With thousands of investors and their families coming from all over the world, Portugal’s Golden Visa program has grown to become one of the most well-liked residency-by-investment programs in Europe. The initiative, which was introduced in 2012, gives non-EU citizens the chance to become residents of Portugal through eligible investments made in the nation. The Golden Visa is a desirable choice for individuals trying to establish themselves in Europe because it offers a route to citizenship and permanent residency as well as the ability to travel the Schengen Area without a visa. We’ll go over the essential qualifications for the Portugal Golden Visa, the possible investment possibilities, the advantages of the program, and the procedures for applying in this extensive guide on Portugal Citizenship by Investment.
Portugal Golden Visa Changes
After new laws were passed in October 2023, investing in real estate no longer qualifies one for Portuguese citizenship. However, Portugal’s Golden Visa program is still available even though the real estate investment option has ended. Additionally, the government declared that the 6-to 18-month Golden Visa application procedure would henceforth be applied toward the 5-year residency requirement. Thus, the day an investor files an application marks the start of the five-year period. The biggest and most troublesome modification is the removal of the possibility to invest in real estate. Many investors are now wondering if the Golden Visa is still a viable option in light of this.
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options
- Real Estate Investment
Investing in real estate is the most common way to get a Golden Visa. Investors have the option to:
- Put €500,000 toward buying a home or business.
- Invest €400,000 on real estate in a low-density neighborhood.
- Purchase a property for €350,000 that has to be renovated and is older than thirty years or located in an urban redevelopment region.
- Invest €280,000 on a low-density property that satisfies the aforementioned requirements.
A minimum of five years must pass after making an investment in real estate, during which time the property may be rented out or used for private use.
- Investment in Business
Additionally, candidates may be eligible for the Golden Visa by investing in already-existing businesses or by creating jobs. This involves growing an existing firm or starting a new one with the goal of adding at least ten full-time jobs.
putting €500,000 into a company that, over the course of three years, maintains or adds at least five jobs.
- Capital Transfer
- Putting €1.5 million into an investing or bank account that is authorized in Portugal.
- Donating €500,000 to a venture capital or investment fund that specializes in Portuguese companies.
- Transferring €500,000 to Portugal in order to fund scientific research.
- Transferring €250,000 to help Portugal’s artistic endeavors or cultural heritage be preserved.
Conclusion
An exceptional chance to become a resident of one of Europe’s most sought-after nations is provided by the Portugal Golden Visa program for investors. The Golden Visa is a desirable alternative for anyone looking to ensure their future in Portugal because it offers a variety of investment choices, a simple application process, and the possibility of citizenship and permanent residency. The program offers flexibility and perks that make it one of the top residency-by-investment schemes in the world, whether through real estate, business, or capital investment.
FAQs
- Has Portugal discontinued the Golden Visa Program?
Changes were made to the Portugal Golden Visa program in 2023. Other investment strategies, such as putting €500,000 into a fund unrelated to real estate, such as investment funds, venture capital fund investments, or scientific research, are still viable, nevertheless.
- What is the minimum amount of investment for the Golden Visa Program?
A specific kind of visa known as the Portugal Golden Visa is awarded to applicants who contribute a minimum of €250,000 to cultural projects. With this visa, one can move to Portugal, apply for EU citizenship, and enter the Schengen Area without a need for a visa. The Portuguese Golden Visa no longer offers the possibility to invest in real estate.
- Can family members benefit from Portugal Golden Visa?
Through family reunification, other family members, including as the principal applicant’s spouse, minor and dependent children, and dependent parents, may also be eligible for a Portuguese Golden Visa.
