Portugal

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Launched in 2012, Portugal’s Golden Visa program has emerged as the most favored investment scheme across Europe, drawing investors with its attractive features, affordability, and benefits. This innovative investment visa marked the beginning of the Golden Visa concept, setting a precedent for other nations like Spain and Greece to adopt similar programs. Since its inception, the program has successfully garnered international attention, bringing in over €6.0 billion in foreign investment to the Portuguese economy. As the premier consultancy for the Portuguese Golden Visa, La Vida takes pride in having provided guidance and support to more than one thousand investors and applicants from over 150 countries globally since the program’s launch.

GOLDEN VISA ELIGIBILITY AND INVESTMENT DETAILS

Investment in Funds

To qualify for the Golden Visa, a minimum investment of €500,000 in a Private Equity or Venture Capital fund based in Portugal is required. This investment grants residency permits to the investor and their family, including dependent children. While there are other qualifying activities such as job creation or charitable contributions, investing in a fund is the only passive option that may yield returns.

Additional Expenses

Applicants should be aware of extra costs beyond the investment sum for the Golden Visa, which include:

Legal Fees: Around €5,000 in the first year, with renewal fees of €1,500 every two years.
Government Fees: For each applicant, €6,394 initially and €3,488 for biennial renewals.
Qualification Criteria

Prospective applicants must open a bank account in Portugal and meet several requirements, including a clean criminal record, comprehensive health insurance, and the submission of a complete application with full biometrics. This process necessitates at least one trip to Portugal during the application phase.

Renewal Conditions

The Golden Visa may be renewed every two years, contingent upon the investor spending at least two weeks in Portugal within each two-year period and sustaining their investment.

OBTAINING PERMANENT RESIDENCY AND CITIZENSHIP IN PORTUGAL VIA INVESTMENT

The Portuguese Golden Visa offers a highly appealing pathway to securing permanent residency or citizenship after a period of five years, without requiring continuous residence in Portugal. To maintain eligibility for the Golden Visa and move towards citizenship, applicants and their families are only required to spend two weeks in Portugal every two years. Further details are available on the process for acquiring Portuguese Citizenship.

Holders of the residency card obtained through the Golden Visa program are afforded the freedom to travel across the EU Schengen area. Acquiring Portuguese citizenship and a second passport grants the privilege of living, working, and studying throughout the European Union.

 

PROGRAM ADVANTAGES

Portugal’s Golden Visa is recognized as one of the leading residency-by-investment programs globally, thanks to its numerous advantages. These benefits include:

A relatively low initial investment requirement of €500,000.
The opportunity to live, work, and study in Portugal.
Visa-free access to the EU Schengen area.
The option to seek Portuguese citizenship after five years without full-time residency.
Only a 14-day stay in Portugal is required every two years to maintain residency status.
No worldwide income tax.
The possibility to opt for Non-Habitual Tax Residency (NHR), offering favorable tax conditions.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS CHANGES

Until 2023, investing in Portuguese real estate was a viable route to obtaining the Golden Visa. However, in October 2023, legislation changes shifted the focus towards direct company investments (which create jobs) or investments in Private Equity or Venture Capital Funds. These funds need to be compliant with Portuguese laws, cannot be allocated in real estate, and should have a minimum five-year maturity. Additionally, 60% of the fund’s investments must be in companies headquartered in Portugal. While La Vida facilitates introductions to regulated Fund Managers, it does not offer investment advice. For more details, refer to our disclaimer.