Portugal Golden Visa Program
Program Summary
In October 2012, Portugal introduced its Golden Residence Permit for Investment Activity (“Golden Visa”). The Golden Visa has all the benefits of a Schengen Visa, entitling the holder to free movement throughout the 26 Schengen member countries in Europe. Golden Visa holders obtain access to residence permits, as well as to Portuguese citizenship (after 6 years of residency), with advantageous periods of stay in Portugal.
Qualifications / Investment Options
To qualify for residency application, the applicants must be a none-EU citizen, minimum age of 25 years and they will need to meet the requirements of one of the following investment options:
- Purchase real estate (residential, commercial or plots) in the minimum amount of 500,000 (non-financed); or
- Transfer 1,000,000 to a Portuguese bank.
Either of the above requirements/investments must remain in place for minimum 5 years (or until applicant obtains citizenship).
Benefits
- Government processing time is 30 days (after completion of all requirements and file submission to the Government).
- Each applicant, his/her spouse, and dependents have the right to reside and work in Portugal, and to travel freely in the Schengen area.
- There are no restrictions on nationalities (all foreign nationalities may apply, who are not citizens of the European Union).
- Portugal offers a high quality of life, including modern business and medical facilities, shopping, natural beauty, sports, cultural events, and a warm climate.
- There is no maximum age restriction, minimum education requirement, management or business experience requirement, strict net worth, or source of funds requirement.
- There is no interview.
- There is no tax on worldwide income.
- There is no language requirement (although basic Portuguese language will be required to obtain citizenship).
- The residency requirement is minimal (1 week per year).
- Applicants can apply for citizenship after 6 years of residency.
Residency Obligation: All family members must visit Portugal for minimum 7 days per year to maintain residency status.
Residency must be renewed after year 1, year 3, and year 5 (additional fees apply, see below). It may continue to be renewed every 2 years, for as long as the applicant wishes to maintain residency.
Residency must be renewed from within Portugal (e.g. during the client's yearly visit).
The investment (real estate or bank deposit) must remain in place to maintain residency status.
Permanent residency may be applied for after year 5, if applicants have lived in Portugal steadily since obtaining the Golden Visa (i.e. they were absent from Portugal for less than 9 months during the 5 year period).
Portugal Golden Visa Program
