Portugal Residency and Citizenship

The Golden Visa Program launched by the Portuguese Authorities in October 2012 is a fast track for foreign investors from non-EU countries to obtain a fully valid residency permit in Portugal. Under the Golden Visa program, non-EU citizens simply need to carry out one of the investments set out in the law to qualify to obtain a residency permit in Portugal. This residency permit will allow the investor to enter and/or live in Portugal and to travel freely within the vast majority of European countries (Schengen space).

Aimed at attracting foreign investment to Portugal, the Golden Visa is a very straightforward and flexible program, with simple and clear legal requirements. With extremely reduced minimum stay requirements, the Golden Visa is clearly one of the most attractive residency programs for investors in the world.

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Golden Visa Benefits

• No need to obtain a visa to enter Portugal
• No need to obtain a visa to travel in Europe (Schengen area)
• Living and working in Portugal, even with residency in a different country
• Residency extended to family members
• Extremely low minimum stay periods
• Permanent Residency after 5 years
• Citizenship after 6 years

Golden Visa – Obtaining a Residence Permit by Investing in Portugal

1) The residence visa is intended to allow the holder to enter Portuguese territory in order to apply for a residence permit.

2) The residence permit is valid for two entries in Portuguese territory and allows the holder to stay there for a period of four months.

3) Without prejudice to the application of specific conditions, in assessing the application for residence visa will meet, inter alia, for the purpose intended to establish residence.

4) Without prejudice to shorter terms hereof, the deadline for the decision on the application for a residence visa is 60 days.

Who can request a residence permit for investment activities?

• A real estate purchase with a minimum value of €500,000^*
• A real estate purchase with a minimum value of €350,000 for the refurbishment of properties older than 30 years or in an area of urban regeneration, including the cost of renovations^*

i. THE ACQUISITION OF REAL ESTATE

• Minimum investment of €500,000 or of €350,000 if property/properties are older than 30 years^*
• Purchase of one or multiple properties
• All property types qualify
• Possibility of co-ownership
• Freedom to use, rent or lease

ii. TRANSFER OF FUNDS

• Minimum investment of € 1 million
• Funds transferred from abroad to a bank in Portugal
• Total freedom to invest the funds
• Possibility of using the funds to invest in shares of companies
• Applicants may invest a minimum of €350,000 in research activities^*.
• Applicants may invest a minimum of €250,000 in the arts or in the reconstruction or refurbishment of national heritage projects^*.
• Applicants may invest a minimum of €500,000 for shares in investment funds or venture capital^*.

iii. JOB CREATION

• Creation of a minimum of 10^* jobs (current understanding of Portuguese Immigration Services)
• No minimum investment value
• No limitation on areas/activities
• Compliance with Social Security obligations
• Possibility of grants/incentives/benefits

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Location

Located in southwestern Europe in the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal borders Spain to the north and east and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west.

Population

The total population is 10,196,709 as of 2020.

Language

The official language is Portuguese.

Climate

Portugal has a temperate maritime climate with hot summers and wet winters, affected by the Atlantic, Continental and Mediterranean influences. The climate also varies according to the altitude and proximity to the ocean.

Capital

The capital of Portugal and the largest city is Lisbon.

Time

Western European Time Zone UTC 0:00.

Economy

The Economy of Portugal is of a mixed nature and functions in support of a high income country. Portugal is among the 20 most visited countries in the world, receiving an average of 13 million foreign tourists each year.