GOLDEN VISA PORTUGAL THROUGH PROPERTY INVESTMENT

 

The Portugal Golden Visa program has proven to be the most popular scheme in Europe with investors attracted to its flexibility and benefits. Launched in 2012 the investor visa program has been actively promoted internationally by the Portuguese government. An investment of €500,000 (or €350,000 reduced option) in real estate in Portugal will gain a residency permit for a family including dependent children. The golden visa can be renewed every two years providing the applicant spends two weeks in the country every two years.

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PERMANENT RESIDENCY AND CITIZENSHIP

 

One of the most attractive options is the ability to apply for permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years without the need to reside in Portugal. In fact, the applicant and their family need only visit for two weeks every two years in order to renew the Portuguese Golden Visa. In Portugal citizenship can be granted without the applicant having resided in the country. However the investor having acquired residency through the golden visa program will need to demonstrate ties to the country and pass a basic language test. Citizenship of Portugal and a second passport conveys the right to live, work and study anywhere in the European Union. The Portuguese residency card granted through the golden visa program allows the holder to travel throughout the EU Schengen zone.

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The Golden Visa Scheme is a residency program aimed at attracting foreign investment to Portugal. It is a fast-track method for non-EU members and their family members to obtain Residency Permits in Portugal, with no direct tax implications/obligations for income generated outside Portugal.

How to qualify for a Golden Visa?

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The Golden Visa is only available for non-EU citizens. 
There are three different ways to qualify for a Golden Visa. You can:

1. Invest in a property

When you invest at least 500.000 euro in property, you can apply immediately for the Golden Visa. This does not need to be one property; it can be spread over several properties and also includes co-ownership of properties.

When you invest at least 350.000 euro in a property (residential, commercial, land, etc) that was built more than 30 years ago, or is situated in an urban regeneration area. The price for the renovations can be included in this amount. The application for the Golden Visa can be done before the renovation works are finished but it is mandatory to provide the building contract that proves payment of the first invoices, and proof of application of a building license to the local city hall.

2. Invest in Capital

Capital investment of at least 1.000.000 euro

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Capital investment of at least 500.000 euro for acquisition of participation units in investment funds, or for capitalization of small and medium size companies.

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Capital investment of at least 350.000 euro for research activities carried out by the national scientific and technological system.

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Capital investment of at least 250.000 euro to support artistic production/recovery/maintenance of national cultural heritage.
 

3. Create Jobs 

Create a minimum of 10 jobs

 

How to find the right investment for a Golden Visa?

With over 20 years of experience in the area, we are able to advise you to the perfect property for you. You can save time and effort as it is not necessary to look through the website endlessly to view pictures online: We take you on a journey along the finest properties to find the perfect fit. When we have found your property investment, you will go through the regular property buying process before applying for the Golden Visa.

 

The Golden Visa process in Portugal

 

During the property search, we will introduce you to a lawyer to whom you can ask more in-depth questions about your personal Golden Visa application. With your lawyer, you set up a Portuguese bank account and get a tax number to start the application process once the property is purchased.

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The application takes place through your lawyer and can take up to 6 months or approval. If you want to apply for your family members as well, this application is done simultaneously. A processing fee is paid of 533 euro for the first applicant and 83 euro for other family members.

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When your application is approved you pay an approval fee of 5,324 euro per applicant. After more or less 15 days, you receive your residency card valid for 1 year. 
 

Year 1

Your application has been approved and you now have a residency card valid for 1 year with which you can travel freely within the Schengen Area. In this first year, you must spend at least 7 days in Portugal.

At the end of this first year, you have a renewal process for your next residency card. You can apply for your new residency card 30 days before the year 1 card expires. For the renewal process you have to retake biometrics (fingerprints etc), provide up-to-date criminal records and pay a fee of 2662.30 euro per applicant. Additionally, the cost for this renewal process is 532.70 for the first applicant, and 83.10 for other applicants (family members).

 

Year 2 & 3

You now have a new residency card, valid for two years. Within these two years, you need to be in Portugal at least 14 days (consecutive or non-consecutive). At the end of this two-year period, another renewal process takes place.
2nd renewal process: For the renewal process you have to retake biometrics (fingerprints etc), provide up-to-date criminal records and pay a fee of 2662.30 euro per applicant. Additionally, the cost for this renewal process is 532.70 for the first applicant, and 83.10 for other applicants (family members).

 

Year 4 & 5

You now have another residency card, valid again for two years. You need to be in Portugal again for 14 days, consecutive or non-consecutive. At the end of this period, the last renewal process takes place.  

3rd renewal process: For the final renewal process you have to retake biometrics (fingerprints etc), provide up-to-date criminal records and pay a fee of 2662.30 euro per applicant. Additionally, the cost for this renewal process is 532.70 for the first applicant, and 83.10 for other applicants (family members).

After the last renewal process, you can renew your Golden Visa or apply for permanent residency. For the application of Permanent Residency the applicant will take a Portuguese test – European reference level A2.

 

Year 6 

You now have either a renewed Golden Visa or Permanent Residency. At the end of this year, you can apply for citizenship. For the application of Citizenship the applicant will also take a Portuguese test. 

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Which documents do you need for a Golden Visa in Portugal?

 

The documents you need to apply for a Golden Visa in Portugal are the following:

• A Valid Passport

• A Schengen Visa (with which you entered Portugal), if applicable

• Declaration from a bank in Portugal confirming the transfer of the fund

• Proof of investment

• Medical insurance valid in Portugal for all members applying

• Absence of criminal conviction in Portugal and of interdiction

• Absence of notice from Portuguese Immigration Authorities or Schengen Services

• Proof of ongoing education for children of 6 years of age and older. (including children over 18 years of age that are included in the application.) Proof can be a student card or confirmation of enrollment*

• Proof of financial support to the family members

 

The following paperwork needs to be legalised (at a Portuguese consulate/Embassy of your country or with an Apostille for the Countries that are part of the Hague Convention) and translated into Portuguese (at consular services):

 

• Criminal certificate from country of origin** (or police clearance certificate) of you, your spouse and your children over 16 years of age*

• Marriage certificate

• Birth Certificate of the children*

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* only applicable for members who are applying for residency visas in their name
** Please note that criminal records are usually only valid for 3 months 

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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTUGAL

 

A few examples of our real estate options for residency and citizenship investment in Portugal.