, they will handle this.

You’ll need to submit the following documents:

Passport or valid identification document
Proof of legal entry into Portugal
Proof of health insurance
Criminal record certificate from country of origin or residence
Evidence of compliance with tax and social security obligations
Portugal golden visa investment receipt
Receipt of payment of the application fees

You should remember that these documents must be translated into Portuguese and legalized with an apostille if they do not originate from Portugal.

Step 5: Attend SEF appointment

When you submit your application, you (or your immigration consultancy) will schedule a SEF appointment.

At the SEF appointment, they will take your fingerprints.

This indicates your application is complete, and you’ll receive your permit cards.

Step 6: Collect your Portugal golden visa & residence permits

After the SEF biometrics appointment, it will take about four months to receive your residence cards. If a Portuguese immigration lawyer is helping you, you’ll receive your cards at home.

These initial permits are valid for two years and can be renewed before you can apply for a lifetime permit.

Tips for a successful application

If you want your application to be successful, one of the most critical aspects that will make or break your application is criminal records.

It’s unlikely that the Portuguese government will reject your application for any other document. Another tip is to ensure you have all the required documents, including a valid passport, clean criminal records, evidence of compliance with tax and social security obligations, etc.

Only complete or accurate applications are accepted. So double-check everything before you submit it!

Once your application is approved, you will receive a visa to live and work in Portugal for up to five years.

After that, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. Are you interested in moving to Portugal? The Golden Visa program may be right for you.

Contact us via email or schedule a free consultation call and talk to our immigration consultants to start the application process.

Portugal golden visa investment: what is it?

The Portugal golden visa investment is already the best option for people looking to acquire or regain EU citizenship.

Portugal offers you many investment options you can choose from and will enable you to invest in Portugal for citizenship after five years.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the Portugal golden visa investment and what’s in it for you.

What’s the Portugal golden visa?

Since its launch in 2012, Portugal’s Golden Visa program has been a resounding success. It’s now widely considered one of Europe’s most popular immigrant investor programs.

The Golden Visa scheme has granted nearly 10,000 visas and generated over €5.3 billion of foreign investment for Portugal, according to 2021 statistics from SEF, the Portuguese borders and immigration agency.

Most applicants have been Chinese nationals, followed by Brazilian, Turkish, South African, and Russian nationals.

Recent political developments, such as Brexit, have also produced a rise in the number of British nationals seeking to regain their rights in the European Union via Portugal’s flexible Golden Visa scheme.

People often ask if Portugal has a citizenship-by-investment program. Technically, the answer is no.

That’s because the Portugal Golden Visa doesn’t lead to immediate citizenship. It’s more of a residency-by-investment program.

You have to hold the investment (and renew your residency) for a minimum of five years to be eligible to apply for citizenship.

The same five-year period applies to anyone who wants Portuguese citizenship by naturalization.

What’s more, Portugal Golden Visa holders who want citizenship still have to pass a Portuguese language exam at A2 level.

Portugal golden visa benefits

No matter which investment option you choose, the Portugal Golden Visa has substantial benefits for you and your family members.

With your Golden Visa residency – leading to Portuguese citizenship – you’ll achieve the following:

Fast-track pathway to be eligible for EU citizenship
Beat Brexit – if you’re British, regain your lost EU rights by acquiring Portuguese citizenship
Dual (or multiple) citizenship – not every EU country allows it, but Portugal does
Travel visa-free to 186 countries with Portugal’s passport
Travel visa-free across the Schengen zone with your Portuguese residency permit
Flexible minimum stay – your choice either to live in Portugal, or just visit for two weeks every year
Free healthcare – Access to Portugal’s good quality state healthcare system
Tax benefits – Preferential tax treatment on your worldwide income (if you decide to live in Portugal) with Portugal’s generous NHR tax scheme

Getting your EU citizenship has never been easier before. You need to maintain residency and hold your investment for five years before you become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.

As a pathway to citizenship, the beauty of the golden visa is its flexibility compared to other European residency programs.

The minimum stay requirement makes it convenient. That means you can choose to continue your life outside of Portugal, safe in the knowledge that your investment is accumulating over the years to make you eligible for citizenship and bring you a good financial return.

But there’s more you can get.

If you choose to live full-time in Portugal. This can bring you significant advantages in terms of tax efficiency because Portugal tax residents can benefit from the country’s ten-year NHR tax program.

Learn how to apply for the Non-habitual residence tax program here.

At Golden Port Visa, we are specialized in the Portuguese residency by real estate investment program, assisting you and your family gain freedom of movement with a stress-free paperwork process.

FAQs - Portugal golden visa investment

Can I include my family in my Portugal golden visa investment?

Yes. You can include your spouse or partner (the latter provided you’ve lived together for at least two years and can prove it), dependent children under 18, dependent children over 18 who are in full-time education, and parents, provided they’re either over 66 or under 66 and financially dependent on you or your spouse.

Can I get EU citizenship with a golden visa?

Yes. All golden visa applicants become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of residency, proving that they have held the investment.

Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?

Yes, dual citizenship is recognized under Portuguese law.

Portugal golden visa properties for sale

Digital nomads, entrepreneurs, investors, and high-net-worth individuals are part of the list of applicants investing in the Portugal golden visa scheme and getting a residence permit.

While there are many ways to secure Portuguese residency, purchasing a property in Portugal is the most popular route to secure residence permits for yourself and your family.

In this post, you’ll comprehend how working with a Portuguese immigration consultancy specializing in the real estate investment route can give you a huge advantage.

Portugal’s high quality of life, perfect climate, and tax incentive schemes make Portuguese residency by investment an attractive option for foreign investors.

As a result, many immigration consultancies offer all the investment routes and assist you to choose the best suited for you.

However, we only offer the real estate investment option at Golden Port visa, which allows us to work with the best project developers in the country to assist you to find your dream apartment, rental home, condo, or hotel, you name it.

Finding the right area is not the same as finding the perfect apartment or rental home. Our Lisbon-based brokers know the local real estate market and have their pulse on new listings.

We offer you more listings with exclusive deals than those that are easily uncovered by internet searches.

The process of purchasing a property is already complex, you don’t have to spend all day on your computer looking for Portugal golden visa properties for sale.

A helping hand in a foreign country makes it easier for you to accomplish your goals.

The chances of a better offer, a faster sale, guaranteed rental income, and experience of the whole investment process are major benefits you can get if you work with a consultancy.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

An immigration consultancy in real estate also serves you as an advisor, preparing you for every move in a competitive and often unpredictable rules of the investment program.

All of this is second nature for us.

If you plan to apply for the Portugal golden visa via real estate investment, it’s important that you work with the correct immigration consultancy who knows the local area and law.

Contact us via email or schedule a free call to learn more about the Portugal golden visa investment, or read the Portugal golden visa guide to know more about the program.

FAQs - Portugal golden visa properties for sale

What Portugal golden visa are for sale?

Villas, houses, apartments, duplexes, and hotels, there are many property types on the market.

Why invest in property for the Portugal golden visa?

Aside from Portugal’s stable real estate market, the thriving tourism industry in Portugal means you can potentially acquire a good return rate on your investment if you let out your property.

Can you buy a Portuguese passport if you buy a property?

No. You’ll first be granted a temporary residence for yourself and your family. With the renewal of your golden visa permit in the fifth year, you’ll be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.

Portuguese bank account for non-residents: Complete 2023 guide

Opening a Portuguese bank account for non-residents is an essential step for the residency by investment process.

If you’re applying for a golden visa, you’ll need an account at a Portuguese bank.

Portugal is one of the easiest countries in Europe for non-residents to open a bank account.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the requirements for opening a bank account in Portugal, whether you’re a non-resident or already a resident.

How to open a bank account in Portugal

Get a NIF in Portugal

The first thing you need to open a bank account in Portugal is a NIF (Portugal’s tax number).

This number is essential for many aspects of daily life in Portugal, including taxes, rental agreements, buying property, investing, or interacting with government authorities.

If you’re a resident outside the EU, you’ll need help from a fiscal representative or a lawyer to get the NIF on your behalf.

Documents needed for opening a bank account

Opening a bank account in Portugal requires you to visit the bank in person.

Several more modern banks allow you to start the process online. However, this can be challenging when you’re a foreigner.

For example, there may be banks that would not allow you to open a bank account without a Portuguese citizen card or passport number.

The typical list of documents for opening a bank account in Portugal includes the following:

Your passport
Your NIF (you must bring the original documents on which the NIF was issued)
Proof of address ( a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your name and address)
Proof of income
Initial deposit ( this could vary depending on which bank you decide on, but typically the deposit is €250)
Portuguese phone number

Best banks in Portugal for foreigners

ActivoBank
Millennium BCP
Atlantico
Bank Inter

Portugal has a wide range of good banks, including many foreign ones and several Portuguese ones that are designed with expat needs in mind.

If you’re applying for the golden visa, opening a Portuguese bank account will be an essential part of your visa process.

At Golden Port Visa, we’ll assist you with a local legal team to set up your bank account to start the process of the Portuguese residency program.

If you have any questions, contact us via email or schedule a call to give you more information about the Portugal golden visa.

FAQs - Opening a Portuguese bank account for non-residents

Can anyone open a bank account in Portugal?
There are no restrictions on who can open a bank account in Portugal. As long as you have the required documents, you can open a bank account as a non-resident, foreigner, or resident.

Can I open a Portuguese bank account online for non-residents?

Several Portuguese banks – such as Atlantico or ActivoBank – have the facility for online account opening. However, it may be more difficult to set up an account if you don’t have a Portuguese residency card.

How long does it take to open a bank account in Portugal?

Most banks open the account while you wait, which can be anything from 15 minutes to an hour. But it may take up to a month to have a fully operational account.

What are the opening hours for banks in Portugal?

Banking hours in Portugal are relatively limited, normally from 8 or 9 am to 3 pm on Monday to Friday. It’s best to check on their website or Google maps before making a special trip.

What a Portugal golden visa lawyer can do for you? Everything you need to know

Having a Portugal golden visa lawyer is crucial for the success of your residency application. Because it’s a relatively long journey with many bureaucratic processes and rules that might confuse you.

That’s why legal assistance is a must for golden visa applications.

This article will cover the importance of working with a Portugal golden visa lawyer and what they can do for you during the application process.

Working with a Portugal golden visa law firm is a good idea if you:

Don’t have the time or patience to navigate past Portuguese bureaucracy and the country’s legal system.
Don’t speak Portuguese.
Want to avoid the common pitfalls of making a poor investment in Portugal that could cost you your golden visa.
Prefer to let a local experienced team guide you forward, helping with paperwork, legal requirements, and contracts.
Want to avoid making a mistake in documentation which can result in the rejection of your GV application.

Most investors want their current lawyers to work for their golden visa applications, and that’s fine.

However, they will encounter the same problems as you, our recommendation is to work with local lawyers who know Portuguese law.

It’s said that you can complete your golden visa process yourself. Even if this could be true in theory, it’s not advisable as it can be complex.

When you work with a local lawyer for your Portugal golden visa application, you can expect your lawyer to do the following:

Representation: He or she will represent you for your GV application and make sure everything goes smoothly.
Legal issues: Your lawyer will support you with your correspondence with Foreign Nationals and Border Control Service (SEF) and fix any legal issues that may arise during the application process.
Documentation: Your lawyer will help you collect the rights document and paperwork and liaise with investment-related authorities such as banks and tax offices.
Support: Your lawyer will give you advice and support during your golden visa journey, from the application to the citizenship approval.

At Golden Port Visa, we work with specialized Portugal golden visa lawyers with the highest success rates. Depending on your nationality and profile, we’ll recommend one lawyer or another, but are free to speak with all of them and work with the one you prefer.

Once your choice is made, we’ll handle all the paperwork for your application.

All you have to do is handle the paperwork and sign contracts to start your Portugal golden visa process. Read more about the Portugal golden visa documents here.

Working with a local team gives you peace of mind, and you don’t waste time on unpleasant legal processes. Contact us via email or schedule a call to help you with more inquiries about the Portugal golden visa.

FAQs - Why should I work with a Portugal golden visa lawyer?

If you’re considering applying for Portugal residency by investment program, it’s a good idea to seek help from a Portugal golden visa lawyer. An experienced lawyer will assist you from beginning to end, guiding you through the process.

How can I find a good Portugal golden visa lawyer to help me with my Golden visa application?

We know it can be difficult to find a reputable lawyer, especially if you’re unfamiliar with legal procedures. Feel free to contact us to introduce you to our legal team.

How can Golden Port Visa help me get a golden visa?

If you’re planning to apply for the Portugal golden visa, you’ll want to read how Golden Port Visa can help you get one.

We often see people asking if they need to work with an immigration consultancy to apply for the Portugal golden visa.

The real answer is no. You do not need to work with an immigration consultancy to apply for a golden visa, anyone can fill out their own application form and send it off, hoping it will not cause any problems.

You can apply for the Portuguese golden visa by yourself, but you won’t have any guidance on national laws. You’ll find it difficult to find a property in an interior area where most people don’t speak English, and you’ll be stressed out trying to beat the local bureaucracy.

How can you avoid all these headaches?

The simple answer is to work with a national immigration consultancy.

You’d get assistance, guidance, a team of legal and real estate advisors, and investment advisors to your disposition through the entire process.

You could do your application for the golden visa, but would you get this amount of support? We don’t think so.

Sometimes, a knowledgeable, helping hand makes the difference, right? We make the process of applying for the Portuguese golden visa stress-free.

Here are 4 reasons why you should work with an immigration consultancy:

Immigration consultants will save you time and money

Sure, immigration consultancies charge a fee for their services, but in the end, you’re buying time.

You won’t be all day seating in your office trying to understand why it’s taking too long for your application.

You also eliminate the chances of making mistakes in your application. Minor mistakes on your visa application carry huge financial costs – not to mention the possibility of needing to start the process.

A qualified consultant will stand up for you

Intimidated by the idea of speaking to a government official? You are not alone.

This proves challenging even when you know you’re in the right. A qualified consultant will stand their ground for you.

They reach out to the right contacts and authorities to get answers and solutions suitable for you.

Provide personal attention

Qualified consultants know the information that high-quality applications need. They take great care to help you avoid hidden traps within the application and process.

If you get married or divorced or have a child, a qualified consultant will assist you in evaluating how these changes might impact your application.

Remove yourself from dealing with roadblocks

Immigration consultants exercise patience and attention to detail. They’ll take your application and make sure your documents remain current.

If a problem arises with documents, payments, or processes, your immigration consultancy sorts these roadblocks out for you.

Immigration consultants offer you peace of mind.

At Golden Port Visa, we are specialized in the Portuguese residency by real estate investment program, assisting you and your family gain freedom of movement with a stress-free paperwork process.

We are more than just an immigration consultancy. We are your trusted Portuguese partner and advisor, making your success our mission.

To conclude, an immigration consultancy may not be required, but they definitely make the entire process much easier than doing it alone.

Even if you decide not to work with us, consider what we covered in this post before working with an immigration consultancy.

If they provide the key details above, rest assured you’re in good hands.

Mortgages in Portugal For Non-Residents

This article will cover mortgages in Portugal for non-residents or foreigners.

Are you wondering if it’s possible to use mortgages in Portugal as a non-resident to purchase a property?

Portugal has an outstanding reputation for welcoming ex-pats, and the conditions for getting mortgages are somewhat straightforward.

In general, mortgages are the most common way to finance a property investment in Portugal.

It is advisable to start the mortgage process as early as possible, even if you are not totally sure of the kind of property you want to buy.

This way you streamline your property search and make quicker decisions on prices with the seller, and it may also help you negotiate the price as it will show you are a serious buyer.

Getting a mortgage is a great option, not only for financing the entire property purchase.

But there’s one thing you need to know.

If you choose the real estate investment route, you cannot apply for a mortgage in Portugal to finance the property purchase.

The Portuguese financial sector was hit hard by the financial crash of 2008, and more than a decade on, this still affects how lenders approach mortgages in Portugal for non-residents.

For this reason, it’s better to apply for a mortgage in your country of origin to finance your investment.

The minimum threshold is €280,000 for a property in one of Portugal’s low-density areas.

If your dream property is priced beyond the minimum golden visa threshold, then getting a mortgage in your home country will allow you to top up your funds to the required level.

You’ll still be able to secure that all-important Portuguese residency permit and start your journey to Portuguese citizenship.

Getting a mortgage in Portugal as a foreigner can be surprisingly easy.

Even if you’re a non-resident, you’ll find many opportunities to secure a mortgage from Portuguese banks.

But, as with any bureaucratic process, the devil is in the details. To avoid wasting time and frustration, it’s essential to go into the process with clarity on what’s involved.

FAQs - Mortgages in Portugal for non-residents

Can a British citizen get a mortgage in Portugal?

Yes, British citizens can easily get a mortgage in Portugal. There are no restrictions by nationality.

Can retirees get a mortgage in Portugal?

Yes. Retirees can get a mortgage with proof of sufficient regular pension income.

What’s the loan term for non-fiscal residents?

The loan term in Portugal for non-fiscal residents is typically up to 30 years, depending on your age.

Do I need life insurance to get a Portuguese mortgage?

Most banks require you to have life insurance in place before you take out a mortgage, especially if you’re an older applicant or you have certain medical conditions. Life insurance policies in Portugal are usually inexpensive.

Portuguese Golden Visa: What makes a successful application?

The Portuguese golden visa is one of Europe’s most successful residency by investment schemes.

Since 2012, the golden visa has granted residency to over 10,000 investors. If you’re looking for the easiest and fastest way to EU citizenship, the Portugal golden visa is one of the best routes available.

Before jumping in what makes a successful golden visa application, let us give you a brief introduction of the Portuguese golden visa.

The Portuguese government launched the golden visa in October 2012, with the goal of attracting inward investment to revitalize the Portuguese economy after the 2008 financial crisis.

Unlike most other European golden visa programs, and residencies in general, the Portuguese golden visa allows you a lot of freedom, as it only requires you to spend around 7 days per year in-country.

The Portuguese golden visa has many investment routes you can choose from, including real estate, investment funds and capital transfers.

In 2022, Portugal’s golden visa applications are increasing among Americans and British citizens due to the growing need to escape from the housing price in the USA and the post-Brexit fallout.

Portugal is extremely attractive as a pathway to EU citizenship via a Portuguese passport.

Although the golden visa program is not an instant citizenship by investment scheme, it offers you an easy route to apply for citizenship after five years – one of the fastest pathways in the EU.

What’s more, Portugal has a winning combination of an appealing climate, low cost of living, and high quality of life – all set within a neutral, peaceful country with a stable government.

In these uncertain times, Portugal offers a safe haven for you and your family.

Benefits of the Portuguese golden visa

Let’s take a more detailed look at the benefits of Portugal’s golden visa.

Visa-free travel in Europe

Your golden visa residency permit allows you to travel freely around the Schengen area of 26 countries – without needing a Schengen visa.

Pathway to a powerful passport

As an EU citizen, you’ll have the right not only to travel freely, but also to live, work, do business, study, or retire in the 30 countries of the EU and EEA.

The Portuguese passport is one of the world’s strongest, allowing you to travel to 188 countries visa-free.

Bring your family with you

It’s possible to include your family members on your golden visa application, so they can also benefit from residency in Portugal.

Here are the details of eligible family members:

Children under the age of 18, or dependent children under 26 who are also unmarried and in full-time education.
Spouse or legal partner (must provide proof of having lived together for over two years)
Dependent parents, as long as they’re over 66.

Potential ROI in thriving economy

Portugal’s economy is on the upswing, which offers opportunities to generate exciting returns on your golden visa investment.

Property has long been an interesting area of investment in Portugal. You can get a discount on properties located in low-density areas such as Comporta and Évora, which are places with the potential for good capital gains combined with healthy rental income.

Affordable investment options

Portugal has a wide range of investment options, starting from €250,000 (investing in art and heritage projects), or €280,000 for investment in rehabilitation property in one of Portugal’s low-density regions.

This makes the Portuguese golden visa one of the EU’s most accessible residency by investment programs.

Access to a preferential tax regime

Portugal’s NHR tax program allows tax residents to access preferential tax treatment on foreign-sourced incomes and certain kinds of Portugal-sourced income.

Eligibility for the NHR depends on several factors, including your tax residency status, tax treaties between Portugal and the country where you draw your income, and the nature of your profession.

You can read more in our guide on How to apply for the NHR.

Portugal golden visa requirements

We’ve looked at the different Portuguese golden visa investment options available.

Next, let’s look at what makes foreign investors eligible for the golden visa and the list of supporting documents required.

Who is eligible for the golden visa?

These are the basic requirements to qualify:

Be a non-EU/EE and non-Swiss citizen
Make a minimum investment in Portugal of €280,000
Provide evidence of a clean criminal record
Spend at least seven days in Portugal every year for five years

Remember, Portugal has granted over 10,000 visas to foreign investors. If you provide proof of your criminal record and the documents we’re listing below, you will be successful.

Documents for the golden visa application

Application form
Receipt for payment of the application fee
A passport copy for each person on your application
Declaration from your Portuguese back confirming the transfer of funds and that they originated outside of Portugal
Proof of having the minimum Portuguese golden visa investment (i.e. property deed)
Health insurance policy covering Portugal
Criminal record check from your country or legal residency over one year
Authorization for SEF to check your Portuguese criminal record
Proof from Portuguese tax and customs that you have no outstanding debts
Your signed declaration stating that you intend to follow the investment requirements (i.e. to maintain the investment for the required period of time)

Investment costs

Different Portuguese golden visa investment routes attract different costs.

You can read more in our Portugal golden visa pricing cost.

Having a local partner will save a lot of time and money. At Golden Port Visa, we help entrepreneurs, families, investors, and freelancers to get the Portuguese golden visa. We assist from start to end. Your success is our mission.

FAQs- Portuguese golden visa

Do I need to live full-time in Portugal with a golden visa?

No. Having a Portuguese golden visa gives you the option to move to Portugal whenever you want, but it’s not necessary to live in the country full-time.

Is the Portugal golden visa citizenship by investment program?

No. The Portugal golden visa is a residency by investment program. It puts you on the pathway to citizenship, but you can’t fast-track the process by paying more.

Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Portugal allows dual citizenship.

As a Golden visa holder, can I work or study in Portugal?

Yes. You and your family can do both. You can also open a business in Portugal.

If I invest in real estate, do I need to live in it?

No. You can rent it out if you want.

Can I sell my investment at any time if I change my plans?

In most cases, yes, but it will interrupt your citizenship timeline.

Portugal golden visa hotel investment: Can you buy a hotel?

The Portugal golden visa hotel investment is the best option if you want to apply for the golden visa and don’t want to deal with all the responsibilities of a residential property.

With options starting from €280,000, investing in a hotel will put you on the pathway to EU citizenship.

Portugal’s golden visa is famous for offering the right to reside in Portugal in return for making a qualified investment.

The Portuguese government offers you several ways to invest in the country, but the most chosen route is the real estate investment – some of the properties with guaranteed rental income.

The Portugal golden visa hotel investment is aimed at those who want a hands-off investment: investing in commercial property such as a hotel or resort.

This option typically means purchasing a share in a hotel or resort that’s being built or renovated.

Why invest in a hotel?

There are major benefits to investing in hotels, especially hotels you like.

As an investor, you get complimentary nights every year that you can personally use every time you need to stay in Portugal to maintain your residency status or that you spend with your closest friends, family, or business partners.

What makes us so confident about hotels? Diversified tourism.

Meaning the country is less risky and volatile than other countries.

According to Wikipedia, Portugal received around 24 million tourists in 2019 and was the 9th most visited European country.

Usually, the hotels have management in place, possibly a major brand tasked with filling the rooms and maintaining or increasing the hotel’s revenue per available room (RevPAR).

They’ll oversee marketing, maintenance, guest relations, and operations. Your only job is to watch the revenue roll in.

Advantages if you invest in a hotel

Low barrier of entry

Whereas other commercial real estate assets may start in the multi-million price range, Portugal’s golden visa hotel investment starts at €280,000.

Access to the upscale property

The luxury hotel market has proven over time to be more resistant to recessions than mid-market or budget hotels.

Passive investment

With professional management on the job, hotels represent an opportunity for true mailbox money, and management-free real estate investment.

Potential tax advantages

Commercial real estate often enjoys privileged tax treatment compared to residential real estate – when you invest in a hotel, it is one of the least expensive ways to buy commercial real estate.

Unlock the possibility of investing in larger cities

If you choose to invest in a hotel you gain access to properties in regions where the residential properties are no longer qualified for the golden visa. Such as Lisbon, the Algarve, and Porto.

In short, there’s a lot to consider and find out about your investment decision, especially if you’re starting to consider investing in commercial properties.

For that reason, taking the plunge can feel like a major event!

Owning a hotel or having access via investment brings a different reward from that of investing in an office or housing complex.

If you’d like to learn more about commercial property investment for the Portuguese golden visa send us an email or schedule a free consulting call.

Golden Port Visa has a proven track record of creating value for our clients and we can help you find your ideal property in Portugal.

Portugal Golden Visa Specialists

+351 926 293 220‬