Portugal’s investor visa program, also known as the Golden Visa program, is a residence permit program that allows non-European Union (EU) citizens to obtain a visa and permanent residence in Portugal by making certain investments in the country.
The program was introduced in 2012 and has been successful in attracting foreign investment and talent to Portugal.
Under the investor visa program, non-EU citizens can qualify for a residence permit by investing in real estate, setting up a business, or investing in government bonds.
After holding the investor visa for a minimum of five years, applicants may be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Obtaining the investor visa offers several benefits, including the ability to live, work, and study in Portugal, access to the Schengen Area, and the potential for a path to citizenship.
The investor visa program has been popular among individuals looking to relocate to Portugal for personal or professional reasons, as well as those seeking a second residence in a European country with a high quality of life.
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Portugal's investor visa program
To be eligible for Portugal’s investor visa program, non-EU citizens must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid passport
- Have sufficient financial means to support themselves and their family in Portugal
- Have health insurance coverage
- Have no criminal record
Make one of the following investments in Portugal:
- Purchase real estate with a value of at least €280,000
- Create at least 10 jobs in Portugal through the establishment of a business
- Invest at least €1 million in government bonds or in a publicly traded company
- Invest at least €350,000 in research activities, cultural projects, or the restoration of national heritage buildings
It is important to note that the above requirements are subject to change, and it is always a good idea to confirm the most up-to-date information with your immigration consultants before applying for the investor visa.
Investor visa process to get residency
The process for applying for the investor visa and obtaining permanent residence in Portugal typically involves the following steps:
Choose an investment option and make the required investment in Portugal. This could involve purchasing real estate, establishing a business, or investing in government bonds or a publicly traded company.
Gather the necessary documents for the investor visa application. This may include proof of investment, proof of financial means, a valid passport, a clean criminal record, and proof of health insurance coverage.
Submit the investor visa application.
If the investor visa application is approved, you will receive a residence permit that allows you to live and work in Portugal. The residence permit is initially valid for two years and must be renewed every two years.
After holding the investor visa for a minimum of five years, you may be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Benefits of Portugal golden visa
There are several benefits to obtaining an investor visa in Portugal, including:
The ability to live, work, and study in Portugal
With the investor visa, you and your family can reside in Portugal indefinitely and take advantage of the country’s high quality of life and a strong economy.
You also have the freedom to travel within the Schengen Area, a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual borders.
The potential for a path to citizenship
After holding the investor visa for a minimum of five years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Portugal.
After obtaining permanent residence, you may be able to apply for Portuguese citizenship, which grants you all the rights and privileges of a Portuguese citizen.
A stable and welcoming environment
Portugal is known for its strong economy, low crime rate, and welcoming culture, making it an attractive destination for individuals and families looking to relocate.
Holders of the investor visa can benefit from the country’s many opportunities and high quality of life.
Non-habitual resident tax scheme
If spend more than 183 days per year in Portugal you may be eligible to apply for non-habitual resident tax status, allowing you to benefit from a favorable tax regime for 10 years. Learn more about the NHR tax Scheme.
It is important to note that the rules and regulations surrounding the Portugal Golden Visa program are subject to change, and there have been recent changes to the new rules.
It’s expected that the program may have stricter rules for 2023.
As the Golden Visa program becomes more popular, the competition for visas may increase, making it more difficult to secure a place in the program.
In conclusion, the Portugal Golden Visa program is a residence permit program that allows non-European Union (EU) citizens to obtain a visa and permanent residence in Portugal by making certain investments in the country.
Applying for the Portugal golden visa now may allow you to secure a place in the program before the competition becomes more intense.