The Dream of European Residency Gets Real Through Portugal Golden Visa

The Dream of European Residency Gets Real Through Portugal Golden Visa

As a very popular residency by investment scheme, the Portugal Golden Visa program has been in effect since 2012. It has provided EU residency for more than 10,000 investors since then. According to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF), real estate investment has been the most popular choice.

In addition to a residence permit, the Golden Visa provides the following benefits for international applicants:

  • Affordable investment options to choose from,
  • A flexible stay requirement,
  • Visa-free access to the Schengen countries,
  • A quality lifestyle and amenities in a safe country,
  • Opportunity to become a Portuguese citizen after five years.

These are only a few advantages of holding a Golden Visa Portugal. Check the following sections to learn more about its benefits.

Portugal Golden Visa in Sum

The program is also known as ARI (Residence Permit for Investment Activity), and it is the most popular among countries with Golden Visa. You can apply for the Golden Visa if you’re a non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss citizen.

Since 2012, the program has raised more than €6 billion in the country.

Investors obtain Portuguese residency after they make a qualifying investment and submit necessary documents. Family members of the main applicants can also apply for the program. It has attracted family members as well because of the amenities Portugal offers. These include a mild climate, a safe and beautiful country as well as a high quality of life in an affordable country.

At the first step, Portugal Golden Visa allows you to live, work, and study in Portugal. Citizenship may also become available when you satisfy the qualifications in five years.

Perks of Holding a Portugal Golden Visa Permit

Each year, Golden Visa Portugal attracts more and more investors in terms of several advantages.

Let’s explore them one by one.

Visa-Free Access to Hundreds of Countries

The Golden Visa Program registers applicants in the Schengen Area central system. In this way, you can travel within and between any Schengen state without a visa.

Furthermore, once you hold your citizenship, you’ll have visa-free access to 188 countries.

No Need To Settle in Portugal

The program doesn’t require you to move to Portugal to keep your resident status. Golden Visa to Portugal requires only seven days of stay in Portugal throughout a year.

However, you’ll still keep the right to live and work in Portugal. You can also establish and run your business in Portugal as well.

Family Members Can Be Included

Your family members can simultaneously apply to the program with you:

  • Your spouse,
  • Your children under the age of 18,
  • Your dependent children under the age of 26 if they’re full-time students and not married,
  • Your parents over the age of 65.

EU Citizenship

After you successfully hold your Golden Visa Portugal for five years, you can apply for citizenship. Portuguese citizenship also means European citizenship. You must fulfill the following requirements to apply for citizenship:

  • You must have clean criminal records both from your home country and Portugal
  • You mustn’t have outstanding tax payments in Portugal
  • You must pass a basic language test in Portuguese.

Tax Benefits

If you consider becoming a tax resident in Portugal, certain benefits can apply via your Golden Visa Portugal. However, note that you’ll not become a tax resident unless you stay in Portugal for more than 183 days.

The non-habitual residency (NHR) program in Portugal makes you exempt from income taxes for a duration of ten years.

Popular Investment Options To Qualify for Portugal Golden Visa

You have more than one option while investing in Portugal Golden Visa. These include investments in:

  • Real Estate
  • Fund Subscription
  • Capital Transfer
  • Company, and
  •  

Let’s briefly review each of them.

Real Estate Acquisition

This is the most popular option among other investment options of Golden Visa Portugal. Find the real estate options below:

  • Real estate purchase for worth more than €500,000 in Portugal
    • If it’s in a low-density area: The minimum requirement drops to €400,000
  • Real estate purchase for real estate older than 30 years and located in an urban rehabilitation area. Also, renovate it for a minimum of €350,000 in Portugal
    • Again, if it’s in a low-density area: The minimum requirement drops to €280,000

According to the recent changes in the program, you cannot buy residential property in Lisbon, Porto, and the coastal towns of the mainland. However, commercial properties in these locations can still qualify you for Golden Visa program.

Fund Subscription

You need to make a minimum of €500,000 subscription in a qualifying Portuguese fund.

Other Investment Options

  • Capital transfer: A capital transfer of a minimum of €1.5 million to Portugal.
  • Company set up: Creating a minimum of 10 jobs in a Portuguese business owned by the main applicant.
  • Donation of
    • €250,000 in preserving national heritage
    • €500,000 in a research and development activity

Apply today for Golden Visa Portugal and get these special advantages for yourself and your family!