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PORTUGAL

Residency & Citizenship by Investment

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residence visa issued to non-EU nationals who have made a significant investment in Portugal, such as purchasing real estate, making a capital investment, or creating employment opportunities.

 

It is a fast-track process for obtaining permanent residence and citizenship in an EU country – via the Golden Visa, you can become eligible for Portuguese citizenship in as little as five years.

Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options

 

To be eligible for a Golden Visa in Portugal, you must make one of the following investments:

  • Purchase a property worth at least €500,000. If you purchase in a low-density area, the investment amount is €400,000.

  • Invest €350,000 in a property in a Portuguese urban regeneration area. If you invest in a low-density area, the investment amount is €280,000. The project should qualify for investment by the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service – SEF.

  • Invest at least €350,000 in a qualifying Investment Fund. The investment options are regulated by the Portuguese CMVM (Securities Market Commission), and usually include venture capital investment in real estate or start-up tech companies.

  • Make a capital transfer of at least €1 million in a Portuguese bank account.

  • Purchase company shares worth at least €1 million.

  • Invest at least €1 million in a company.

  • Create at least ten jobs for Portuguese nationals.

  • Invest at least €350,000 for the creation of a commercial company or to reinforce the share capital of a commercial company, through which you create at least five full-time jobs.

  • Make a capital transfer of at least €350,000 for research activities in science or technology by either public or private scientific research institutions.

  • Make a capital transfer of at least €250,000 to support the arts or reconstruction of national heritage.

Can You Get Portugal Citizenship by Investment?

 

Yes, if you receive a Golden Visa, you become eligible for citizenship after five years. Unlike other countries, you do not actually need to live in Portugal during that period to acquire citizenship via the Golden Visa route. You only need to spend seven to fourteen days per year in the country.

 

However, you will have to prove you have accommodation in Portugal, a steady income, as well as knowledge of the Portuguese language, at least on a basic level.

Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa

The Golden Visa for Portugal is a coveted visa for wealthy investors as it offers a wide range of benefits, such as:

  • You can include the following family members on the visa with you:

    • Your spouse

    • Children under the age of 18

    • Dependent adult children who are full-time students (up to age 26)

    • Dependent parents of either yourself or your spouse

    • Any other dependents, such as minor siblings

  • You and your family members will enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen Zone countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

  • You don’t need to stay in Portugal full-time to renew the visa. You only need to stay for seven days every year.

  • If you chose to, you and your family members can live in Portugal and have access to its healthcare and education.

  • You can apply for a Portugal passport after 5 years. Since Portugal is part of the EU, a Portuguese passport will give you access to the EU free market as well as the freedom to travel to more than 100 countries around the world.

 

The Validity of Portugal Golden Visa

 

The Portugal Golden Visa is initially valid for one year. You can then continue to renew it for two-year periods, provided that you have maintained your investment. After five years (1+2+2) you become eligible for permanent residence or citizenship.

Obtaining a Portuguese passport gives you access to EU citizen rights, such as the freedom of movement and access to the free market.

 

How Long Do You Have to Live in Portugal to Maintain Golden Visa?

To maintain your Portugal Golden Visa, you have to stay in the country for at least 7 days in the first year and then fourteen days in the following two-year periods.

Unlike for other types of investment visas, you do not have to live in Portugal permanently in order to renew your Golden Visa or to receive permanent residence or citizenship.

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