Golden Visa Portugal

The government of Portugal has eliminated the golden visa, therefore, we cannot offer the golden visa in Portugal, if you want to obtain the golden visa for a European country that would be the Spanish golden visa.

Golden Visa Portugal – we offer the golden visa service to live in Portugal, and we would like to explain the advantages of this service.

Golden Visa Portugal is one of the most valuable services for people who want to be permanent residents in Portugal. This service can be applied by anyone who wants to obtain a residence visa, including all family members over 18 years old. The procedure is effortless, and it includes some advantages that will surely interest you. If you are interested in this type of service, we invite you to contact us today with your needs pertaining to the golden visa Portugal.

What is the Portugal Golden Visa?

Golden visa Portugal is a fast and long-term residence permit. It allows its holders to travel in the 26 countries that have agreements with Portugal, including all European Union members.

You can apply for a new residence permit if you have been granted a previous one through this scheme. In this case, your application will be examined in priority.

How Does the Golden Visa Portugal Work?

It is necessary to meet some requirements that we explain in the following points:

• Candidates must be over 18 years old and cannot have any criminal record in their country of origin or residence.
• Must guarantee the means of subsistence: having a monthly income of at least 1087.5 euros (must include bank statements for last three months)
• Have complete medical insurance, valid for all Schengen countries, with coverage above 30 000 euros
• Buy or rent a property that is more than 30 years old and valued at minimum 500 000 euro or establish a business with a capital of 500 000 euro. This amount will vary depending on the region where you want to stay (for purchase/sale) and be willing to embrace the national heritage.

Golden Visa Portugal, Where Can I Apply?

Golden Visa Portugal may be applied for in the Embassy or Consulate of Portugal in your country. There is no possibility to apply directly from Portugal. When we receive the application and the subsequent documentation such as proof of investment and medical insurance, we will immediately submit all these documents to the Embassy of Portugal, where you must process your request.

The Portuguese Golden permanent resident permit allows its holder to travel freely throughout Europe 26 countries with Portugal, including all European Union members. Furthermore, as a Golden Visa holder, this person has access to public health services included as part of their visa conditions and accompanying relatives under 18 years old without having to pay any fees on them (medicine, exams)

If you are interested in obtaining information about investing in Portugal, this service, or if you wish to take advantage of our free orientation in the region, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to assist you in your search for an apartment in the Algarve.

What are the Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa?

The benefits of obtaining the Portuguese golden visa and investing in Portugal are as follows:

1. Golden Visa Portugal is an excellent investment opportunity to live, work and study in Portugal.
2. Portugal Golden Visa as a family reunion or reunification tool to those who already stay in Portugal.
3. The Portuguese Golden Residence Permit allows its holder to travel freely throughout Europe to 26 countries that have agreements with Portugal, including all European Union members. Furthermore, as a Golden Visa holder, this person has access to public health services included as part of their visa conditions and accompanying relatives under 18 years old without having to pay any fees on them (medicine, exams)
4. The Portuguese Mining Law provides tax benefits for investors in the extractive industries and applies to both Portuguese citizens and foreigners. In addition, it also provides incentives for investments in infrastructure development within the mining concession area where they are free to invest their share capital.
5. Access to E.U. markets of 500 million inhabitants (the world’s largest common market) and gain residence permit for investment.
6. The Penal Code of Portugal serves as an example throughout the world. The country is among those who have better results in fighting against terrorism and drug trafficking, both countries with stringent laws on these issues. There are several cases where foreigners escaped the harsh punishments imposed by their countries, returning instead to Portugal where they were tried and convicted here under much more lenient sentences than what would be applied if deported to their home country.
7. Portuguese Golden Visa provides access to some free or low-cost university courses for students with this status. You can choose your doctor without waiting lists.
8. Portugal Golden Visa allows its holder to obtain an International Driver’s License.
9. You can purchase real estate without paying taxes for the first 24 months after your purchase. This is also valid for properties built or under construction. Still, if you have not occupied the property since its completion, this exemption period may be extended up to 36 months.
10. Portugal Golden Visa as a path towards Portuguese Citizenship and European Union Citizenship (E.U.).
11. The visa holders will be allowed the same rights as any other citizen in Europe, such as owning companies and setting up bank accounts.
12. Portugal Golden Residence Permit exempts applicants from obtaining a work permit to reside in the country.
13. Portugal Golden Residence Permit exempts its holder from visa requirements for traveling throughout Europe (26 countries have agreements with Portugal, including all European Union members).
14. People who obtain the Portuguese Golden Residence Permit can bring their closest relatives regardless of age under this permit. This means your spouse, children, parents, and grandparents without having to pay any fees on them (medicine, exams) or obtain any other kind of visa beforehand. Furthermore, they can apply for permanent residence after only five years instead of the ten years required by most nationalities.
15. The residency can be renewed beyond ten years without residing in Portugal for more than six months a year.
16. The Portuguese Golden Visa allows its holder to apply for Portugal Residency under the Autonomous Regions of Azores and Madeira, which have different immigration regulations (e.g., family reunification only after two years).
17. You can work in any sector with this visa or even self-employed; you do not require permission from the Labor authorities to take up employment. Self-employment is allowed without restrictions on either residence or professional activity.
18. After five years of continuous legal residency in Portugal (including acquiring the Golden Visa), it is possible to apply for citizenship by naturalization if you meet all conditions required by the legislation.
19. Program participants are issued an Identification Number that can be used, in addition to the Personal Identity Number, for any legal purpose.
20. You can register your foreign diploma or qualifications to ensure that they are recognized by Portugal’s competent Authority (Ministry of Education). If successful, you will receive a legally binding document that is valid throughout Europe. The deadline for registration applications is six months after you arrive in Portugal.
21. All applicants who have completed secondary education in Portuguese public schools can apply for free enrollment at any public university of your choice in mainland Portugal for undergraduate courses. Whether you study medicine or humanities, architecture or engineering! Please note that only citizens from countries with reciprocal agreements are entitled to this benefit.
22. You can petition the Ministry of Justice for dealing with criminal records and obtain legal certification of the absence of a criminal record in Portugal.
23. You can appoint a lawyer on your behalf to file all necessary paperwork on your behalf with the Immigration Department.
24. The Golden Residence Permit shall be issued using an express, free and expedited procedure which shall not exceed ten days from the date of submission of a complete application having been established that all conditions under these Regulations have been met.
25. Applicants who wish to pursue activities other than those for which their visa was granted initially shall apply to the Directorate-General for Migration to be granted approval and further authorization (if applicable).
26. A Golden Visa allows its holder to benefit from fast-track procedures when renewing/obtaining a Portuguese National ID card and passport.
27. The Golden Visa allows its holders to travel visa-free to the U.S.A., Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Japan (and New Zealand until further notice). However, this does not allow the holder of the Golden Visa to live or work in these countries.
28. A Golden Visa can be issued for all members of your family regardless of age including the spouse and children who will be able to apply for permanent residence after five years.
29. There is no requirement on minimum investment amounts, and applicants may combine two different investment options under one application. Subsequent requests associated with changes or additions within an existing package shall only require payment of the requested fees.
30. If your Golden Visa is obtained under the Real Estate option, you will not be required to provide any evidence of property possession and administration other than a valid declaration of ownership. The competent department shall issue an official certificate as proof that the applicant has met all requirements set out in these Regulations.

Who Is Eligible For A Golden Visa in Portugal?

You may be eligible for a Portuguese investment visa if you meet these requirements:

1. Nationalities eligible for the Golden Visa in Portugal are citizens of the following countries: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, China, Guinea Bissau, Macau, Mozambique, Russia, and São Tomé e Príncipe.
2. Applicants must have a valid passport or another valid travel document not issued on demand.
3. Applicants must submit proof that they are currently residing legally in Portugal on a valid residency permit (for reasons other than family reunification).
4. Applicants’ financial situation must be such that they can support themselves without recourse to the social assistance system of Portugal during their period of residence under this status. They shall hold adequate health insurance coverage for themselves and their family members who accompany them;
5. Applicants must not be listed in the Sistema de Informação Schengen (SIS-Schengen), managed by the European Council. This system contains information regarding persons who are considered to be a threat to public or national security.
6. Applicants shall commit themselves to the principles and values of the Portuguese Republic, namely those laid down in the preamble to our Constitution, namely: liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, equality between citizens before the law. They shall also commit themselves to maintain good conduct during their period of residence under this status.
7. It is a requirement that applicants have sufficient knowledge of one or more of the host country’s languages, namely Portuguese, English, or Spanish.
8. The Golden Visa is granted for an initial period of one year which can be extended to a maximum period of five years.
9. Applicants may request that their visas carry multiple entries into Portugal. This request will be assessed on a case by case basis by the Director-General for Migration.

Obtaining Permanent Residency in Portugal through Investment: How to Apply?

These are the points to apply for a Portuguese investment visa:

1. Applicants must apply via email or physical submission at the Competent Authority’s headquarters located in Lisbon. Applications shall include all required documentation.
   1. Golden Visa for members of your family who shall be processed by the Competent Authority’s headquarters when they reside in Portugal.
2. Applicants shall apply for a Residence Permit within 30 days of their Golden Visa being issued. The application for this residence permit shall include the following documents:
   1. Original and copy of valid passport or other valid travel documents, not issued on demand.
   2. Original and copy of Portuguese Health Insurance Card (Cartão do Utente).
   3. If applicable, evidence that the applicant meets the minimum investment amount required in their chosen investment option and evidence that all members of your family meet this requirement. Submission of additional documentation may be required depending on which option was selected.
   4. Application form duly completed and signed.
   5. Proof of residence in Portugal via a rental contract or proof of real estate property owners with an official value assessment document (avaliação de imóveis). This applies only to applicants purchasing real estate for which the purchase price does not exceed €400,000, including taxes. Notarized copy of the certificate describing the reasons why it is impossible to provide any other evidence that can certify that you are living legally in Portugal. If applicable, confirmation from the Competent Authority’s headquarters stating that no criminal record exists against the applicant either in Portugal or abroad.

American applicants to the Portugal golden visa program are required to submit the following documentation:

1. Passport or another valid travel document.
2. Application form duly completed and signed.
3. Portugal’s proof of residence via a rental contract or proof of real estate property owners with an official value assessment document (avaliação de imóveis). This applies only to applicants purchasing real estate for which the purchase price does not exceed €400,000 including taxes.
4. One recent passport-size color photograph. Applicants must be older than 18 years of age. If minor children are added to the Golden Visa application, they shall be included in their parent’s passports. The Passport/Travel Document page must be complete with the relevant data of the applicants/minor children. Applicants may upload more than one picture, with different angles.
5. Criminal Background Check covering Portugal and all countries in which the applicant has resided for 12 months or longer during the ten years before submission of this application.
6. Proof of legal status in Portugal if employed (employment contract).
7. If applicable, proof that family members are permitted to reside legally in Portugal with the Golden Visa holder. This documentation must be submitted by those members of your family who have maintained residency since submitting their Golden Visa application.
8. Medical Certificate with no contraindications against travel issued within seven days before the application submission date. The certificate shall include the patient’s full name, gender, date of birth, address, telephone number, and signature. The medical report must be issued by a doctor legally residing in Portugal and shall include all its text in Portuguese. Applicants may upload more than one picture with different angles.
9. Certificate from the Police Department or equivalent issuing institution that applicant has no criminal record against them either in Portugal or abroad.
10. Proof of Funds – Specified Amount Required: €1,500 per person + €250 for each minor child between 0-18 years old living in the same residence as the Golden Visa holder. If applicable, evidence that such funds are legal and not derived from criminal activities.
11. Any other documentation required under national legislation.
12. Proof of possession of at least five years’ education at the secondary level (with proof of official certification). If applicable, proof that the applicant is in the process of obtaining or has obtained this requirement.
13. Proof of financial self-sufficiency. The Golden Visa holder must be able to prove they can support themselves and his family without recourse to public funds. Applicants must provide evidence that they are not receiving any income from Portugal’s social security system.
14. Certificate issued by the tax department showing that the applicant has no outstanding debts with the National Tax Authority – I.R.S.
15. Declaration signed by the Golden Visa applicant clearly stating that they have not been prosecuted or convicted in Portugal or abroad. Applicants shall also declare that they are not involved in any pending court procedures.
16. Certificate issued by the tax department showing that she has no outstanding debts with the National Tax Authority – I.R.S.

The Portuguese Golden Visa program is top-rated among the Chinese who can invest around €500,000, which can take up to 3 years for a Schengen visa application. The main reason is the hassle-free process, low investment limits, and very flexible terms of residency requirements. Approximately 6,000 applicants are waiting for their golden visa approval in Portugal’s consulate in Hong Kong alone! The average wait time ranges from 4-8 months.

The main focus of the Golden Visa program is to attract high-net-worth individuals who are willing to invest in Portugal and contribute to the economy, employment, and growth of the country. The Portuguese Golden Visa offers multiple entry Schengen visas that can travel around 26 European Union countries, including the UK, France, and Germany and eventually lead to permanent residency once specific criteria are fulfilled during the stipulated time period.

The foreigners aged 18 years or older with a conditional permanent residence status may apply for naturalization after six years of their Golden Residence Permit having been obtained (3 years if they have legally resided in Portugal for at least five years), provided they demonstrate ‘well-integrated behavior, meet the language requirements (Portuguese language skills, understanding and speaking) and have not been convicted of certain criminal offenses.

The applicant must make a minimum investment of €500,000 in real estate property or at least €1 million in businesses or Government Bonds. The Government may increase either of these thresholds on special occasions or for specific sectors of the economy. Persons investing between €350,000 and €499,999 can apply if they do so via a company already present in Portugal with an investment plan that includes their respective capital injection in the form of a venture capital fund.

The Golden Visa can be extended after five years, subject to proof that the term requirements are still fulfilled based on onward investments made by the investor(s), meaning applicants who wish to invest €500,000 would have to invest €1 million after five years.

The Golden Visa program was launched in 2012 and attracted interest from non-EU residents, including rich Chinese, South Americans, and Indians who wish to get Portuguese residency. According to official Government data, over 10,000 residence permits (out of a total of 25,000 visas under the program) were issued up to 2016, with Chinese citizens making up for more than 50% of applicants. Most Golden Visa holders are women (61%), followed by men (38%). More than half (52%) hold a university degree, and 44% own real estate property or businesses already. 11% possess other forms of capital such as gold while 19% hold stocks and shares.

Foreigners who successfully apply for the Golden Visa are given unlimited access to Portugal, can work there without any additional permits, and stay in the country indefinitely. The entire process is completed within 4-6 months, subject to a successful background check on the applicants provided they meet all terms and conditions.

Applicants with kins(spouse or children) will accompany them during their residence permit application. After moving to Portugal under any visa category, holders will become eligible for permanent residency after five years of continuous residence subject to fulfillment criteria such as making investments that generate jobs or purchasing real estate property worth €500,000+.

All applicants must submit their applications via designated Government agencies called Investment Support Offices located in Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and Braga.

A foreigner can invest €1 million in Portuguese industries or Government Bonds to be granted a Golden Visa. The investment has to create at least ten jobs within two years, and the investor(s) should hold a 51% stake in the company. Applicants who wish to invest less than that, for example, between €350,000 and €499,999, need to set up their own business in Portugal with an existing capital fund of at least €350,000, for example, by purchasing property.

This visa allows multiple entries to Portugal and does not require any limits for stays inside the country during one year. Investors or family members can apply for permanent residency after residing in Portugal for five years under any visa category.

Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options: What Types of Investments qualify for the Golden Visa?

These are the investments that can qualify you for the golden visa for Portugal

1. Capital Investments
   1. Only companies registered in Portugal can apply for a Golden visa under this category. Applicant(s) must hold 51% shares of the company and contribute a minimum of €350,000 in the capital, which must be increased every year. The following sectors are considered for investment purposes:
      1. Real estate
      2. Agriculture
      3. Public works
      4. Industry (manufacturing, processing.)
      5. Services (hotels, restaurants, tourism.)
      6. Financial services
      7. Telecommunications and computer technology
      8. Health Care
2. Government Bonds
   1. Applicant(s) can invest a minimum of €1 million in 10 year Government bonds that Portugal has issued. Investment should be worth at least €500,000 for two years, after which it has to be increased by €150,000 every year. This visa is usually granted for one year, which can be renewed up to 2 years and then five years (after 5+5 years of continuous residence in Portugal).
3. Start-up Investment
   1. Applicant(s) should set up their own business in Portugal within one year, which has to be fully operational within two years. The business should create a minimum of 10 jobs in Portugal and generate a turnover of at least €100,000 within three years from when the company became operational.
4. Lease Investment
   1. Applicant(s) can invest a minimum of €350,000 to €499,999 in commercial real estate property in Portugal. The investment should be worth at least €350,000+ within one year of paying the first installment and then becomes subject to €150,000 every year until the value reaches €500,000.
5. Real estate investment
   1. Under this category, the applicant(s) needs to own a commercial enterprise in Portugal which must have a capital of at least €150,000+ and employ a minimum of 2 local workers.
6. Commercial Enterprises in Portugal
   1. Under this category, the applicant(s) needs to own a commercial enterprise in Portugal which must have a capital of at least €150,000+ and employ a minimum of 2 local workers.
7. Real Estate Purchase
   1. Applicants who wish to invest less than €350,000 can purchase real estate property worth at least €500,000 or more from any Government agency or registered real estate agent in Portugal.
8. Real Estate Rent
   1. Applicants who wish to invest less than €350,000 can invest in a commercial enterprise in Portugal and then rent a space of at least 100 m2 from it for at least 12 years. The company must have a minimum capital of €35,000, while the yearly rental fee should be worth at least €20,000.
9. Other Investment Opportunities
   1. All other investment opportunities, including buying stocks, donating money to charities, are also considered for visa purposes provided the investment is worth at least €350,000+, and the applicant holds 51% shares of the company.

What Are The Golden Visa Portugal Requirements?

These are the requirements you must meet if you want to obtain a Portuguese investor visa

1. Applicant(s) must have a permanent job in Portugal or be self-employed. They should not have any criminal records, and the property purchased under-investment category must not be mortgaged to any bank.
2. Applicant(s) must not have been convicted of any crime related to moral turpitude or drugs during the last five years.
3. If married, the spouse must also be a holder of a valid nationality and should have a permanent job or own real estate property in Portugal. A cohabitation certificate needs to be submitted along with the application form.
4. Applicant(s) who are self-employed need to prove how they have been able to generate enough income to sustain them before they can be granted a visa.
5. Applicant(s) should submit their complete travel history for the last ten years and not have stayed out of Portugal for more than four months at a stretch during the previous three years. They should also hold return tickets for traveling outside Portugal.
6. Visa fee of €50,000 needs to be paid by the applicant(s) when submitting an application form. This amount cannot be refunded even in case the application is turned down.
7. Applicant(s) should submit their complete travel history for the last ten years and not have stayed out of Portugal for more than four months at a stretch during the previous three years. They should also hold return tickets for traveling outside Portugal.
8. Applicants who wish to purchase real estate property in Portugal must show that they have not been convicted for any offense related to moral turpitude or drugs during the past ten years.

How to Get a Golden Visa in Portugal: Application and Process

1. First and foremost, interested applicants need to file an announcement of investment with the regional authority office to buy real estate property. This needs to be duly stamped and signed by the local notary/registrar or equivalent government authority.
2. Applicants can submit their application form at any Portuguese embassy (except India). They will be required to submit their passport with a valid visa and two passport size photos.
3. All applicants need to produce proof of speaking enough Portuguese to communicate with people around them when in Portugal. If they don’t, they will have to attend classes to learn the same.
4. Applicants who wish to purchase real estate property in Portugal must show that they have not been convicted for any offense related to moral turpitude or drugs during the past ten years.
5. If the application is approved, applicants can enter Portugal within a maximum period of 30 days from the decision date. A visa will be granted for 1 and 5 years, depending on the amount of investment made.
6. Visa fee of €50,000 needs to be paid by the applicant(s) when submitting an application form. This amount cannot be refunded even in case the application is turned down.
7. Applicants should submit their complete travel history for the last ten years and not have stayed out of Portugal for more than four months at a stretch during the previous three years. They should also hold return tickets for traveling outside Portugal.

2022 Portugal Golden Visa Changes

The Portuguese Government seeks to change the Portuguese golden visa program to promote investments by foreign investors in low-density areas.

Some of the Golden visa changes in January 2022 include:

• The capital transfer to a Portuguese bank will have to be a minimum of 1.5 million euros instead of the previous 1million euros.
• Buying a real estate property in low-density areas and the rural parts will be eligible in certain territories.
• The capital transfer for research activities will need an investment of 500000 euros instead of 350000 euros.
• The capital transfer for the qualifying investment fund will need to part with 500000 euros instead of 350000 euros.

Conclusion Golden Visa Portugal

We are an advisory firm that helps people to be resident in Portugal by acquiring Portuguese citizenship and residency through property acquisition, investments, or subscriptions.

We have a team of experts who will take you through a transparent journey to ensure your need for a Portugal golden visa is met and apply for Portuguese citizenship successfully.

Contact us today and get insights from our highly experienced experts with help avail all the information you need and achieve the dream of being a permanent resident in Portugal.