GOLDEN VISAS IN PORTUGAL
We provide legal advice in terms of tax and immigration law to investors who wish to obtain residency in Portugal under the Golden Visa scheme.
Golden Visas in Portugal – Our experience in international mobility processes allows us to analyse in advance and monitor the widest range of legal situations in terms of taxation, immigration and investment.
WHAT ARE GOLDEN VISAS?
“Golden visas” translate into a Residence Permit for Investment in the country, which allows foreign citizens, nationals of third countries, to obtain a temporary residence permit through the various investment options provided for by law.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A GOLDEN VISA
- Collection and preparation of documentation (in relation to the investment and the investor);
- Submission of an application on the RPI portal (for analysis of eligibility conditions);
- Scheduling an interview with the Immigration Agency (AIMA);
- Visit the AIMA in person with the documentation (original and valid).
GOLDEN VISAS IN PORTUGAL BENEFITS
- Waiver of a residency visa for entering Portugal;
- The opportunity to live and work in Portugal with low minimum stay requirements: 14 days in the first two years and 21 days during the following 3-year periods;
- Visa waiver for travel within the Schengen Area;
- Family reunification;
- The opportunity to obtain permanent residency after 5 years, valid for 5 years;
- To opportunity to apply for Portuguese citizenship, by naturalisation, after 5 years.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR A GOLDEN VISA
The Golden Visa program is not applicable to citizens who hold Portuguese nationality and to EU and EEA nationals. All third-country nationals engaged in investment business can apply for a golden visa, individually or through a company incorporated in Portugal or in an EU Member State with a permanent establishment in Portugal.
GOLDEN VISAS in portugal
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
Funds
- Capital transfers of at least € 500,000.00, for the acquisition of units of non-real estate collective investment undertakings, incorporated under Portuguese legislation, the maturity of which, at the time of the investment, is at least five years and at least 60% of the investment is made in commercial companies domiciled in Portugal.
Job creation
- Creation of 10 or more jobs*;
- Capital transfer of € 500,000.00, or more, for the incorporation of a Portuguese company combined with the creation of five permanent jobs; or investment in an existing company combined with the creation of five permanent jobs or maintenance of ten jobs; for a minimum period of three years.
Investment in specific activities
- Transfer of capital equal to or greater than € 500,000.00 for investment in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions involved in the national scientific or technological system*;
- Capital transfer equal to or greater than € 250,000.00 for investment in artistic production or support for the arts, for the reconstruction or renovation of national heritage, through local and central authorities, public institutions, or eligible private organisations*.
* The minimum investment amount is reduced by 20%, for investments in low-density areas.
The Golden Visa program remains unique and irreplaceable, considering it is the only type of residency permit in Portugal allowing short minimum stay requirements. This means Golden Visa holders are not required to live in Portugal – although they can – and therefore they may legally hold a residence title without becoming tax residents in Portugal.
To learn more about the legal changes: please see our latest news here.
Golden Visa Portugal vs Spain
Apply for Golden Visa in Portugal or Spain?
When deciding where to invest in other to secure an European Golden Visa, applying for a Golden Visa in Portugal or Spain may become a difficult decision.
[ENG] The recent announcement that the Spanish government plans to abolish the Golden Visa program in January 2025 has shaken the real estate investment market in Spain. This move leaves a narrow and final window for international investors wishing to obtain Spanish residency through property investments, creating an environment of urgency that may lead to rushed decisions and property overvaluation.
In this context, Portugal’s Golden Visa program emerges as a more stable and attractive option. Below, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of both programs and why Portugal is shaping up to be the most advantageous choice. Read the full article by our lawyer Daniel Ferreira de Melo here:
Golden Visa PT vs Spain
[ES] El reciente anuncio de que el gobierno español planea abolir el programa de Golden Visa en enero de 2025 ha sacudido el mercado de inversión inmobiliaria en España.
Este movimiento deja una ventana estrecha y definitiva para los inversores internacionales que deseen obtener la residencia española a través de inversiones en inmuebles, y crea un ambiente de urgencia que puede resultar en decisiones precipitadas y sobrevaloración de propiedades.
En este contexto, el programa de Golden Visa en Portugal emerge como una opción más estable y atractiva. A continuación, se exploran las ventajas y desventajas de ambos programas y por qué Porugal se perfila como la opción más ventajosa. Leer el artículo completo de nuestro abogado Daniel Ferreira de Melo, aquí:
Contact us for more details: here.
Overview of Portugal’s Golden Visa Program: Key Changes in 2024
Overview of Portugal’s Golden Visa: Key Changes in 2024
Portugal’s Golden Visa Program has been a cornerstone for investors seeking residency in Portugal. However, recent reforms have introduced significant changes to the investment routes available within the program.
What Has Changed in Portugal’s Golden Visa?
Historically, real estate investment was a primary avenue for obtaining Portugal’s Golden Visa. This option has now been discontinued, prompting investors to pivot to alternative investment strategies, including:
- Capital Fund Investments: Investing in local economic projects under Portugal’s Golden Visa.
- Job Creation: Establishing new businesses that contribute to job creation within Portugal.
- Cultural Donations: Supporting arts and research, crucial sectors under Portugal’s Golden Visa.
Insights from Raquel Esteves on the Changes to Portugal’s Golden Visa
During the latest episode of the Investment Immigration Podcast by Uglobal, Raquel Esteves delves into the political motivations behind the changes to Portugal’s Golden Visa Program. Alongside host Salman Siddiqui, Esteves discusses how these reforms aim to diversify and strengthen the Portuguese economy.
Continued Appeal of the Program
Despite the reforms, Portugal’s Golden Visa Program remains a highly attractive option for global investors. The stability, economic growth, and quality of life Portugal offers continue to draw interest from around the world, as highlighted in the podcast.
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Contact Us
Talk to us for legal and tax questions regarding the applicability, benefits, and eligibility for gold visas.
Contact Us
Talk to us for legal and tax questions regarding the applicability, benefits, and eligibility for gold visas.