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CBI Portugal: A full review of Portugal citizenship by investment

Getting a European Union passport is possible with the CBI Portugal. One of the most sought-after citizenship by investment programs in the EU that allows you to stay in Portugal permanently or even become a citizen in five years.

In this post, we’ll dive into the program, how it works, the requirements, its benefits, and how you can apply for it.

The Portugal CBI or golden visa is a residency by investment program that allows foreigners to live, work, and study in Portugal.

It’s a renewable residence permit that allows you to make a further application for Portuguese citizenship if you hold your investment for five years.

The program is considered the most attractive program among investors due to its fast-tracked pathway to EU citizenship and affordable investment options compared to other EU golden visa programs.

To be eligible for the program, you need to make a qualified investment in real estate, run a business or create full-time jobs, invest in funds, or make an endowment to Art/ heritage and culture.

You can check more about the pros and cons of the investment options here.

Who is the Portugal CBI for?

Portugal’s residence permit is designed for non-EU national investors and entrepreneurs who can make investments in Portugal.

This investment can be made as an individual investor or through a sole proprietorship.

What are the benefits of the Portugal CBI?

Holding an investment in Portugal can give you:

Enter Portugal without having to apply for a residence visa.
Move around visa-free within the Schengen area.
Include your spouse, dependent children, and dependent siblings in the application.
Apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years.

Moreover, the minimum stay requirement is much shorter than other EU residency rules. To keep your residence status, you must stay in Portugal for seven days (1st year) and fourteen days (2nd – 5th year).

Rules and requirements for Portugal CBI

To be eligible for the citizenship by investment program, you must:

Invest in the Portuguese economy.
Be 18 years old or older.
Have a clean criminal record in Portugal and home country.

Application for CBI Portugal

Before starting the application process, you’ll need to submit the following documents:

Valid passport.
Proof of legal entry into Portugal or a valid Schengen visa (each applicant).
Proof of residence, such as a copy of a recent utility bill, or a recent bank statement.
Original work certificate, duly dated, stamped, and signed to set up your bank account in Portugal.
Tax number of the origin country.
Criminal record certificate from country of origin.
Evidence of compliance with tax and social security.
Receipt of payment of the Portugal golden visa fees.
Documentary evidence of the eligibility of family member applicants.

All documents must be legalized and translated into Portuguese through a certified translator.

Read more about the Portugal golden visa requirements here.

Can I apply for CBI Portugal myself?

Yes, you can apply for the golden visa yourself. But it’s recommended to have a partner experienced with the CBI Portugal that gives you local insights and guides you throughout the process since the program is subject to changes.

This citizenship by investment is the best way to obtain Portuguese citizenship for those who don’t have any connection to Portugal, whether through birth, descent, marriage, or otherwise.

At Golden Port Visa, we specialize in assistance with residency and property investments in Portugal. We’ve helped clients worldwide find the ideal property providing local insights and finding the best investment opportunities in real estate.

Contact us to schedule a free consultation call or send us an email to know more about the Portugal residency program by real estate investment.

EU permanent residency vs. citizenship: What’s the difference?

Wondering about the difference between permanent residency vs. citizenship in Portugal?

It’s time to explore these two important concepts.

If you are planning to get a Portugal golden visa, give this post a full read. We often get people asking about the different rights granted under an EU permanent residency vs. citizenship.

In this post, we’ll guide you through the implications of permanent residency vs citizenship in Portugal and how you can get each.

In short, the two statuses offer similar benefits, but there’s a slight difference between them.

Permanent residency vs citizenship: How are they different?

The main difference between permanent residency and citizenship is that citizenship it’s the only status that gives you the right to apply for a passport.

Once you become a citizen of any country, you’ll have the right to apply for a passport.

For example: If you apply for Portuguese citizenship, you’ll get a powerful passport that gives you full freedom of movement rights, like any other EU citizen.

Not only for tourism purposes but also for the right to live, study, work, and retire across the whole Schengen area.

Imagine putting a bit of effort now into applying for the Portugal golden visa. Generally, it’ll take six to ten months to have a resident permit.

If you hold your investment for five years, you’ll be eligible to apply for citizenship.

You can have it with minimal paperwork, AND you don’t get to fight with the local bureaucracy – if you have a local team assisting you through the process of getting a golden visa.

Contrast that with the long-winded immigration processes for non-EU citizens every time they decide to visit another country.

On the other hand, permanent residency in an EU country only allows you to stay indefinitely in that country.

Permanent residency doesn’t make you an EU citizen and doesn’t grant you indefinite freedom of movement right across the entire Schengen area.

How to get the Portuguese residency vs citizenship

There are many ways to get a permanent Portuguese residency.

First, they’re granted in smaller blocks, and you’ll have to renew them 2 – 3 times before you reach year five, at which point you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

Portugal offers a residency by investment program, this visa program gives you residency in the country in return for investing in the Portuguese economy.

The most common type of investment is to buy property in Portugal and get residency, and there are more investment options, but investors feel more attracted to real estate because it is familiar and they enjoy their investment.

Buying property in Portugal doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stay all year round in the country.

You can buy property in a low-density area in Portugal for €280k (the minimum investment), and you can rent it out when you’re not in the country.

Or, if you want a property in larger cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, you can make a hotel investment.

What are the options after year five?

If you hold your investment until year five, you have three options to apply for:

Permanent residency
Citizenship
Renew your golden visa to continue with a temporary residency

Hopefully, you’re now clear on the differences between permanent residency vs citizenship.

The two statuses have similar benefits, but only citizenship allows you the benefit of freedom of movement across the EU and EEA.

Golden Port Visa helps families, business people, entrepreneurs, and freelancers to get the Portugal golden visa via real estate investment.

Any questions? Send us an email or schedule a free call to know more about the Portugal citizenship by investment program.

Portugal US tax treaty: Tax treatment for Americans

Wondering how the Portugal US tax treaty can help you with taxes as an American citizen?

It’s time to do an explanation of the tax benefits in Portugal and how you can stop taxes slowing your efforts to scale your businesses.

Give it a full read to this article of Portugal US tax treaty if you’re an American citizen, you will learn how the tax incentives of Portugal can benefit you and your business.

Many Americans across the globe have foreign assets, accounts, investments, and income generated in Portugal.

However, some Americans are still subject to US tax on Portugal-sourced income unless you claim a treaty position under the Portugal US tax treaty.

The US and Portugal entered into a tax treaty back in 1994.

By claiming tax treaty benefits, as a resident of one of the contracting states, you’ll be able to limit certain taxes.

The agreement between the US and Portugal covers the corporate income tax, personal income tax, and local surtax in the case of Portugal.

The US Portugal tax treaty aims to ensure proper tax treatment of money earned by US citizens, Portuguese citizens, and residents of each other’s countries.

We’ll walk you through some basics examples to understand how the tax rules work.

Why invest in Portugal?

Portugal is an attractive country for foreign investors. As tourism generates quite generous profits, many people choose to buy a property in Portugal and get residency in return.

The simplified process of getting Portuguese residency, the multiple real estate projects, the advantageous taxation system, and the stable and solid business climate represent some of the benefits Portugal offers to those who decide to invest in the country.

What is the Portugal US Tax Treaty?

The Portugal US tax treaty is an agreement between the two countries that regulates taxation for individuals and businesses. The treaty was first signed in 1994 and has been updated several times since then.

Its purpose is to prevent double taxation of income and to encourage cross-border trade and investment.

How Does the Treaty Work?

Under the treaty, US citizens living in Portugal are subject to Portuguese tax laws on their worldwide income.

However, you are also entitled to certain tax credits and exemptions that can help reduce your tax liability.

For example, US citizens living in Portugal can claim a foreign tax credit on their US tax return for taxes paid to the Portuguese government.

Similarly, Portuguese citizens living in the US are subject to US tax laws on their worldwide income.

However, they are also entitled to certain tax credits and exemptions to help reduce their tax liability.

Tax Treaty for individuals

When it comes to businesses, the tax rules get more complicated.

Taxes vary depending on whether or not the company has a permanent establishment in the other country. For that reason, we’ll explain how the tax rules work for individuals.

Real estate taxes

As a foreign investor or a resident, if you own a rental property in Portugal, you must pay tax on the income derived from it.

The rental income taxation in Portugal has different categories, but the Portugal US tax treaty would prevent this double taxation on your rental income.

Read more about rental income tax in Portugal here.

Business profits

This will apply if you choose to apply for your Portugal golden visa with the job creation route.

According the Article 7 of the US Portugal tax treaty, “the business profits of a company shall be taxable only in that State unless the company carries on or has carried on business in another State.”

For example: If a company operates only in Portugal, it will not be taxed in the United States. Even if the business is conducted in the United States.

If there is no permanent establishment in the United States, the profits are generally still not taxable in the US.

If a Portuguese company operates through a permanent establishment in the US, naturally the portion attributed to that permanent establishment may be taxable.

Dividends tax in Portugal

The portion of the Portugal US tax treaty on the issue of dividends is complicated.

To put it in simple words: If a Portuguese company pays dividends to a resident of the United States, the US can tax that income.

Portugal may also tax the dividend, but if the beneficial owner of the dividend resides in the other state (US), the tax Portugal charges should not exceed 15% of the gross amount of the dividends.

Capital gains in Portugal and USA

When it comes to capital gains in Portugal and the US, it may be taxed in both countries. The taxation includes: gains made on real estate, stocks, participation, or other rights in a company.

Self-employment income tax

Lastly we got the income derived by a resident of one country for personal services is only taxable in that country. There might be some exclusions and limitations that apply though.

Conclusion

If you’re a US citizen living in Portugal, it’s important to understand the Portugal US tax treaty and how it affects your tax liability.

By taking advantage of the treaty’s provisions, you can avoid double taxation and ensure that you’re paying the right amount of taxes in each country.

FAQ - What does the Portugal US tax treaty cover?

Are pension funds taxable in the US?

Pension tax law is complicated. Due to the distinction between contributions, growth and distributions. Pensions earned by a resident of one country in consideration of past employment shall be taxable in that country.

Is there a tax treaty with Portugal?

Yes, there is a tax treaty between Portugal and the USA. The US Portugal tax treaty aims to ensure proper tax treatment of money earned by US citizens, Portuguese citizens, and residents of each other’s countries.

Do I report interest income or dividends from Portugal?

The taxation rules for interest follow the same general rule as dividends.

For example, if a person from Portugal resides in the USA, the United States can tax them on their interest income.

Likewise, if the company paying the interest is a Portuguese company, then Portugal can also tax them, but the interest is limited to 10%.

Do I have to pay taxes in both countries if I get dual citizenship?

The answer to this question all depends on how much time you’ll spend in Portugal every year and the rules in your current country of citizenship.

If you spend less than 183 days in Portugal each year and don’t consider Portugal your country of residence, then you’re considered a non-tax resident.

You won’t pay tax in Portugal on your worldwide income, but you’ll pay tax on any Portuguese-sourced income (if any).

Portugal golden visa processing time: SEF fights backlog

Portugal’s immigration and borders service has become somewhat of a hot topic for Golden visa applicants this year, today we’ll talk about the Portugal golden visa processing time in 2023 and what is happening with SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras).

We know many applicants are a bit frustrated waiting for an appointment spot to open up so they can finally get their family’s residence permits approved.

We think it’s time to update you with some changes .

This time, for good.

In the last couple of years, there have been large-scale delays in getting an appointment with SEF.

This backlog became a problem for golden visa applicants awaiting their mandatory biometrics.

In response to the backlog, SEF has also increased its capacity by boosting its staff numbers – the 116 workers approved in a public tender started working on September 12th.

The main function of the technicians is to assist in specific areas of SEF, namely in the documentary scope of the permanence of foreign citizens and golden visas.

Besides the current volume of work, SEF will have an increased number of services when the newly created visas are regulated.

As an applicant of the golden visa you’ll have 180 days to sign a contract that will entitle you with an appointment at the SEF to obtain a residence permit.

So far, they have alleviated some pressure by allowing applicants the possibility of booking appointments at any of their branches.

Before this, applicants had to book appointments at the branch in the same region in which they had acquired their investment property.

What does it mean for your application?

If you’re worried about the Portugal golden visa 2022 changes, the current processing time will not affect your eligibility as long as you submit your application before the deadline.

After you’ve received pre-approval, you are already ok to move to Portugal while you wait to complete your biometrics and receive your residency card.

Although, the time spent in Portugal before this will not count towards the time needed to acquire permanent residency or citizenship.

In short: The delays don’t affect your ability to complete the visa application, but rather, they do have the potential to increase the overall time it takes to gain permanent residency.

The Portugal golden visa program has been successful among other EU golden visas, and it’s in the best government interest to keep the foreign investment coming.

In the meantime, listen to your local partners’ advice to keep updated about your application.

If you have any questions, contact us to schedule a free consultation call or email us to learn more about the Portugal residency program.

Ireland Golden Visa: Is it the best route for EU citizenship?

The Ireland golden visa is becoming one of the most looked at golden visa programs in Europe for investors seeking the path of investment of long-term residency and citizenship.

For a minimum of €1 million invested in Ireland, you and your family can access the benefits of the Schengen area to secure second citizenship.

If you’ve been wondering which golden visa program is the right for you, this article will help you sort that out. We’ll compare the Ireland golden visa vs. Portugal golden visa, the benefits, advantages, and disadvantages of the Ireland golden visa.

As to the Portugal golden visa, the Ireland Immigrant investor program (IIP) is designed to attract non-EU investors and business professionals to get a residence permit in exchange for a qualified investment.

The Ireland golden visa is a residency by investment program created in 2012.

It gives investors and their families a five-year residence permit in Ireland, with the possibility to apply for citizenship at the end of that period.

If you’ve done part of the research by yourself – you’ll notice that the Portugal golden visa also offers five years to apply for Portuguese citizenship, and even the application process of the Ireland golden visa is faster than Portugal’s.

The differences between these two programs are the options, the minimum investment, and the benefits each country offers you.

Benefits of the Ireland golden visa

Ireland and Portugal’s golden visas offer similar fantastic benefits and advantages for non-EU residents.

Here are some of the benefits you’ll get with the Ireland residency by investment program:

One of Europe’s fastest-growing economies.
Stable, secure, and competitive.
Politically neutral country.
Low corporate tax rate at 12.5%
Gain the right to live, work, study, and do business.

Now that we’ve talked about the Irish immigrant investor program – let’s weigh up the pros and cons of the Ireland golden visa, especially in terms of your pathway to EU citizenship.

Advantages of the Ireland golden visa

Maximum stay flexibility: No need to relocate to Ireland to maintain your residency status – just visit one day per year.
Visa-free travel: Go anywhere in the Schengen area without additional visas or permits.
Education and healthcare: Access these with the same rights as Irish citizens.
Investment options: Choose from investment funds, endowments, or investing in an Irish enterprise.

Disadvantages of the Irish golden visa program

Higher minimum investment threshold: The minimum investment for the Irish residence program is €500,000, which is available by the endowment option (No return on investment).
Living in Ireland required for citizenship: Ireland lets you maintain your residency rights in the country without living there, BUT if you want to eventually apply for citizenship, you’ll have to move to Ireland.
Option to buy a real estate property is not available, you’ll be able to invest in real estate trusts (REIT)listed on the Irish Stock exchange.

Who can apply for the Ireland Immigrant investor program ?

To be eligible for the Ireland golden visa you must meet the following requirements:

Be aged 18 or over.
Be a third-country national (Not an EU/ EEA/ Swiss citizen).
Have a clean criminal record.
Invest a minimum of €1 million in Ireland.
Have a provable personal wealth of at least €2 million.
Have full medical insurance covering yourself and any dependents.
Pass a due diligence check on the source of funds, in line with international KYC and anti-money laundering regulations.

Taxation in Ireland

The Irish tax system is based on your residence and domicile status, and corporate tax is currently charged at a 12.5% rate. If you don’t plan on living in Ireland during your Golden Visa term, you won’t need to register for Irish tax residency.

However, you will be subject to taxation on all income received and earned in Ireland, including income from your investment.

Which golden visa program should I pick?

We’ve prepared this comparison table to help you sort out which golden visa works best for you. Take your time looking at the differences between Ireland and Portugal’s golden visas to make an informed decision.

Having two passports is better than one because you always have a Plan B in the event and current state of the world. Portugal and Ireland recognize dual citizenship.

Ireland vs. Portugal golden visa overview

The Portugal golden visa is the most popular European residency by investment program. Both programs are good choices for those who want to be eligible for EU citizenship after five years, and both countries recognize dual citizenship, so you can keep your original passport.

Ireland has a big advantage over Portugal with the passport power rank – the Irish passport offers you full access to the UK, the whole EU, EEA, and Switzerland. It is the only country in the entire EU that can offer this huge benefit.

If you meet all the requirements for the Ireland golden visa and the investment options where the ones you were looking for – then, Ireland’s golden visa will work best for you.

The Portugal golden visa offers more affordable investment options than the Ireland golden visa. If you’re looking for a more reasonable investment option with a special tax program, then the Portuguese residence program is for you.

In short: If you want an affordable yet fast-tracked pathway to EU citizenship, Portugal is the Plan B for you and your family.

Contact us to schedule a free consultation call or send us an email to know more about the Portugal residency program by real estate investment.

Évora Portugal Real Estate

Some tourist stay for a couple of days to enjoy the good weather, locally produced wine, historical city, and long conversations with the Portuguese people, who like to show their beautiful country to guests, making Évora Portugal real estate the best option to rent out.

Évora offers a truly unique Portuguese experience with a distinctive heritage, delicious regional cuisines, and an infectious slow pace of life that people from big crowded cities want.

If you want to move to Portugal, then Évora is a place to consider.

While Évora is a quieter area of Portugal, there are still many exciting things to do without the heavy footfall of tourists.

In the past few years, Évora has seen a huge increase in the tourism sector, which led to the creation of many hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, Airbnb renting, and various other styles of accommodation.

Évora Portugal Real Estate: What is it like?

Évora is one of the most charming cities in Portugal. Off the beaten track, you will be able to find stunning properties at very affordable rates, not only when compared with other European countries but also within Portugal.

Indeed, Alentejo is a very affordable part of Portugal.

An additional advantage of buying a property in Évora is that this district is still eligible for Golden Visa investors, even after changes that came on 1st January 2022.

Evora is a relatively small city with good investments and a growing tourism market if you don’t want to stay all year round in Portugal, you could rent the property and consider it exclusively as an investment to get the Portugal Golden Visa.

Diversity of properties

When it comes to property types, you will find anything from townhouses to villas with a private pool and a large garden.

With some searching, you should be able to find the perfect property for you and your family.

Finding good properties, though, it’s a bit challenging if you do it by yourself. That’s why you need a local team to assist you with an existing portfolio of Évora real estate, who could also give you local insights about the market and someone who takes all the paperwork headaches for you.

How long does it take to buy property in Évora?

Purchasing a property in Évora may take around three to four months. Most of the time is spent looking for the property.

If you’re interested in the process, learn more about buying a property in Portugal here.

Route to Portuguese citizenship

Located in Alentejo, Évora is one of the most affordable parts of the country compared to other western European countries.

Èvora is among the low-density areas in Portugal. You can benefit from Portugal Golden Visa 280,000 real estate option.

Portugal Golden visa program allows qualified applicants to purchase qualifying properties and get residency in Portugal.

It also allows you to travel visa-free inside the European Schengen area and makes you eligible for citizenship after five years. Learn more about the Portugal Golden Visa benefits here.

Comporta Real Estate

Comporta is part of the interior areas of Portugal, set within stunning natural surroundings boasting 50 Km of beach, peace, privacy, and security, making Comporta Portugal real estate one of the most sought-after.

The large neighborhood of Comporta, which consists of Muda and Melides is turning into one of the most dynamic real estate markets in Portugal and southern Europe.

Comporta’s success is due to the attractive, high-quality, existing constructions set within a spectacular and safe environment.

When investors search for Comporta real estate for sale, they include Troia at the peninsula’s tip down to Melides.

Comporta consists of Brejos da Carregueira, Carvalhal, Carrasqueira, Torre, and Muda, which is a little different inland.

Comporta boasts a coastline stretching 50 Km and expands into nature, reaching the towns of Grandola and Alcader do Sal.

Comporta Real Estate

Foreign nationals are the largest buyers in Comporta, including French, Belgian, British, and Americans. Buyers are purchasing near beach houses, country estates, and smaller homes in the village.

Though it looks like a beachside place suitable for short holidays, Comporta has a real estate scene that can get you the best returns. It has multiple boutique hotels, rental homes, restaurants, and countless visiting spots to enjoy some of the stunning views of nature.

Most of the Comporta beach houses for sale are typical homes that need renovation. You’ll also find several building plots for new homes with views of the ocean, and as you move to the countryside, you’ll find more private estates.

Why buy a property in Comporta?

Many factors make Comporta an ideal place for your real estate investment. Here’s a brief of all of those:

– Popular tourist destination

Comporta is on the beachside, so it is an ideal location for tourists. People from all around Europe consider Comporta as a runaway location for vacations.

In Comporta, the four months from June to September are flooded with rich and elite crowds from the country.

Therefore, if you have a rental home in Comporta, it can be a goldmine for you in the season.

– Diversity of properties

The properties in Comporta are more affordable than those in Lisbon and other major cities.

Other than that, you can choose from various types of houses, such as villas with lagoons, beach houses, or small houses in the village.

Route to citizenship

Portugal’s Golden Visa program is making it easier than ever for investors to take advantage of the advantages of living in Europe.

Portugal Golden visa program permits qualified applicants to buy qualifying real estate and get residency in Portugal.

It also allows you to travel visa-free inside the European Schengen area and makes you eligible for citizenship after five years.

Comporta is among the low-density areas in Portugal. You can benefit from Portugal Golden Visa 280,000 real estate option.

How long does it take to buy property in Comporta?

Buying a property in Comporta may take around three to four months easily. Most of the time is spent looking for the property.

Rest can be easily taken by other aspects like mortgage planning, paperwork, and more.

If you’re interested in the process, learn more about buying a property in Portugal here.

Alentejo Portugal Real Estate: What are the best areas?

Alentejo is one of the true gems of Portugal set with tranquility, golden plains, green hillside, affordable cost of living, and slow pace of life, making the Alentejo Portugal real estate one of the most sought-after markets by investors.

Famous for its cork oaks and olive oil, real estate in Alentejo Portugal is an excellent option if you want an authentic Portuguese experience and a peaceful lifestyle.

If you want to live in Portugal, the Alentejo is an excellent option, providing you with a largely undiscovered part of the country.

Buying a house in Alentejo, like anywhere in Portugal, is perfectly possible for foreigners, and there are no restrictions for you.

To buy a property in Portugal, you’ll need to obtain a Portuguese NIF number (tax identification number) and open a bank account to avoid transaction costs.

Learn more about the process of buying a property in Portugal here.

Alentejo Portugal real estate: What is it like?

When buying property in Alentejo, you can find many properties at very affordable rates. In 2020, the average asking price for property in Alentejo was €1,488/m2.

Portugal is renowned for its affordability compared to other European countries.

The Alentejo is considered very inexpensive in Portugal, meaning you can find exceptional properties at very good prices.

However, some properties on the Alentejo coast can be expensive, such as Comporta and Melides.

Luxury properties will come with a much higher price tag, although they should still be reasonable compared to neighboring countries’ real estate markets.

Many areas in Alentejo remain eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa after the changes that came in early 2022 – this means if you’re looking to invest in residential real estate, then you can only do so in areas considered interior areas.

Where to buy property in Alentejo?

From excellent beaches to rolling hills, the Alentejo has ample options for any type of buyer.

Here are some places we recommend looking at:

Évora

The best place to start is with the capital of Alentejo. Évora is just two hours east of Lisbon and a little over two hours from the Spanish border.

Buying a house here means you are still very close to the capital and can enjoy the advantages while living a quiet life in the countryside, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds.

Comporta

Buying a property in Comporta is synonymous with luxury living (as with Tróia close by). Here, you can enjoy sun-kissed beaches in a relaxed resort. It’s the perfect mix of luxury, nature, and simplicity.

What should I consider when buying a house in Altenjo?

Paperwork

One of the most important things to consider when buying a house in Alentejo is paperwork.

It is important to have everything in order when purchasing a property and do your due diligence so that you are fully aware of the property that you are buying and have all the documents required when purchasing the property.

Neighborhood

When looking into your property’s neighborhood, make sure to properly check out the area.

What age group tends to live there? Is it a good area to retire to? Are there good areas for your children to play or for you to head out into the countryside for a nice walk?

We recommend looking at the neighborhood or asking your local team what’s life like before starting the purchasing process.

Buy Property in Portugal and get residency

Not many years ago, if you wanted to move to another country, you needed to have a specific skill set, a job offer, or a spouse from that country, but that’s not the case these days, many countries have what is known as a golden visa program, and we’ll give you the step-by-step roadmap to buy property in Portugal and get residency.

Many people find the option to buy property in Portugal to support their application more attractive than the other investment options because they’re investing their money in a tangible asset that they can hold onto, rent out, get to enjoy, or one day, resell.

When you apply for and get a residency in Portugal as part of the golden visa program, you don’t get citizenship automatically. Still, you get permanent residency and can eventually apply to become a Portuguese citizen.

The Portuguese residency by investment program or Portugal golden visa has gained immense popularity due to the attractiveness of Portugal’s real estate market and partly because of the flexible stay requirements to maintain your residence status.

How to buy property in Portugal and get residency?

To buy property in Portugal and obtain residency and eventually citizenship, you’ll need to follow this step-by-step roadmap we’ve prepared.

Before we dive into it, you should know that if you were looking to buy a residential property in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, that might not be possible – as the new rules for real estate only allow investors to purchase commercial properties in these high-density areas.

Getting your Portuguese golden visa through real estate investment is still possible. There are many areas nearby these larger cities you can choose from.

Now that you are aware of these geographical restrictions, these are the steps you need to follow to buy property in Portugal and get residency.

Getting a property in Portugal allows you to acquire a Portuguese residence permit, as long as you stay in the country for a minimum of seven days within the first year and fourteen days in the following years.

Buying property in Portugal as a foreigner can be stressful and confusing. That’s why it’s essential to consult local experts in real estate and legal to save your time and money.

How long do I have to keep the property?

If you choose to buy property in Portugal to support your golden visa application, you won’t simply be able to sell it when you choose. If you plan to go through the whole process and eventually apply for citizenship, you’ll need to keep the property for at least five years.

However, you have the flexibility to spend a short time in the country to maintain your residence status, and you can rent out your property and earn money while you wait for your citizenship.

Learn more about the Non-Habitual residence tax scheme in Portugal.

What is required to buy property in Portugal?

You must have a notary witness for signing the sales contract and your Portuguese tax number from a local tax office. Learn more about Portugal’s golden visa requirements here.

Here’s a list of documents that you’ll need when buying property in Portugal:

Photo ID
Property’s energy certificate
Stamp
Land register

If you choose to go with residential property, there are many other regions, such as the Alentejo area, Évora, and Comporta.

Most larger cities and beach towns in Portugal have all the amenities and infrastructure you’d find in any other developed part of the world.

Golden Port Visa has been helping families and investors to make Portugal their new home. We specialize in the Portuguese residency by real estate investment program.

Portugal Dual Citizenship

Those who are contemplating taking on Portuguese citizenship often wish to retain their nationality of origin. The good news is that Portugal recognizes and permits dual citizenship.

What is dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship, also popularly referred to as dual nationality or second citizenship is an individual’s citizenship status, in which the person is simultaneously seen as a citizen of more than one country under the laws of both respective countries.

There can be a variety of reasons for taking on Portuguese citizenship:

Lifelong access to state healthcare
For British citizens, the certainty of their status in the EU after “Brexit”
Freedom of movement around Europe and enjoying the benefits of being an EU citizen
Being able to vote in national elections.

You don’t have to give up your current passport, although it depends on the rules in your home country. Portugal falls into the former category. So, if you become a Portuguese citizen, the Portuguese government won’t make you renounce your citizenship.

You can hold a Portuguese passport and another passport at the same time, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

How can I apply for Portugal dual citizenship?

If you want to get Portuguese citizenship, there are many ways to apply:

By descent or birth
By Marriage
By being a Sephardic Jew
By adoption
Citizenship by naturalization
Citizenship by investment scheme, also known as the Golden Visa program

Each route to Portuguese citizenship has different eligibility requirements.

Portugal allows non-EU citizens to make a significant investment in Portugal in return for a residency visa. You don’t have to live in the country permanently if you don’t want to.

In contrast with the other routes, you can stay as little as 7 days per year in the country and 14 days in the following years.

After five years, you and your family will be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.

This is the best way to obtain Portuguese citizenship for those who don’t have any connection to Portugal, whether through birth, descent, marriage, or otherwise.

It’s one of the most popular and flexible citizenship-by-investment schemes in Europe.

FAQ - Portugal Dual Citizenship

Can I have dual citizenship in the US and Portugal?

Yes, the US allows dual citizenship, meaning you can hold onto your American passport and pursue second citizenship in Portugal. Having said that, though, it’s important to recognize that the USA follows a “master nationality” rule – what it means is that it recognizes only the US nationality of an individual, regardless of whether that individual holds any other citizenship.

Do I have to pay taxes in both countries if I get dual citizenship?

The answer to this question all depends on how much time you’ll spend in Portugal every year and the rules in your current country of citizenship.

If you spend less than 183 days in Portugal each year and don’t consider Portugal your country of residence, then you’re considered a non-tax resident.

You won’t pay tax in Portugal on your worldwide income, but you’ll pay tax on any Portuguese-sourced income (if any).

Portugal has signed double tax treaties with various countries – this means if Portugal has a tax treaty with your home country, then your income won’t be taxed twice.

If you have any questions about the Portugal Golden Visa program, contact us to schedule a free call or send us an email to know more about the program.

Portugal Golden Visa Specialists

+351 926 293 220‬

+351 926 293 220‬

Uncategorized

CBI Portugal: A full review of Portugal citizenship by investment

Table of Contents

Who is the Portugal CBI for?

What are the benefits of the Portugal CBI?

Rules and requirements for Portugal CBI

Application for CBI Portugal

Can I apply for CBI Portugal myself?

EU permanent residency vs. citizenship: What’s the difference?

Table of Contents

Permanent residency vs citizenship: How are they different?

How to get the Portuguese residency vs citizenship

What are the options after year five?

Portugal US tax treaty: Tax treatment for Americans

Why invest in Portugal?

What is the Portugal US Tax Treaty?

How Does the Treaty Work?

Tax Treaty for individuals

Real estate taxes

Business profits

Dividends tax in Portugal

Capital gains in Portugal and USA

Self-employment income tax

Conclusion

FAQ - What does the Portugal US tax treaty cover?

Portugal golden visa processing time: SEF fights backlog

Ireland Golden Visa: Is it the best route for EU citizenship?

Irish golden visa overview:

Benefits of the Ireland golden visa

Advantages of the Ireland golden visa

Disadvantages of the Irish golden visa program

Who can apply for the Ireland Immigrant investor program ?

Taxation in Ireland

Which golden visa program should I pick?

Ireland vs. Portugal golden visa overview

Évora Portugal Real Estate

Évora Portugal Real Estate: What is it like?

Comporta Real Estate

Comporta Real Estate

Why buy a property in Comporta?

Route to citizenship

How long does it take to buy property in Comporta?

Alentejo Portugal Real Estate: What are the best areas?

Alentejo Portugal real estate: What is it like?

Évora

Comporta

What should I consider when buying a house in Altenjo?

Buy Property in Portugal and get residency

Buying property in Portugal overview:

How to buy property in Portugal and get residency?

How long do I have to keep the property?

What is required to buy property in Portugal?

Portugal Dual Citizenship

How can I apply for Portugal dual citizenship?

FAQ - Portugal Dual Citizenship

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