The Portugal Golden Visa scheme is one of the most popular and attractive programmes in the world designed to encourage investment to Portugal.

Since its creation in 2012, over 10,000 investors and over 18,000 family members have benefited from the Portugal Golden Visa bringing over 6 billion Euros into the country.

Why exactly is the Portugal Golden Visa so in-demand?

Access to Live, Study and Work in Portugal

Ability to live and work in Portugal. It’s a safe EU country with affordable living costs, wonderful climate, good infrastructure and a high quality of life.

Visa- Free Travel in Schengen Area

Visa free access throughout the Schengen area which includes 27 EU Countries.

Investment in a Stable European Economy

Investing in Portugal means investing in a promising economy. It also means obtaining competitive returns, while also getting the residency. Consequently, the option for EU citizenship as a bonus.

Path to EU Citizenship

Option to apply for Portuguese Citizenship after the fifth year while still keeping other citizenship(s). If the applicant and his family become Portuguese citizens, they  are then EU citizens. This gives them multiple benefits such as allowing them to live, work and study anywhere in the EU and travel to over 180 countries visa free!

Multiple and Affordable Options

Choice of various options with the minimum requirement from €250,000.

Low Stay Requirements

Applicants do not need to live in Portugal. All that is needed is to stay in the country for 14 consecutive or non-consecutive days in every 2 years.

Family Reunification

Also grants privileges for investor’s family members. The program includes family reunification, meaning that a spouse, dependent children and dependent parents can be included. They can all live and work in Portugal and travel freely within the Schengen area, as well as enjoy all the visas’ benefits.

Resident Benefits

If applicants and their family do decide to reside in Portugal, they have the ability to apply for access to free public services such as healthcare and education. 

Favourable Tax Scheme

For non-tax residents, global income is not taxable (only income derived in Portugal). For tax residents, there is a very beneficial tax regime (non-habitual residency) exempting many of the resident’s income for up to 10 years.

What happens next?

Year 1-2: Golden Visa Card #1

Your much awaited Portugal Golden Visa Card has now arrived. You can now take advantage of all the benefits that this includes! As previously discussed, throughout year 1 and 2 all holders of the Portugal Golden Visa are required to spend a minimum of 14 days in Portugal within these two years. Close to the end of the 2nd year, we will assist you in order to renew your residence card. This includes setting an appointment with SEF in Portugal, coordinating with you to provide up-to-date documentation, and for you to pay the renewal fees for yourself and for your dependents.

Year 3-4: Golden Visa Card #2

Similar to your first Portugal Golden Visa residence card, the second one is valid for another two years. Again, all holders will need to spend a minimum of 14 days in Portugal within these two years. At the end of the two-year period, we will once again assist you to go through the renewal process.

Year 5-6: Golden Visa Card #3

Your third Portugal Golden Visa residence card will also be valid for two years. However, at the end of year 5, you have to decide between which three options you will proceed with:

• Renew your Portugal Golden Visa and continue with the temporary resident status: Your Portugal Golden Visa can be renewed indefinitely every two years; however you will need to hold on to your investment as long as you renew your Portugal Golden Visa card.
• Apply for Portuguese citizenship: To apply for the Portuguese Passport some of the main requirements are that you need to pass an A2 level Portuguese language test which includes the basic understanding of the Portuguese language, prove that you have links to the country such as through your investment, have no criminal record etc. Once you obtain the citizenship, you do not need to keep your investment. You will obtain all the rights of an Portuguese and EU citizen!
• Apply for permanent residence in Portugal: You can also apply for the Portuguese Permanent Residency which, among other requirements, also includes the A2 level Portuguese language test as well as the need to provide a physical address of residence in Portugal. Once you obtain the Permanent Residency, you don’t need to keep your investment.

Please note during each year you may have to submit a tax declaration and pay income tax on any income derived in Portugal (if you are a non-tax resident) or on your worldwide income if you are a Portugal Tax resident.

Living in Portugal

One of Europe’s oldest countries, Portugal boasts a rich and diverse culture, delicious food and blissful Mediterranean climate. Along with its strong infrastructure, public health and education system and its safe and stable environment, it is an ideal location for raising families, conducting business or simply for travel.

LANGUAGE

Portuguese (official), Mirandese (official, but locally used) with English widely spoken.

GOVERNMENT TYPE

Semi-presidential republic.

CURRENCY

Euro (EUR) €.

TOTAL AREA

92,090 sq. km.

CAPITAL

Lisbon.

POPULATION

10.3 million.

ECONOMY

Business-oriented services and manufacturing based.

The Portugal Golden Visa is one of the most advantageous residence programmes in Europe. We are here to help you figure out the solution that best fits your interests and lifestyle.

If you want to learn more in depth about Portugal Golden Visa and the criteria for eligibility, click here to check our other articles about the subject.