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Understanding the Portugal Golden Visa Program
The Portugal Golden Visa is a Residency by Investment Program that grants non-EU/EEA citizens the right to reside in Portugal and allows free movement within the Schengen Area in exchange for an eligible investment in Portugal.
This program was launched in 2012 by the Portuguese government to attract foreign investment and stimulate the economy.
The program is particularly popular because it provides a pathway to European Residency and Citizenship, which includes the benefit of visa-free travel within most EU countries and the opportunity to live in Portugal with a high quality of life, mild climate, and a rich cultural heritage.
Key Benefits of Investing in Portugal's Golden Visa
It offers many benefits to qualifying individuals, including:
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The right to live, work, and study in Portugal.
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The right to travel freely within the Schengen Area.
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The possibility of applying for permanent residency (aka Citizenship) after five years.
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Tax benefits: With a Portugal Golden Visa, you'll have access to the NHR (Non-Habitual Residency) Program, which has several tax benefits, including an exemption from paying personal taxes for ten years.
Eligibility Criteria for the Portugal Golden Visa
To qualify for a Portugal Golden Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
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Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national.
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Be at least 18 years old.
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Have a clean criminal record.
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Invest the required amount in one of the eligible investment options.
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Commit to maintaining the investment for at least five years.
Investment Options in the Portugal Golden Visa Program
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Private equity funds: Investment of €500,000 in participation units of private equity funds eligible for a golden visa
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Companies and job creation: Incorporation of a company with five jobs, investment of €500,000, and minimum 3Y investment period or creation of 10
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Support of artistic production: Recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage, with a minimum of €250,000
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Research activities: Transfer of capital for research activities developed by institutions integrated into the national scientific and technological system with a minimum investment of €500,000.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Portugal Golden Visa
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Make an initial appointment with our team on your specific case to define the roadmap of your process.
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Sourcing the possible investment options according to your requirements.
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Personal documents: work with the lawyer to ensure all the necessary documentation is certified and ready for submission.
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Bank account and NIF: Introduce you to a bank manager for account opening and apply for a Portuguese taxpayer number (NIF).
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Invest: You are ready to invest after you transfer the funds to your Portuguese account. The procedures may be different depending on the investment you choose.
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Online application: The lawyer will submit your application to the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) with all the necessary documents when you must pay the government analysis fee.
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Biometrics: Following the initial approval from the SEF, an appointment will be scheduled to collect your biometric data (fingerprint, photo).
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Approval and residence cards: Following the approval of your application, you will need to pay the card issuance fee to the Government. Once your residence cards are ready, we will collect them on your behalf and send them to you. Your Golden Visa residence permit will be valid for five years from the date shown on your initial card.
Reasons to Choose the Portugal Golden Visa for Investment
There are several great reasons to invest in the Portuguese Golden Visa, but it ultimately depends on your objectives and values.
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Lower costs compared to other European countries
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Healthy living and eating
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Great work and life balance
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High quality of life with affordable cost of living
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Knowledgeable workforce, young, brilliant, and energetic
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English is widely spoken
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Pronounced international schools
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A happy and healthy population
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Visa-free travel in the Schengen area
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Geographic and demographic advantage
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Portugal ranks as the 3rd safest country in the world
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Welcoming towards foreign investors and employees
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Capital efficiency mindset
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Average of more than 300 sunny days a year
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Portuguese Atlantic coastline and islands
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Easier path to Citizenship
Acquiring Portuguese Citizenship through the Golden Visa Program
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To become a Portuguese citizen through the Golden Visa program, you must follow a series of steps and meet certain requirements. Here's an outline of the process:
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Qualify for the Golden Visa: First, you must qualify for the Portuguese Golden Visa. This involves making a significant investment in Portugal, which can be in the form of investment funds, job creation, or others.
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Apply for the Golden Visa: Once you have made the investment, you can apply for the Golden Visa. This involves submitting various documents, including proof of investment, a clean criminal record, and health insurance.
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Obtain a Temporary Residence Permit: If your Golden Visa application is successful, you will be granted a temporary residence permit. Initially, this permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for another two years.
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Maintain Your Investment: You must maintain your investment in Portugal for at least five years from your Golden Visa application date.
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Meet the Minimum Stay Requirements: During the five-year period, you must spend at least seven days in Portugal during the first year and 14 days in subsequent two-year periods.
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Apply for Permanent Residence: After five years, you can apply for permanent residence in Portugal. This will require demonstrating ties to the country, such as language proficiency.
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Apply for Citizenship: Once you have held your permanent residence for at least one year, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. You must pass a basic Portuguese language test and show ties to the Portuguese community. Your criminal record will also be reviewed.
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Citizenship Approval: If your application is successful, you will be granted Portuguese citizenship.
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It's important to note that the process involves bureaucratic and legal procedures that can be complex. Therefore, it's advisable to seek guidance from our experts.
Portugal Golden Visa FAQs: Your Questions Answered
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What is the latest news about the Portugal Golden Visa Program?
Beginning on April 1st, 2024, the 5-year timeframe necessary to apply for citizenship will begin with the application instead of when issuing the residence permit, as it used to be.
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Is Portugal ending its Golden Visa Program?
Portugal is not ending the Golden Visa program but restructuring it. The Portuguese government intends to remove real estate investments from the program but keep it in place for other types of investments, such as venture capital, investment funds, cultural heritage, scientific research, and direct business investment that creates jobs.
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Which is better, the D7 or the Portugal Golden Visa?
The D7 and Golden Visa Portugal are Residence By Investment Programs offering different benefits and requirements. The best option for you will depend on your circumstances and goals.
The D7 visa is a passive income visa that allows you to live in Portugal if you can prove that you have a regular passive income of at least €8,460 per year. You are not required to make any investment, but you must reside in Portugal.
Your financial situation: The D7 visa is a good option if you have a regular passive income. The Golden Visa is a good option if you have the financial resources to invest significantly.
Your goals: If you plan to live in Portugal permanently, the D7 visa is a good option. The Golden Visa is a good option if you are unsure how long you will stay in Portugal.
You should consult us if you are unsure which program is right for you.
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Which Golden Visa is better, Spain or Portugal?
The Spain and Portugal Golden Visas are both famous Residence by Investment Programs, but two characteristics stand out:
Spain Golden Visa requires a HIGHER minimum investment than the Portugal Golden Visa. If you are unsure how long you will stay in Spain or Portugal, the Portugal Golden Visa is a better option because it has a more flexible residency requirement. Click here to learn more about the programs.
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Why is Portugal Golden Visa the best Golden Visa in Europe?
We believe the Portugal Golden Visa is the best in Europe because of its low minimum investment requirement, very flexible residency requirements, and attractive lifestyle.
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Can I live in Spain with a Portugal Golden Visa?
When acquiring a Portugal Golden Visa, you become a Portuguese citizen and, therefore, a European citizen, entitling you to live and work in any other EU country, including Spain.
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What are the Portugal Golden Visa minimum stay requirements?
Portugal Golden Visa Program minimum stay requirement is 14 days in Portugal for each two years.
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What are the Portugal Golden Visa tax benefits?
With a Portugal Golden Visa, you'll have access to the NHR (Non-Habitual Residency) Program, which has several tax benefits, including an exemption from paying personal taxes for ten years.
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Is it possible to acquire a Portuguese Golden Visa with a mortgage?
No, a Portugal Golden Visa requires that you transfer the required minimum investment amount into a Portuguese bank account.
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Does Portugal's Golden Visa Lead to Citizenship?
Yes. After five years of applying for a Portugal Golden Visa, you can apply for a Permanent Residence Permit or Citizenship, which mitigates the impact of any administrative delays that may occur in the residency application process.
Portugal Golden Visa Program's Insights and trends
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Impressive Growth in Investments:
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Initial Success: The program's launch in 2012 was a strategic move to attract international capital. Within the first few years, it showed remarkable success.
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Resilience During Global Challenges: Despite global economic challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the program maintained strong investment inflows, with significant amounts invested even during the most uncertain times.
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Diversification of Investor Base:
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Early Dominance by Specific Nationalities: Initially, certain nationalities, like Chinese investors, were predominant. This showed the program's international appeal.
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Broadening Appeal: Over time, the investor base diversified significantly, attracting applicants from various countries, including Brazil, the USA, South Africa, and Turkey. This trend signifies the program's growing global reputation and trustworthiness.
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Continuous Adaptation and Improvement:
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Program Adjustments for Enhanced Attractiveness: The program has evolved, adapting to new investment trends and changing economic landscapes. For instance, the shift in investment options in 2023, moving away from real estate to other investment forms, demonstrates its flexibility and responsiveness to market needs.
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Robust Investment Returns:
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Consistent High Performance: The total investment amount, which runs into billions of euros, showcases the program's solid performance and substantial impact on the Portuguese economy.
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Benefits for Investors:
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Attractive Advantages: The program offers numerous benefits, such as visa-free access to the Schengen area, the potential for citizenship within five to six years, and a high quality of life in Portugal.
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Diverse Investment Options: The variety of investment options, from real estate to Investment Funds, provides flexibility and choice to investors, catering to different investment appetites and objectives.
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Promising Future Outlook:
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Global Recognition: The program's recognition as one of the best residency-by-investment programs worldwide indicates its future solid potential.
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Investor Confidence: The steady increase in the number of applicants and the diversity of their nationalities reflects growing confidence in the program's stability and benefits.
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In summary, the Portugal Golden Visa program's journey from its inception to its current status demonstrates a successful, adaptable, and robust investment opportunity.
Its ability to attract a diverse and growing pool of international investors, combined with significant economic contributions and evolving investment avenues, makes it an attractive proposition for potential investors looking for a secure and fruitful investment with the added benefit of residency and, eventually, citizenship in Portugal.
Get in Touch.
Navigate your Golden Visa journey with ease and confidence. Click to connect with YPT Golden Visa & Investment – where expert legal guidance meets strategic financial planning. Tailor your investments and optimize your tax obligations. We offer a holistic approach to ensure your relocation is as rewarding as it is effortless.