What is the Golden Visa and who is it for?
In 2012, Portugal approved special legislation designed to attract foreign investment, by offering a fast way for property investors (non EU citizens) to receive a residence permit, making it a privileged entry into Europe and allowing such permit holders free circulation in Schengen countries.
On September the 2nd, 2015, new amendments were added to the procedures that allow, through investment, obtaining the residence permit known as the Golden Visa.
As of this date it is possible to apply to this visa through one of the following investment options:
• Property acquisition in the amount equal to or greater than 500,000 euros;
• Acquisition of property over 30 years old or property located in urban renewal areas with rehabilitation works totaling the amount equal to or greater than 350,000 Euros;
Real estate investment covers:
• Acquisition of one or more properties with a total value equal to or exceeding 500,000 Euros, or;
• The acquisition of one or more properties over 30 years old or located in urban renewal areas, with rehabilitation works, in accordance with the corresponding legislation, totaling an amount equal to or greater than 350,000 Euros.
Golden Visa Portugal
This type of investment includes:
• Commercial or residential properties;
• Real estate acquired in co-ownership, as long as the investor’s share is at least the minimum indicated value;
• Properties that are acquired individually or through sole proprietorship companies in which the investor is a partner;
• Leased properties;
• Properties encumbered, by the amount that exceeds the minimum amount of the investment.
The government establishes the possibility of reducing the amounts in question by 20% if the properties in question are located in areas of low population density. According to current law, it is considered a territory of low population density if it has less than 100 inhabitants per km2 or if the GDP of that region is below 75% of the national average.
The residence permit is granted for a period of one year, renewable for two successive periods of two years, and requires the maintenance of the investment for a minimum period of five years and the presence in Portuguese territory for 7 days (consecutive or not) in the first year and 14 days (consecutive or not) in the subsequent periods of two years.
The authorization may be extended to the investor’s family members and the residence permit may be granted on a permanent basis after the initial period of five years. The Portuguese nationality through naturalization may be requested after six years of golden visa Portugal.
Why Golden Visa Portugal?
Portugal has been a member of the European Union since 1986, and is currently among the countries with the highest human development indexes in the world.
Traditionally friendly, it has world class road and airport infrastructures that allow country wide quick and comfortable access with direct flights from China.
The private and state hospitals and medical care systems have full country coverage, being duly equipped and assisted by highly qualified and experienced professionals.
With a very mild Mediterranean climate, winters are never too severe nor are summers excessively hot.
* Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.
Golden Visa Portugal
