Portugal
Program is no More Available
Portugal Golden Visa
Portugal, sometimes referred to as the Portuguese Republic, is a country in southwest Europe that has many geographical and cultural links to both Europe and the Mediterranean region. Portugal is a part of both the Schengen Zone and the European Union. It is a well-known tourist destination and, for many investors, a home away from home due to its high degree of security, stunning vistas, outstanding gastronomy, and Mediterranean temperature. The official language is Portuguese, however English is also frequently used.
Portugal created the Portuguese Golden Visa Program through real estate investment in 2012, and it quickly rose to the top of the list of the most popular residency by investment programs globally. Non-European nationals are allowed to reside, work, and study in Portugal under the Portugal Residence Program. The program features a rapid six-month processing period and a minimal residence requirement of just seven days annually or fourteen days every two years.
Once they get a residence permit, investors and high-net-worth families can travel freely and visa-free to any European countries in the Schengen area. Investors will have access to a larger market and a bigger professional network thanks to their ability to register and run enterprises in Portugal and throughout Europe.
Regarding dependents, the investor will be allowed to include their spouse and family members under the same Golden Visa application without having to make a separate investment. All members of the family will then enjoy the advantages of living in Europe, such as having access to a high standard of living, a safe and secure nation, and first-rate healthcare and education.
The Portugal Residency by Investment program offers investors and their families the opportunity to petition for citizenship five years after the first investment is made, providing a road to Portuguese dual citizenship.
Investment Scheme:
Commercial Real Estate Investment:
The applicant purchases a commercial approved real estate in Portugal with a minimum investment amount of EUR 280,000 or
EUR 350,000 in all areas of Portugal.
Investing in Portuguese Companies:
- EUR 350,000 investment in the incorporation of a new Portuguese company, creating a minimum of 5 permanent jobs
- EUR 350,000 additional share capital investment in an existing Portuguese company, creating a minimum of 5 permanent jobs.
- EUR 200,000 investment in a Portuguese company with an economic recovery plan in place
- EUR 350,000 investment in funds to provide additional capital to a Portuguese company with an economic recovery plan in place
The key requirement for a golden visa application remain the same and include a minimum investment period of 5 years and minimum stay requirements of 7 days a year of 14 days in two years.
Advantages of Portugal citizen with a golden visa:
- An investor must not be an EU national.
- Investor is required to maintain their investment for five years.
- A minimum stay of seven days annually, or fourteen days every two years, is required.
- Investors are required to invest in eligible real estate at the level required of €280,000, €350,000, or €400,000.
- The primary applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- Dependent children under the age of twenty-five may be included.
You can add parents who are dependent.
Portugal Citizenship:
Citizens of Portugal are eligible for visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 187 countries around the world as well as the ability to live, work, and study in every member state of the European Union. Portuguese citizenship is mostly obtained by marriage or civil union, birth in a Portuguese territory, or descent from Portuguese parents or grandparents.
After five years of legal residency (golden visa) in Portugal, including for individuals who participate in the residence by investment program, it is possible to petition for citizenship if:
- The potential candidate is at least 18 years old.
- The candidate has lived in Portugal for a minimum of five years.
- The candidate has fundamental understanding of Portuguese (A2 level internationally).
According to Portuguese law, the applicant has not been found guilty of a crime that carries a sentence of three years or more.
The candidate may show concrete links to the Portuguese community in order to generate more favorable conditions for citizenship acceptance. Portugal accepts dual nationality.
Buying Property in Portugal
The real estate market in Portugal experienced a significant increase in demand from 2000–2008, which led to developers working hard to meet the demand. However, with the global financial crisis of 2008, demand for real estate decreased, leaving many newly built properties available. Prices decreased and a strong opportunity for value was created and still exists as the market corrects itself.
Our research indicates that the most desirable areas are:
- Lisbon — Portugal’s capital city
- Estoril coast and the Cascais region — offering a strong lifestyle focus
- Troia region — a tropical atmosphere located just 40 km south of Lisbon
- Algarve region — Portugal’s main tourist region, boasting Blue Flag beaches and integrated resort communities
These areas offer buyers various features and value for money:
Prime developments close to the capital city of Lisbon
- Both Lisbon and the Estoril coast and Cascais regions offer prime real estate developments, which to date have been the focus for residence and citizenship investors in Portugal
Seafront properties
- Despite the extensive coastline that the Algarve region offers, building restrictions and nature protection laws have prevented over-development, which generates higher value for the existing and approved projects due to a balance between supply and demand
Integrated master-planned communities
- These usually have a golf course or community at their core, offering properties that cater to all types of owners and include locals, new residents, second homeowners, and vacationers. Both the Algarve and Troia, alongside the Estoril coast and Cascais, offer a good supply of planned communities
The interest from foreign buyers in these areas has increased exponentially since the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program was launched in 2012. With the influx of foreign owners to these areas, the real estate values in Portugal are increasing. This increase also leads to a higher quality of design and build of planned communities, which in turn attracts further long-term value.
- Quick processing: six months to receive resident permit.
- Investors are allowed to work and live in Portugal.
- All Schengen nations accept visa-free travel for investors.
- In all Schengen nations, investors may register and do business.
- Without making any further contributions, the investor may extend the application to dependent family members, such as children, spouses, and parents.
- Only seven days a year, or fourteen days per two years, is the minimum length of stay.
- One can maintain a residence in another nation.
- Own real estate with a resale guarantee.
- After five years of original investment the investor gets a permanent residency.
- After making the first commitment for seven years, there is an option to gain Portuguese citizenship and a passport.
Qualifications:
- An investor must not be an EU national.
- Investor is required to maintain their investment for five years.
- A minimum stay of seven days annually, or fourteen days every two years, is required.
- Investors are required to invest in eligible real estate at the level required of €280,000, €350,000, or €400,000.
- The primary applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- Dependent children under the age of twenty-five may be included.
You can add parents who are dependent.
Portugal Citizenship:
Citizens of Portugal are eligible for visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 187 countries around the world as well as the ability to live, work, and study in every member state of the European Union. Portuguese citizenship is mostly obtained by marriage or civil union, birth in a Portuguese territory, or descent from Portuguese parents or grandparents.
After five years of legal residency (golden visa) in Portugal, including for individuals who participate in the residence by investment program, it is possible to petition for citizenship if:
- The potential candidate is at least 18 years old.
- The candidate has lived in Portugal for a minimum of five years.
- The candidate has fundamental understanding of Portuguese (A2 level internationally).
According to Portuguese law, the applicant has not been found guilty of a crime that carries a sentence of three years or more.
The candidate may show concrete links to the Portuguese community in order to generate more favorable conditions for citizenship acceptance. Portugal accepts dual nationality.
Buying Property in Portugal
The real estate market in Portugal experienced a significant increase in demand from 2000–2008, which led to developers working hard to meet the demand. However, with the global financial crisis of 2008, demand for real estate decreased, leaving many newly built properties available. Prices decreased and a strong opportunity for value was created and still exists as the market corrects itself.
Our research indicates that the most desirable areas are:
- Lisbon — Portugal’s capital city
- Estoril coast and the Cascais region — offering a strong lifestyle focus
- Troia region — a tropical atmosphere located just 40 km south of Lisbon
- Algarve region — Portugal’s main tourist region, boasting Blue Flag beaches and integrated resort communities
These areas offer buyers various features and value for money:
Prime developments close to the capital city of Lisbon
- Both Lisbon and the Estoril coast and Cascais regions offer prime real estate developments, which to date have been the focus for residence and citizenship investors in Portugal
Seafront properties
- Despite the extensive coastline that the Algarve region offers, building restrictions and nature protection laws have prevented over-development, which generates higher value for the existing and approved projects due to a balance between supply and demand
Integrated master-planned communities
- These usually have a golf course or community at their core, offering properties that cater to all types of owners and include locals, new residents, second homeowners, and vacationers. Both the Algarve and Troia, alongside the Estoril coast and Cascais, offer a good supply of planned communities
The interest from foreign buyers in these areas has increased exponentially since the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program was launched in 2012. With the influx of foreign owners to these areas, the real estate values in Portugal are increasing. This increase also leads to a higher quality of design and build of planned communities, which in turn attracts further long-term value.