Portugal Golden Visa Program

The Portugal Golden Visa Program is the most distinguished investment visa initiative in Europe. Setting the benchmark for other nations like Spain and Greece to follow.

Launched in 2012, It has attracted a vast number of investors from across the globe. Injecting approximately €6.0 billion into Portugal’s economy since its inception.

Requirements for Portugal visa:

To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, candidates must make a qualifying investment in Portugal.

The most popular route, chosen by over 92% of applicants, is the real estate investment option. An investment of €500,000 in real estate will grant the primary applicant, their spouse, and dependent children a golden visa residency permit. Alternatively, applicants may opt for reduced investment options, such as €280,000 or €350,000, subject to specific eligibility criteria.

Additional Costs:

In addition to the investment amount, applicants should consider related expenses, such as:

• Property tax
• Stamp duty
• Notary
• Land register fees
• Government application and approval fees
• Processing-related legal charges

These costs generally increase the investment amount by approximately 14%.

Application Process and Requirements:

Prospective investors are required to submit their applications with complete biometric data, a clean criminal history, and comprehensive health insurance. They must also create a Portuguese bank account. One trip to Portugal is mandatory during the application process.

Residency Renewal and Citizenship:

The Enhanced Portugal Golden Visa is renewable twice every two years, as long as the applicant maintains their investment and spends two weeks in Portugal each time. After five years of holding the visa, applicants become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency without being required to reside in Portugal for the entire duration.

Benefits of the Enhanced Program:

The Portugal Golden Visa program offers several attractive advantages to investors and their families:

• Permanent residency in Portugal, granting visa-free access to travel and reside within the Schengen region for the primary applicant, their spouse, and dependent children.
• A fast-track path to Portuguese citizenship after five years, subject to specific requirements.
• Diverse investment opportunities, including company investments, real estate, and venture capital.
• Tax advantages, such as a flat rate of 20% on income from abroad and a 10% tax-free threshold for certain capital gains.
• Access to the European market and the freedom to operate within the Schengen region.
• Inclusion in the national healthcare system and the opportunity to attend schools anywhere in the EU.

Eligibility for the Enhanced Program:

The Portugal Golden Visa is open to several categories of individuals:

• Investors: Those who invest at least €500,000 in real estate or at least €1,000,000 in Portuguese-based businesses.
• Entrepreneurs: Those who launch a business in Portugal and invest a minimum of €350,000 in a firm with a Portuguese base.
• Self-Employed Professionals: Self-employed professionals planning to work in Portugal, with a minimum investment of €280,000 in a firm with a Portuguese base.
• Students: Enrolled students in Portuguese universities or colleges, eligible with a minimum investment of €50,000 in a firm with a Portuguese base.
• Retirees: Retirees from any country who have a permanent address in Portugal can qualify with a minimum investment of €280,000 in a firm with a Portuguese base.