What is the PORTUGAL Golden Visa Program ?
Portugal’s Golden Visa program grants successful applicants the right to live, work and study in Portugal, along with visa-free travel in 26 countries in the European Union under the Schengen arrangements, and eventually a legal residence. Since its launch in 2012, the “Golden Visa” program has attracted about €5 billion in investment from wealthy international investors and big-earning individuals.
Golden Residence Permit Program (ARI), known officially as residence permits for investment, is designed to attract foreign investors who want a fast and easy way to obtain the legal right to reside in Portugal. By investing €500,000 in property, €350,000 in a redeveloped property (both reduced by 20% if in a low-density area), €350,000 in a qualifying Portuguese regulated investment fund or a similar sum in an employment generating business, it is possible to obtain residency immediately, with Portuguese citizenship following after five years.
Why the PORTUGAL Golden Visa Scheme makes sense ?
After five years of legal residency in Portugal, it is possible to apply for Portuguese citizenship. Golden Visa holders can qualify for Portuguese nationality without having been physically present in Portugal. At the moment only seven days presence in Portugal in the first year and 14 days in the subsequent years are required in order to maintain Golden Visa immigrant status and be eligible for Portuguese nationality. Between 2012, when the scheme started, and 2019, Portugal issued more than 8,200 “Golden Visas”.
What are the available investment options?
- Capital transfer of at least €1 million into Portugal
- Creation of at least 10 permanent job positions in Portugal
- Purchase property in Portugal worth at least €500,000
- Acquire real estate in Portuguese urban regeneration areas at least 30 years old to the value of at least €350,000 (reduced by 20% if in a low-density area)
- Investing at least €350,000 in scientific research in Portugal.
- Investments of €250,000 or more in Portuguese arts, culture, and heritage
- Investing at least €500,000 in small- and medium-sized businesses in Portugal
Who is eligible for the PORTUGAL Golden Visa ?
Any third-country national—meaning anyone except Portuguese and EU/EFTA citizens—can apply for the Golden Visa after completing a suitable investment into Portugal.
What are the benefits of the Golden Visa program in Portugal?
There are many benefits for the Golden Visa program in Portugal. The main benefits are listed below:
You will be registered with the Schengen Area central system which will enable you to enter all European countries without the need for an additional visa (26 European countries) after your application has been approved by the SEF
It enables visa-free travel throughout the countries of the Schengen Area
- The program is not blacklisted by the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD). Many European countries have Golden Visa programs and the Portuguese government recently reinforced the program
- After five years, you can apply for the Portuguese citizenship
- Family reunion is possible which means that certain dependent family members can also get Portuguese residency
- Access Portuguese healthcare and European education system if wanted
- You have the security of a second residence in a safe and stable country
- Having a second passport gives you always the possibility to leave your home country
- You do not have to actually live in Portugal to get the visa or citizenship
- You have the option to become a non-habitual resident of Portugal and pay little or no tax for 10 years
- The Portuguese Non-Habitual Tax Regime grants qualifying individuals the possibility of becoming tax residents of a white-listed jurisdiction whilst legally minimising income tax on certain categories of non-Portugal income for a period of 10 years. Golden Visa holders automatically qualify for the Portuguese Non-Habitual Tax Regime (NHR).
- The Golden Visa in Portugal is extendable to family members like:
- Spouse or legal partner;
- Children under 18 years of age
- Dependent children under 26 as long as they are unmarried and enrolled as full-time students; they also have access the European education system
- Parents of either spouse if over the age of 66 years old (or 55 and dependent); and/or
- Siblings under the age of 18 years from either spouse or partner if legally responsible
Benefits of the PORTUGAL Golden Visa Program compared to similar Golden Visa Programs offered by other countries include
- The program is not blacklisted by the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD). Many European countries have Golden Visa programs and the Portuguese government recently reinforced the program
- After five years, you can apply for the Portuguese citizenship
- Family reunion is possible which means that certain dependent family members can also get Portuguese residency
- Access Portuguese healthcare and European education system if wanted
- You have the security of a second residence in a safe and stable country
- Having a second passport gives you always the possibility to leave your home country
- You do not have to actually live in Portugal to get the visa or citizenship
- You have the option to become a non-habitual resident of Portugal and pay little or no tax for 10 years
- The Portuguese Non-Habitual Tax Regime grants qualifying individuals the possibility of becoming tax residents of a white-listed jurisdiction whilst legally minimising income tax on certain categories of non-Portugal income for a period of 10 years. Golden Visa holders automatically qualify for the Portuguese Non-Habitual Tax Regime (NHR).
- The Golden Visa in Portugal is extendable to family members like:
- Spouse or legal partner;
- Children under 18 years of age
- Dependent children under 26 as long as they are unmarried and enrolled as full-time students; they also have access the European education system
- Parents of either spouse if over the age of 66 years old (or 55 and dependent); and/or
- Siblings under the age of 18 years from either spouse or partner if legally responsible
2 Comments
Mia Schneider
This is very interesting! Thank you for giving this kind of information. Will share this to my colleague.
-Mia