Portugal Golden Visa Archives

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.

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.

Spain vs Portugal golden visa

Portugal and Spain’s residency by investment or Golden visa attracts hundreds of investors each year for the benefits and advantages of holding a European residency permit.

Both countries offer golden beaches, exquisite gastronomy, amazing weather year-round, and a stable lifestyle in the heart of Europe.

It is no wonder that so many high-net-worth individuals from the United States, UK, Middle East, and beyond are seeking legal residence by investment through these nations’ Golden visa programs.

If you’ve been wondering which golden visa program is right for you, this article will help you sort that out.

Portugal and Spain provide the Golden Visa programs to non-European Union nationals to obtain permanent residency – or citizenship in the long run and gain access to the European Union.

What are these Golden Visa Programs?

Portugal = easy and affordable investment options.

Portugal’s Golden Visa program was launched in 2012 as a legal process based on the law that invites foreign investors from non-EU countries to obtain fully valid residency permits in Portugal for themselves and their families in exchange for a qualifying investment into the country.

The Portuguese Golden visa requires applicants to spend a minimum of €280,000 on real estate in low-density areas of Portugal.

The minimum residency requirement is 7 days the first year and 14 days the following years to maintain your residency permit. You’ll be able to apply for citizenship after 5 years.

Spain = fastest way to get a temporary residency permit.

Spain’s Golden Visa program was launched in 2013 to encourage foreign investment and welcomes their families in exchange for a qualifying investment to boost the state economy.

The Spanish golden visa requires applicants to spend a minimum €500,000.

In Spain, the rules are more flexible. There is no residency rule to maintain the visa, you’re only required to visit Spain once in the first year.

The Spanish Golden Visa lets you first live as a temporary resident with an opportunity to become a permanent resident after the first five-year period. You’ll be able to apply for Spanish citizenship after you live in the country for ten years.

Both programs allow you to obtain valid residency permits for yourself and your family, eventually leading you to the possibility of getting an EU passport.

What benefits will you get as a European resident?

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

Freedom of movement: Movement without restrictions in the Schengen Area.
Health & Education: You and your family can enjoy quality education and world-class healthcare in Portugal or Spain.
Pathway to citizenship: Both programs offer an indirect path to citizenship if you meet all the residency requirements, but the time to get there will differ.
Ease of process: both programs have an easy, straightforward application and renewal process.

Which Golden Visa should I pick?

We’ve prepared this comparison table to help you sort out which golden visa works best for you.

Pathway to EU citizenship

Once you get a golden visa, you must meet the criteria to apply for citizenship. Here’s a quick overview of Portugal and Spain’s requirements.

Citizenship requirements for Portugal

Five years of living in Portugal, on average seven days per year
Having no unpaid taxes in Portugal
A2 Portuguese language exam
No criminal record in the home country

Citizenship requirements for Spain

10 years of living in Spain uninterruptedly
No criminal record in the home country
A2 Spanish language exam
Take a test on knowledge of the Spanish Constitution and social-cultural customs

Family eligibility

Portugal’s golden visa allows a spouse and dependent children (under 18 years old or still completing studies) to be included, as well as your parents – if they’re dependent on you.

For Spain, the investor’s spouse, children under 18, and parents can be included as dependent on an application.

Portugal and Spain’s golden visa taxation

When you hold a golden visa in Portugal or Spain, you won’t be required to become a tax resident unless you spend more than 183 days of the calendar year in either of the two countries.

Here’s a quick overview of Portugal vs Spain golden visa taxation:

Country	Income tax	Corporate tax	Inheritance tax	Foreigner tax
Portugal	14.5% – 45%	21%	None	NHR tax exemption scheme
Spain	19% – 45%	25%	1% – 7% (depending on the region)	None

Portugal has one of the most favorable tax schemes for foreigners in the EU. The Non-Habitual residency (NHR) gives tax exemptions to golden visa holders for up to 10 years.

Portugal’s golden visa program holds the most benefit for those whose country of citizenship does not require them to declare their global income.

If you’re from the U.S., you can certainly take advantage of the golden visa, but whether it’s the best option for you depends on your personal tax obligations.

The holder of the NHR status does not need to pay tax on:

Dividends, interest and royalties
Capital gains
Rental income from a real estate outside of Portugal
Income from employment in another country

It’s important to keep in mind though, that Spain tax investors on their worldwide income if you live in Spain for over 183 days per year. Tax is charged at 24.75% on income derived in the country, like rental income.

A major plus for the Portuguese program is the ability to apply for a Portuguese passport five years prior to obtaining residency, contrary to the ten years needed for acquiring a Spanish passport.

Golden Port Visa is here to assist you through the entire process. We are more than an immigration consultancy – we are your trusted Portuguese partner that will help you achieve your relocation goal.

We specialize in assistance with residency and property investment in Portugal.

Portugal Golden Visa Real Estate Investment

The Portugal Golden Visa has met some major changes on 1 st January 2022. According to the new rules, the regions where you can make real estate investments to qualify for Portugal’s golden visa have changed, and the investment threshold has increased.

This post will give you insights into the new changes and the current state of the Portugal golden visa properties eligible for Portuguese golden visa.

It’s true that there has been confusion and panic about properties in Portugal. However, the new rules don’t lower your chance of getting a Portugal golden visa through real estate investment.

Overview of Portugal Golden Visa changes

Two main changes have been introduced:

Where you can buy a residential property has been limited to some locations.
Investment amounts for capital transfers and cultural and fund investments have been raised.

While the changes on the restriction for property acquisition might be confusing. It’s important that you become familiar with the terms of low-density areas and high-density areas, as well as interior and non-interior regions.

If an area has fewer than 100 inhabitants per km2 or a GDP per capita less than 75% of the national average, it’s named “low-density”.

In “interior areas,” you’re free to make either residential or commercial property investments. However, in “non-interior,” you can only invest in commercial properties, such as offices or hotels.

Eligible Real estate investment options

Real estate investment is still an option for Portugal Golden Visa investors. Here are some routes you can take to qualify.

Residential real estate

You can choose to buy residential real estate in an interior area and pay €500,000. But there’s also the possibility of investing €350,000 in an urban rehabilitation project.

If the residential property is in a designated low-density area in Portugal, you’re also eligible for a 20% discount on the minimum investment threshold.

Commercial real estate

You can buy commercial real estate anywhere in Portugal if it is worth at least €500,000.

An investment of €350,000 is also possible if the property is part of an urban rehabilitation project. You’re also eligible for a 20% drop on the minimum investment threshold.

If you’re going to invest in real estate in Madeira Islands or the Azores. The minimum investment for these areas is €500,000, but there is no discount available as these islands aren’t included in Portugal’s low-density areas, as well as Lisbon, Porto and the majority of the Algarve.

You might be thinking that buying a house in popular spots and qualifying for a golden visa at the same time isn’t possible.

That’s not true, though.

Although the “most famous” places have been taken away from the equation, there are many locations where you can find your ideal property. Such as Comporta, Alentejo and Sagres.

Getting a golden visa in Portugal through real estate investment is still possible. Once you go through all areas, you’ll realize that Portugal’s real estate scenario is promising, but this search isn’t a simple DIY.

Whether you choose to live in the historical city of Évora or the Seaview from coastal towns.

You’ll need a local team assisting you from the best real estate options to beating the local bureaucracy.

Golden Port Visa is here to assist you through the entire process. We are more than an immigration consultancy – we are your trusted Portuguese partner that will help you achieve your relocation goal.

We work with exclusive real estate developers in Portugal to offer a wide array of properties to fit your needs and lifestyle. Contact us to schedule a free call or send us an email to know more about the program.

Portugal Low-density areas: Golden Visa eligible areas

Low-density areas in Portugal are getting a lot of attention from foreign investors and locals. As major cities are getting crowded daily, people are looking for quieter spots. In this post, you’ll learn more about low-density areas and how you can invest.

But first, let us explain what a low-density area is.

Low-density areas are regions that have less than 100 inhabitants per square kilometer or per capita GDP. For example, Lisbon and Porto aren’t listed as low-density areas.

However, the Algarve and some districts of Évora are included in the low-density areas.

Considering the rising popularity of Portugal both as a hub for technology and financial centers, investing in the country has become more important.

Let’s have a look at some of the most important advantages.

Spend less money to obtain a European residency

The purchase of real estate for €280,000 is one of the lowest investment requirements in Europe’s golden visa programs.

Furthermore, spending an average of seven days each year in Portugal may make you eligible to apply for citizenship after five years.

Invest where you can make a profit

If you compare Lisbon and Porto’s real estate market with real estate in low-density areas, you’ll find it’s still more affordable than other bigger cities in Europe.

Portugal has hit big numbers in tourism in the past two years. And as the world is falling in love with Portugal, if you buy a property in Portugal, you can rent it out and earn a high profit.

Short-term touristic renting is getting popular, which makes real estate a good investment to go with.

These are some of the best low-density areas you might want to look at in Portugal.

Alentejo

The Alentejo region of Portugal is a popular rural tourism destination. Many wineries are located here.

There are many areas in Alentejo that are eligible for the Portugal golden visa. From excellent beaches to rolling hills, Alentejo has ample options for you.

Here’s a short overview of some places you want to look:

Évora

The capital of the Alentejo. Évora is two hours from Lisbon and a little over two hours from the Spanish border. Buying a house here means you’re still very close to Lisbon and can enjoy the quiet life in the countryside.

Comporta

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

The properties in Comporta are more affordable than those in Lisbon and other major cities in Portugal. You can choose from various types of houses here.

We specialize in assistance with residency and property investment in Portugal. Contact us to schedule a free call or send us an email to know more about the program.

Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options: Which one to choose?

When it comes to golden visa programs, Portugal’s always come to the mind of investors by being known as the most flexible program. We’ll introduce you to the different Portugal Golden Visa investment options, their pros and cons to help you choose the option that works best for you.

Before investing in Portugal, you’ll need to obtain a NIF Number and open a Portuguese bank account. This is one requirement to opt for the Portugal Golden Visa program. We invite you to learn more about the Portugal Golden Visa Investment requirements here.

Once created, you need to choose an investment option. We’re going to list the options offer by the Portuguese government and then go in-depth into each one:

€500,000 investment in Real Estate (commercial properties or high-density areas)
€500,000 investment in a Fund in Portugal
€350,00 investment renovation of a property that is 30 years old, or;
€280,000 investment in the renovation of property located in a low-density area
€1.5 million capital transfer
Creation of 10 jobs in Portugal
€250,000 donation to Arts/ National Heritage/ Culture
€500,000 investment in Scientific and Technological research

Portugal Golden Visa Investment Properties: The most popular option

This investment route is what most investors choose to go through. It can be any type of property located anywhere within Portugal.

However, as of January 1st, 2022, residential properties in Lisbon, Porto, and mainland coastal towns don’t qualify. If you want to go for these spots, you can invest in commercial property and be eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa.

Portugal has no restrictions on foreigners acquiring properties. This option is the most attractive as you have the opportunity to invest in the growing Portuguese real estate market.

You can then choose to rent the property or live in it yourself.

Renovation of property or properties located in low-density areas

The government in Portugal offers this lower investment threshold for investors who are willing to purchase a real estate property that is at least 30 years old and renovate it.

Keep in mind though, that it’s unlikely you can find such options in city centers, especially Lisbon.

If you choose to make a real estate investment or renovate a property in a low-density area in Portugal, you get a 20% reduction on the minimum investment required.

If you want to look for a property in a low-density area by yourself this is going to give you some headaches. You need to know the area, the neighborhoods to find your ideal property – having a trusted Portuguese partner that’ll give you local insights will make the process easier and less stressful.

For more information on real estate in Portugal, we recommend you our Guide on buying a property in Portugal.

€500,000 Investment in a Fund in Portugal: High Risk, High Reward

This option gained popularity in 2019 because it has a low minimum investment price and low costs. This investment has to meet specific qualifications to be valid for the Golden Visa.

Some qualifying funds focus on real estate, while other focus on equity, companies, startups, or commodities.

Before investing in one, you should know the pros and cons of the Portugal Golden Visa investment fund:

Pros

No extra costs, unlike real estate acquisition.
Someone else manages the fund, and you won’t have to worry about your investment.
You’ll diversify your investment rather than investing in just one or two properties.

Cons

It’s hard to find and identify qualified funds, meaning your GV application might take more time than those choosing the real estate option.
It’s riskier than conventional investments like real estate.
Exiting can be difficult if you wish to get out before the fund dissolves
Someone else is in control of your investment

If you go with a Golden Visa fund, you should expect to be presented with low to medium-risk options and returns accordingly.

Capital transfer: Convenient option

This is the most straightforward route to the Portugal Golden Visa. Make a €1.5 million capital transfer, and you’re done.

This option is the most conservative since your capital will simply move from one place to another without investment risk.

Your capital would be sitting there, locked away safe and sound, but without the chance of earning returns.

If the amount drops under €1.5 million at any point, the Golden Visa status could be revoked. Once you become a permanent resident or a Portuguese citizen, you’re free to remove the capital from the bank.

Creation of 10 jobs in Portugal: The cheapest option

There is no minimum amount you’re required to spend on job creation. You need to found and run a company for at least five years (until you become a citizen or permanent resident) and create ten jobs within the company.

The ten positions need to be newly created and full-time.

While it can be cheap and convenient to start a company and hire an expert to run it for you, you need to have at least ten people employed in this company and pay them full-time salaries.

It might take a while for a new company to see any returns on your investments.

Donation of €250,000 to Arts/ National Heritage/ Culture

This option seems to be quite ambiguous as offered by the program. You must donate €250,000 to Portuguese Art, National heritage, or culture to qualify for this.

The upside of this route is that it’s cheap and convenient. Once you identify the institution to donate to and do the paperwork, it’s done.

The downside is that it’s a donation. You’ll be saying goodbye to your money forever, but you get a residence and eventually Portuguese citizenship.

€500,000 Investment in Scientific and Technological Research: The Ambiguous Option

A €500,000 investment in scientific or technical research is conducted by an accredited national institution. This route’s terms are so unclear that nearly no one chooses to go throught it.

The Portugal Golden Visa program is anything but lacking investment options. As a quick summary, you can go the Real Estate route if you want to live or retire in Portugal or if you’re looking for a traditional investment.

We specialize in the Portuguese residency by real estate investment. At Golden Port Visa, we’ve worked with clients from all over the world and help them find their ideal property in Portugal and get a Golden Visa.

Still have some questions? Check our Portugal Golden Visa FAQ here here or contact us and speak to our consultants who can assist you.

FAQ - Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options

What is the cheapest investment option for Portugal golden visa?

Technically, it’s the option to create ten jobs. But remember the employees must be kept throughout the entire golden visa process and must be paid a full-time salaries. We recommend going with the real estate investment which gives you a return at the end of five years.

Can foreigners buy property in Portugal?

Yes! Portugal has no restrictions on foreigners buying property whether is commercial or residential in Portugal.

Is it better to invest in property in a low-density area in Portugal?

If you choose to invest in a low-density area, you get 20% off the minimum investment. This could be a smart idea if you plan to retire in Portugal or have a idyllic lifestyle in Portugal.

Does Portugal golden visa lead to citizenship?

Not directly, but yes. After five years of having the golden visa, you could apply for Portuguese citizenship if you’ve lived there for at least six years and are a tax resident here.

Greece vs Portugal Golden Visa Program

Last update Greece vs Portugal golden visa: 20.09.2022

Are you trying to decide between the Greece vs Portugal golden visa programs?

If so, you are not alone. Both countries offer attractive golden visa programs that grant the holder the right to live and work in the country, as well as access to world-class education and healthcare systems.

In this blog post, we will compare the Greece vs Portugal golden visa programs to help you make an informed decision.

We will cover the requirements, benefits, and costs of each program, as well as the pros and cons of each country.

Whether you are looking to relocate for business or personal reasons, we hope this comparison will help you choose the best golden visa program for you.

Overview of Greece VS Portugal Golden Visa

There are common similarities between Greece and Portugal’s programs. They both are stunning and safe countries, with sunny Mediterranean weather and low living costs, delicious food, beautiful beaches, and rich culture, no wonder why so many tourists visit these countries every year.

Both schemes offer various qualifying investment options for non-EU citizens, allowing applicants and their families to get an EU residency in a few months.

Both programs eventually lead to the possibility of getting an EU passport.

So, you might be thinking, what are the differences then?

Portugal Golden Visa Program = Easy and fast tracked path to EU citizenship

The Portuguese Golden Visa requires applicants to spend a minimum of €280,000 on real estate in low-density areas of Portugal. You must spend an average of seven days the first year and 14 days the following years. Its process is simple to apply for temporary residence and also for Portuguese citizenship after five years – which grants you all the benefits of being a European Union citizen.

Greece Golden Visa = Cheap way to EU citizenship

The Greek Golden visa requires applicants to spend a minimum of €500,000 (previously €250,000) on real estate in Greece. This is sufficient to qualify for a Greek residence visa for the primary applicant and many family dependents (including dependent children under the age of 24 and both spouses’ parents). There is also no necessity to spend any time in Greece.

What are the benefits of being a European Resident?

Having citizenship in one of the European nations is an attractive and advantageous offer. Consider the key benefits of obtaining European citizenship:

High living standards, a modern healthcare system, and a high-quality education system.
Freedom of movement. What does this mean to you? Being an EU citizen allows you to work, travel and study anywhere within the Schengen area. A key benefit if you’re an entrepreneur with foreign partners.
There are no conditions for permanent residency, except in Portugal, where one must remain for at least a week in 365 days to have one’s status in the extended country.
A spouse and children may be granted residency with the main applicant. In some jurisdictions, even parents may be included in the application.

Which Golden Visa Program should I pick?

Pathway to European Citizenship

A Golden Visa is a pathway to permanent residency in a country. Once you obtain a Golden Visa, you must meet their citizenship criteria to apply for citizenship. Here’s a quick overview of Greece and Portugal’s requirements.

Citizenship requirements for Portugal:

Five years of living in Portugal, on average seven days a year
Having no unpaid taxes in Portugal
A2 Portuguese language exam
No criminal record in the home country

Citizenship requirements for Greece:

Seven days of living in Greece for more than 183 days each year
Greek citizenship examination
No criminal record in your home country

Golden Visa Europe Programs’ Taxation

This has nothing to do with the Golden Visa program but is a concern for everyone. As long as you’re not a tax resident in these countries, you only owe taxes on income earned in the hosting country. You don’t have to pay taxes on your foreign earnings.

There’s a Non-habitual Residency scheme in Portugal which is a tax policy aimed to help foreigners become tax residents in Portugal. it is one of the most appealing tax schemes in the European Union.

Now, how do you decide which program to apply to? There are definitely many similarities between Greece and Portugal’s Golden Visa in terms of application time, passport ranking, minimum investment required, and family eligibility.

It is important to keep in mind though, that Greece applies more economic restrictions to its foreign residents than Portugal. While Portugal Golden Visa holders can work without restrictions in Portugal, this is not the case in Greece, where you’re able to live but not work (unless you create your own business).

In terms of taxes, Greece imposes an income tax rate that starts at 22% to all its residents, while Portugal offers attractive tax incentices for its foreign residents under the NHR tax regime – so, if your main goal is to reduce your taxation then Greece’s Golden Visa might not be the best option to you. Real estate can also prove to be more costly in Greece than in Portugal, as property taxes are high in Greece.

A major plus for the Portuguese program is the ability to apply for a Portuguese passport five years prior to obtaining residency, contrary to the seven years needed for acquiring a Greek passport.

Greece offered the cheapest investment option a month ago with no residency requirements. On September 20th, the Greek government announced the minimum investment increase from €250,000 to €500,000.

Portugal has been recognized as one of the best countries to live in for expats. With more attractive and still affordable investment options available in Europe.

Portugal offers you stability, quality of life and more opportunities as a foreigner.

We specialize in assistance with residency and property investment in Portugal. Contact us to schedule a free call or send us an email to know more about the program.

FAQ - Greece vs Portugal Golden Visa

Does the investor have to pay taxes in Portugal on his/her worldwide income?

No. If the investor doesn’t spend 183 days or more in Portugal within a year, the investor is not a domicile. In that case, the investor doesn’t pay taxes in Portugal on the worldwide income, apart from that in Portugal.

Can I obtain an EU passport by applying to the Greece or Portugal Golden Visa program?

Yes, you can obtain an EU passport by applying for the Greece or Portugal Golden Visa program. The main difference is that you’ll be able to acquire a Portuguese passport after five years of residency, while it’ll take seven years to obtain a Greek passport.

Which Golden Visa program is the best? Comparison: Portugal vs Greece

It depends. It depends on the criteria of the investor, and there are many variables that go into answering that question. Nevertheless, we recommend applying for the Portugal Golden Visa as it has more investment options, offers great tax benefits to foreign residents, gives its holders the ability to work in Portugal, and ultimately is the fastest route to acquiring EU citizenship.

Portugal Golden Visa 2022 Changes

Portugal’s golden visa program is one of the most popular residency by investment programs in Europe and the world, in this article we’ll cover the new changes applied in Portugal Golden Visa 2022 and how you can take advantage of the current situation of the economic landscape.

Whether you’re looking for a permanent residency or citizenship the Portuguese golden visa is the ideal program if you’re trying to lower your taxes, expand your business to a dynamic market or secure your family’s future with an European passport.

If there is a lesson we have learned from the past two years with a pandemic and now with Russia and Ukraine war, it is that our world can change in an instant.

Many people are keen to secure a safe haven in another country with alarming events.

We’ve talked to clients worldwide on a daily basis and all have their reasons when deciding to get the Portuguese residecy.

It all comes down to the options that this second passport gives them.

With a lot of Golden Visas Programs out there is easy to feel overwhelmed, and just thinking about starting the process makes things complicated, but we know clients often face these challenges:

Getting a Schengen visa. Getting their money out of their country.
Getting an overseas account open.
Getting a resident status in a safe country that allows you to live, work, and study.
Having all your assets, investments, and saving in your home country in the same currency means heightened risks if the currency exchange rate plummets.

But imagine the relief you and your family feel if you:

Have a solid option to move out of harm’s way in neccesary circumstances.
Having investments outside of your home country, serving as a hedge on the currency and also on the asset value if anything happens in your country.
Have a resident/ citizenship status in another country, where you can enter without needing a visa and start a new life.

Portugal is becoming popular as a destination for long-term residency for retirees, wealthy entrepreneurs, business people, and families.

Portugal offers and incredible weather, high safety and security levels, low living costs, a relaxed lifestyle, and good healthcare.

Getting a Portguese residecy is simple, but there are some important thing to know.

If you’re not an EU/ EEA/ Swiss citizen and nor is your partner, you can go with the Golden visa program to become a Portuguese resident.

The main prerequisite is to have at least €280,000 available to invest in Portugal.

Real estate changes for Portugal golden visa 2022

The new rules of the Portugal residency by investment or golden visa program limit locations where you can invest in a property. The minimum investment remains the same, while there geographical restrictions on the qualifying areas.

You’re no longer able to purchase a property in major cities such as Lisbon or Porto or coastal towns of the mainland.

Only properties investments inland and low-density areas are eligible.

Learn more about the Low-density area in Portugal here

Portugal offers many investment types that qualify for the Golden Visa. But the residency by real estate investment is the most attractive among our clients because they might earn rental income while waiting for citizenship status.

Applying for a second residency does take a bit of work and effort.

But imagine the possibilities you would have with your Portugal Golden Visa, contrary to those that thought of the idea of getting it.

Golden Port Visa is an immigration consultancy that will assist you through the process of the Portugal Golden Visa.

You won’t have to spend your time looking for properties to invest in. You don’t need to come to Portugal to start the process. We handle all the paperwork so you can focus on important matters.

Getting Portuguese citizenship is the end goal for many people who seek residency. You need to maintain your temporary residency status for five years before becoming eligible to apply for citizenship.

Why is the right time to invest in Portugal?

The Euro’s drop to a five-year low is reaching parity versus the dollar for the first time in two decades. This is the time to consider buying Euro-denominated assets cheaply.

Portugal has hit big numbers in tourism in recent history during the pandemic and became stronger. Tourism increased in the last recession as Europeans stopped taking exotic holidays and looked closer at what they have best at home.

If you’re looking for a haven, a second home, or a fresh start – then Portugal might be exactly what you need.

Contact us to know more about how to get a Portugal residency. Our international team is available to answer all your questions.

Portugal Golden Visa Specialists

+351 926 293 220‬