PORTUGAL GOLDEN VISA PROGRAM

 

Summary of Investor Program for Portugal:

Portugal introduced its Golden Residence Permit for Investment Activity (“Golden Visa”).  The Golden Visa has all the benefits of a Schengen Visa, entitling the holder to free movement throughout the 26 Schengen member countries in Europe.  Golden Visa holders obtain access to residence permits, as well as to Portuguese citizenship (after 6 years of residency), with advantageous periods of stay in Portugal.

Information about Portugal:

• Member of the European Union and Schengen Area.

• Located between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean.

• Mediterranean climate; one of the warmest countries in Europe.

• High quality of life, with modern business and medical facilities, shopping, universities, natural beauty, sports, and cultural events.

• Population of 10.5 million; 20% live in the capital city of Lisbon.

• Official language is Portuguese, but 80% of the population also speaks English.

Application criteria:

• The applicant must possess a valid passport and reside legally in any country.
• The applicant must not be a citizen of the European Union.
• The applicant must be minimum age 25 years (no maximum age).
• The  applicant  must  choose  one  of  the  following  options: (1)  purchase  real  estate (residential, commercial or plots) in the minimum amount of €350,000 (non-financed) OR (2) transfer €1,000,000 to a Portuguese bank. The investment must remain in place to apply for citizenship).
• The applicant must pass a security background check.

Program Benefits:

• Government processing in 30 days (from date of file submission to Government).
• Applicant and his family have the right to reside, work, and attend school in Portugal.
• Minimal residency requirement (1 week per year).
• Portugal offers a high quality of life, including modern business and medical facilities, shopping, natural beauty, sports, cultural events, and a warm climate.
• No Net worth requirement, No Minimum Education Level required, No language requirement, No source of funds requirement, No management experience requirement.
• No interview (only an exploratory visit).
• No tax on worldwide income.
• Dependents are children under 18, or older children who are students and financially dependent on the applicant.
• All foreign nationals may apply (no restriction on nationalities).
• Applicants may apply for citizenship after 6 years of residency.
• Residents may work and live indefinitely in Portugal and travel visa-free throughout the Schengen area (26 European Countries).

• Portuguese passport holders can travel to more than 160 countries visa free or with visa on arrival.

Citizenship Requirements:

• Residency is renewed at year 1, year 3, and year 5.
• Family maintains residency for 6 years (visits Portugal for 7 days each year and maintains investment).
• Family passes basic Portuguese language test.
• Application for naturalization/citizenship is submitted to the Portuguese Government.
• Real estate may be sold, and bank investment redeemed, after citizenship is obtained.
• After receiving citizenship, the family applies for passports.