Are you looking for a way to obtain a second residency or citizenship in a European country? If so, then Portugal Golden Visa might be the perfect solution for you. It’s a popular investment method among international investors to get an EU residency.
In this article, you can learn more about the program, its benefits, and the requirements to apply for it.
Table of Contents
What is Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program introduced in 2012 by the Portuguese government. The program aims to attract high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and investors from outside the European Union (EU).
After they invest in the Portuguese economy, they can obtain residency in Portugal accordingly. This can even lead to citizenship after a certain period of time like five-six years.
Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa
The Portuguese Golden Visa program offers several benefits, including:
- Residency in Portugal: The program allows applicants to obtain residency in Portugal, which can lead to citizenship after a certain period of time.
- Family inclusion: Applicants can include their spouse, children, and dependent parents in the program. So, they can benefit from the advantages that you benefit.
- Access to the EU: As a member of the EU, Portugal offers access to the wider European market. You can work or start a business in this market, for instance. In this way, you can create a European network.
- Tax Advantages: Portugal has a competitive tax regime, including a non-habitual residency tax regime. It offers tax benefits to individuals who become tax residents in Portugal.
- Quality of Life: Portugal is known for its warm climate, rich culture, and high quality of life. It is an attractive destination for those seeking a second residency or citizenship. It’s also one of the safest countries in the world.
- Multiple investment options: Portugal Golden Visa offers several options for investment types. Investments in real estate and venture capital funds are among these options.
- Low residency requirement: You can keep your Golden Visa by spending only seven days in Portugal each year.
- Portugal Golden Visa offers you the benefit of traveling across the Schengen countries without any visa requirement.
- Exiting investment in five years: You can release your investment after you get citizenship.
Qualifying Investments for Portugal Golden Visa
Portugal residency by investment program offers several options for qualifying investments, including:
- Real Estate Investment: Investing a minimum of €280,000 in real estate in Portugal.
- Investment Fund: Investing a minimum of €500,000 in a qualifying Portuguese investment fund.
- Capital Transfer: Transferring a minimum of €1,5 million to a Portuguese bank account.
- Job Creation: Creating at least 10 jobs in Portugal. These job positions must be full-time and recently created.
- Research and Development: Investing in scientific or technological research activities in Portugal. The minimum investment amount for this is €500,000. Also, an accredited Portuguese national institution must conduct the research.
- A combination of both job creation and business investment: Creating five full-time jobs for a minimum of three years. In addition, investing a minimum of €500,000 in an incorporated business in Portugal.
- Arts and National Heritage: Investing at least €250,000 in the conservation of culture, arts, or national heritage in Portugal.
Requirements for Portugal Residency by Investment
To apply for the Portugal Golden Visa program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- You need to be a non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen
- You need to make a qualifying investment in Portugal
- You must be over 18 years of age as a main applicant
- You have a clean criminal report
- Your funds need to be coming from outside of Portugal.
Conclusion
The Portugal Golden Visa program offers an attractive opportunity for investors and high-net-worth individuals alike. With its competitive tax regime, access to the EU, and high quality of life, Portugal is a popular destination.
The program might be the right choice for you if you want to extend your mobility in a European area. If you are interested in obtaining residency in Portugal, don’t wait longer and apply today!
