Golden Visa is the authorization of residence in Portugal with the possibility of investing activity. Is a Portuguese program that allows citizens of countries outside European Union (EU) or European Economic States to obtain a residence in Portugal, also benefiting from free movement in the schengen area.
Who has residence permit for investment activity are entitled to :
1 - Family reunification
2 - Access to the permanent residence permit
3 - To Portuguese nationality, in accordance with national law
In October 2012 the Portuguese authorities launched the golden visa program, which is a fast track for foreign investors to obtain a valid residence permit in Portugal.
With the objective of attracting foreign investment the golden visa is a flexible program, with a minimum stay requirement and with simple and clear legal requirements. It is clearly one of the most attractives programs of emigrations for the investors all over the world.
Under the Golden Visa program, non-Eu citizens just need to do one of the investments provided by the law, to qualify for a residence permit in Portugal.
This residence permit will allow the investor to enter and/or live in Portugal and travel freely in the majority of europeran countries (Schengen area).
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1 - 320 days of sunshine a year
2 - Lowest cost of living in europe
3 - Portuguese are warm and welcoming
4 - Lisbon is the 5th best city in europe to invest according to Financial Times
5 - 3rd most peaceful country in the world among 153 countries according to «Emerging Trends in Real Estate», Global Peace Index 2016
6 - Excellent public and private health system.
7 - 7th destination chosen by European investors for the real estate sector, According to “Emerging Trends in Real Estate“
8 - Chosen for europe´s largest technology and startups event – Web Summit
9 - Great natural diversity with unspoilt beachs, mountains and golden plains
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12 - International airports with connections to the main cities of the world
13 - Best country in the world to buy house because it has good prices and clear and transparent tax rules
- Transfer of capital in an amount equal to or greater than 500.000 €
- Creation of at least 10 jobs
- Acquasition of real estate in the amoung of 500.000€ or more
- Acquisition of real estate with more than 30 years, or located in areas of urban rehabilitation with rehabilitation works in the global value equal or superior to 350.000 €
- Transfer of capital in an amount equal to or greater than 350.000 € to public or private scientific research institutions
- Transfer of capital of 250.000 € or more for investment or support for artistic production, recovery or maintenance of the national cultural heritage
- Transfer of capital in an amount equal to or greater than 500.000 € invested in the acquisition of units of investment funds or venture capital funds for the capitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises
In this way obtaining this visa through real estate investment includes :
- Acquisition of one or more properties with a total value equal ou superior to 500.000€
- Acquisition of one or more buildings completed more than 30 years ago ou located in areas of urban rehabilitation with urban rehabilitation works in accordance with the law, in an aggregate amount to or greater than 350.000€
This particular case real estate investment includes:
- Residential ou commercial real estate
- Properties acquired jointly, provided that the investor's share is in the minimum amount indicated
- Properties acquired individually or through sole proprietorship companies of which the investor is a partner
- Rented buildings
- Assets encumbered in the part that exceeds the minimum investment amount required
The investor must meet the general requirments applicable to all types of qualified investments and also the specific requirements of each type of qualified investment.
All investors must meet the following requirements:
1 - Maintain the investment for a minimum period of 5 years
2 - Funds must come from outside Portugal
3 - Entry into Portugal with a valid schengen visa
4 - Absence of references in portuguese immigration and Schengen services
5 - No conviction of a relevant crime
6 - Minimum stay : 7 days during the first year and 14 days during esach subsequent period of two years.
What are the advantages of the golden visa program ?
- it´s not necessary to obtain a visa to enter in Portugal
- it´s not necessary to obtain a visa to travel to and within Schengen area
- Being able to live and work in Portugal, even if living in a different country
- permit extended to dependent family members
- extremely low minimum stay periods
- Permanet residence after 5 years
- Possibility of obtaining Portuguese citizenhip after 6 years
What is the validity of the visa gold ?
Golden visa will be valid for an initial period of 1 year and will be renewed for 2 subsequent periods of 2 years.
The Schengen area and which countries are included
The Schengen area is a group of 26 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
It´s possible to extend the Gold Visa to family members ?
Yes. Under the gold visa program, family members may also apply for and obtain a residence permit in Portugal requesting "family reunification". The visa will be extended to family members, namely spouses, children and dependents who will also be eligible for permanent residence after 5 years and Portuguese citizenship after 6 years.
How the investor and family obtain permanent residence after 5 years?
Any person who has a valid temporary residence permit in Portugal, for a period of at least 5 years, will be entitled to obtain Permanent Residence in Portugal.
The investor and family members must meet the following criteria in order to be able to apply for Permanent Residence in Portugal:
- Without conviction of crime
- Basic knowledge of portuguese
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- Proof of income/finantial independence
How do the investor and family obtain permanent residence after 5 years?
Under Portuguese law, anyone who holds a temporary residence permit valid for a period of at least 5 years in Portugal (for example, the Gold visa) will have the right to permanent residence in Portugal.
Welcome to your new home.
Portugal! :)