Legality
Portugal Golden visa is considered to be one of the most sought-offered programs when it comes to European residency programs. Portugal Golden visa (also known as “ARI - Residence Permit for Investment Activity” or “The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program”) is a five years (initially 2 years, plus 2 extendable until one decides to turn this into Permanent residency or citizenship) residence by investment program for non-EU/EEA nationals.
The rules governing the granting of Residence Permit for Investment (ARI / Golden Visa) came in force on 8th October 2012, and since its inception, Portugal has attracted over 11,000 investors and injected more than billions of euros into the Portuguese economy.
Investment Options
Presently, there are three qualifying investments for Portugal Golden Visa.
REAL ESTATE
1
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Purchase of property with a value of EUR 500,000 or more.
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Purchase of property with construction dating back over 30 years or located in urban regeneration areas for refurbishing with a value of EUR 350,000 or more.
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Purchase of property with a value of EUR 280,000 or more in a low population density area.
JOB CREATION
2
Creation of at least 10 Job positions.
CAPITAL TRANSFER
3
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Starts with a value equal to or above EUR 1.5 million.
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Starts with a value equal to or above EUR 500,000 for investing in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions.
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Starts with a value equal to or above EUR 250,000 for investing in artistic output or supporting the arts, for reconstruction or refurbishment of the national heritage.
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Starts with a value of EUR 500,000 or higher for the acquisition of units of investment funds or venture capital funds, of funds dedicated to the capitalization of companies.
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Starts with a value of EUR 500,000, or higher for the constitution of a commercial society with a head office in the national territory, combined with the creation of five permanent working jobs, for a minimum period of three years.
Eligibility
To qualify for residency by investment, the main applicant must meet the following criteria.
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Be of outstanding character.
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18 years or above of age
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Hold no criminal record.
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Have excellent health.
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Have a high personal net worth.
Eligible Dependent
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Spouse
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Unmarried children under 25yrs age are, financially dependent on the main applicant.
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Parents above 55yrs of age are financially dependent on the main applicant.
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Unmarried siblings with complete financial responsibility under the principal applicant may be considered
Timeline
INITIAL CONSULTATION
ONBOARDING
Our Investment Migration Advisors will have detailed discussions with you to understand your need, the budget and goals, they will discuss pros and cons of the proposed residence permit.
Our Investment Migration Advisors will confirm if the program suits your investments and is aligned with your goals (i.e., Global Mobility, Kids Education, Access to Healthcare Tax Planning, Asset Protection, Plan B etc.) and share detailed action plan that is carefully designed as per your individual situation. This includes complete costing (i.e., investment required, consultation fees, government fees, due diligence cost “if applicable”, tax representation, application/processing fees for issuance or the renewal of your residence cards etc.).
INITIAL DUE DILIGENCE
We collect basic documents and perform initial Due Diligence check to eliminate the risk of failure. In case if we find any risk involved that causes application rejection, we offer a suitable alternative or decline to proceed further with your consent.
COLLECTION OF DOCUMENTS
You sign the retainer, and our Investment Migration Advisors will assist you on selecting the property or other approved investment option (unlike the Caribbean, Turkish Citizenship by Investment and European Residency / Golden Visa programs require you to make investments prior to submission of the application), obtaining the document(s) required as per concerned authority, dedicated staff will be assigned throughout the application process that will assist you on services (i.e., obtaining tax number, opening bank account, purchasing of the property, legalizing/notarizing the documents and filling up the application form etc.)
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
Complete application including purchase deed of the property (or the confirmation from the bank or other concern authorities for funds transfer such as in case of Capital transfer), application forms and legalized documents are submitted with the concern Government agency responsible for migration.
GOVERNMENT DECISSION
Upon clarence of the Due Diligence, the Government approves the application, and you are advised to proceed with required biometrics.
ISSUANCE OF PASSPORT
Once the Government approves the application (the residence cards are issued in case of Residency by Investments.
Our services are not limited until you receive the required Citizenship and Passport, our after sales team remain in touch with you until your initial investment is returned depending on the investment route (i.e., Government approved real estate option, investment in Government approved bond etc.). We help you renew your residence permit & second passport(s), assist you further in case of a lost passport or passport replacements in case if all pages have been used, and much more.
About Country
Portugal, officially known as the Portuguese Republic, is a captivating country located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe.
Portugal has a long and storied history, with influences from various civilizations and empires. It once led the world in exploration during the Age of Discovery, with renowned explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan setting sail from its shores. The country's historical heritage is evident in its numerous castles, palaces, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém in Lisbon.
In recent years, Portugal has experienced significant economic growth and has emerged as an attractive destination for investors, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads. The country offers a favorable business environment, investment incentives, and a skilled workforce. It is also known for its thriving startup ecosystem, particularly in the technology sector.
Visa Free List
The list of countries can vary due to government policies, and access to these countries may be restricted or subject to changes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WILL I BE REQUIRED TO TRAVEL TO PORTUGAL DURING THE PROCESS?
Yes, principal applicant and the dependents must visit Portugal for a mandatory trip to complete their biometrics. However, the process of selecting/viewing the property, obtaining tax number, and opening bank account can be done via POA “power of attorney”.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM CONTRIBUTION/INVESTMENT REQUIRED FOR THE GOLDEN VISA?
Most opted option while obtaining Portugal Golden visa is via purchase of property with a value of EUR 280,000 or more in a low population density area. However, the lowest possible investment for Golden visa starts with a value of EUR 250,000 for investing in artistic output or supporting the arts, for reconstruction or refurbishment of the national heritage, through the local and central authorities, public institutions, public corporate sector, public foundations, private foundations of public interest, networked local authorities, local corporate sector organizations, local associations and public cultural associations, pursuing activities of artistic output, and reconstruction or maintenance of the national heritage.
WHAT ARE THE CONTRIBUTION/INVESTMENT OPTIONS?
Presently, there are three qualifying investments: -REAL ESTATE has three subcategories as below: a. Purchase of property with a value of EUR 500,000 or more. b. Purchase of property with construction dating back over 30 years or located in urban regeneration areas for refurbishing with a value of EUR 350,000 or more. c. Purchase of property with a value of EUR 280,000 or more in a low population density area. -JOB CREATION of at least 10 job positions. -CAPITAL TRANSFER has five subcategories as below: a.Starts with a value equal to or above EUR 1.5 million. b.Starts with a value equal to or above EUR 500,000 for investing in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions involved in the national scientific or technologic system; c.Starts with a value equal to or above EUR 250,000 for investing in artistic output or supporting the arts, for reconstruction or refurbishment of the national heritage, through the local and central authorities, public institutions, public corporate sector, public foundations, private foundations of public interest, networked local authorities, local corporate sector organizations, local associations and public cultural associations, pursuing activities of artistic output, and reconstruction or maintenance of the national heritage; d.Starts with a value of EUR 500,000 or higher for the acquisition of units of investment funds or venture capital fund of funds dedicated to the capitalization of companies, capital injected under the Portuguese legislation, whose maturity, at the moment of the investment, is, at least, of five years and, at least, 60% of the investments is realized in commercial companies with head office in national territory; e.Starts with a value of EUR 500,000, or higher for constitution of a commercial society with head office in the national territory, combined with the creation of five permanent working jobs, or for the reinforcement of the share capital of a commercial society with head office in national territory, already existing, with the creation or keeping of working jobs, with a minimum of five permanent jobs, and for a minimum period of three years.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKES TO OBTAIN GOLDEN VISA IN PORTUGAL?
Normally it takes 12 to 18 months, however depending on each applicants own criteria the processing time may vary.
WHAT IS THE VALIDITY OF GOLDEN VISA IN PORTUGAL?
Golden visa is valid for five years, initial residence card will be issued for 2 years, renewable for 2 each time until you decide to turn this into a Permanent Residency or Citizenship.
WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA?
Principle applicant must be over 18 years of age or more must, be of no criminal records, principal applicant can include spouse, and unmarried children financially dependent on him or her if they are below 25 years of age, the parents that are fully dependent on principal applicant may also be include. Unmarried siblings below the age of 25 years of age with complete financial responsibility under principal applicant may also be considered and to know more about it please contact one of our experts.
CAN THIS RESIDENCE PERMIT BE CONVERTED TO CITIZENSHIP?
Yes, upon completion of 5 years as resident (Golden visa) you may apply for a Permanent Residence or Citizenship of Portugal, provided you have completed the residency requirement, learnt A2 level of Portuguese language, and have no criminal records. You won’t be required to pass history, and geography tests for Citizenship. For further information please contact one of our experts.
DO I NEED TO PAY TAX?
No, if you are not residing and not generating income in Portugal. However, if you chose to reside in Portugal and are spending over 183 days a year your income (i.e., rental income) generated in Portugal will be taxed. Or you can avail benefit from their non-habitual tax residency that is a 10 year special tax regime, to know more about it please contact one of our experts.
WHAT ARE NON EU OR EEA AREA?
Individuals that are not from EU “European Union”, EEA “European Economic Area” was established via the international agreement which enables the extension of the European Union's single market to member states of the European Free Trade Association (all 27 European Union countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are considered to be EEA).
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