The Portugal Golden Visa Program, launched in 2012, has been a popular pathway for non-EU citizens to obtain permanent residency and citizenship in Portugal. Despite recent news about its potential closure, the program is still open and has experienced record high approvals. In this article, we will discuss the requirements, benefits, and associated costs of the program and answer frequently asked questions.

Portugal Golden Visa Overview

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that grants a temporary residence permit to non-EU/EEA citizens who invest in the country. After five years, eligible investors can apply for permanent residency and, after six years, citizenship. The program offers several investment methods, including real estate, capital transfer, and investment in research, arts, or the environment.

Requirements For Golden Visa Portugal

Investment

To qualify for the Golden Visa, applicants must make a qualifying investment in Portugal, such as:

  1. Real estate investment:
    • Alentejo €280,000+
    • Lisbon €350,000+ (Stopped)
    • Algarve €280,000+
  2. Capital transfer of at least €1 million to a Portuguese bank account or securities.
  3. Creation of at least 10 jobs in Portugal.
  4. Investment of at least €350,000 in research activities.
  5. Investment of at least €250,000 in artistic production or the preservation of national heritage.
  6. Investment of at least €500,000 in small and medium-sized enterprises.

Associated Costs

The total cost of the Portugal Golden Visa Program includes the investment amount, government fees, legal fees, and other related expenses. The government fees include an application fee (€532.70), an initial permit fee (€5,325.60), and renewal fees every two years (€2,663.30).

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for the Golden Visa, applicants must meet the investment requirements, have a clean criminal record, and maintain the investment for at least five years, basically until you get the citizenship if you’re looking at it realistically. Applicants must also spend at least seven days in Portugal during the first year and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period.

Portuguese Citizenship & Passport

After holding the Golden Visa for five years, investors can apply for permanent residency, and after six years, they can apply for Portuguese citizenship. Successful applicants will receive a Portuguese passport, which offers visa-free travel to 186 countries and access to EU rights and benefits.

Portugal Golden Visa Program News

The Portuguese government has stopped receiving new applications and people who applied before are in process.

Portugal Golden Visa FAQs

  1. How much does the Portugal Golden Visa cost? The total cost includes the investment amount, government fees, legal fees, and other related expenses.
  2. What family members can I include in my Portuguese Golden Visa Application? Spouses, dependent children under 18, dependent adult children enrolled in higher education, and dependent parents can be included.
  3. Can I include children over 18 years old? Yes, if they are financially dependent and enrolled in higher education.
  4. Do I have to take a Portuguese language test? No, a language test is not required for the Golden Visa, but basic knowledge of Portuguese is required for citizenship.
  5. Do I have to pay taxes in Portugal? Golden Visa holders are not required to pay tax in Portugal unless they become tax residents.
  6. Can I purchase the property through my company? Yes, as long as the company is based in Portugal or an EU/EEA country.
  7. Do I get access to free healthcare in Portugal? Yes, Golden Visa holders have access to the public healthcare system in Portugal.
  8. Can I apply for a Golden Visa in Portugal through a fund investment? Yes, investing a minimum of €350,000 in a qualifying Portuguese investment fund is an eligible option.
  9. Can unmarried or same-sex couples apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa program? Yes, Portugal recognizes unmarried and same-sex couples for the Golden Visa program.
  10. How many applicants have been approved for Portugal’s Golden Visa program? As of September 2021, more than 9,500 primary applicants have been approved, with the number continuously increasing. It has stopped accepting new applications though.
  11. Is Portugal’s Golden Visa program open to all nationalities? Yes, the program is open to non-EU/EEA citizens from all nationalities.
  12. What happens if my Golden Visa application is rejected? Applicants can appeal the decision or reapply after addressing the reasons for rejection.
  13. What documents are required for the Portugal Golden Visa? Required documents include a passport, proof of investment, criminal record certificate, health insurance, and proof of address.
  14. Where do Portugal’s Golden Visa applicants come from? Most applicants come from China, Brazil, Turkey, South Africa, and Russia.
  15. What investment methods are available for the Portugal Golden Visa? Investment methods include real estate, capital transfer, job creation, research, arts and national heritage, and investment in small and medium-sized enterprises.
  16. Did Portugal reduce the Golden Visa investment requirement? No, the investment requirements have not been reduced.
  17. Is the Portugal Golden Visa set to end? Although there have been discussions about the potential closure of the program, it remains open and continues to receive a high number of applications.

In conclusion, the Portugal Golden Visa Program remains an attractive option for non-EU citizens seeking residency and citizenship in Europe. With a variety of investment options and a straightforward application process, the program continues to draw interest from investors worldwide.

Update: The Portuguese government has stopped receiving new applications and people who applied before are in process. You can apply for a D7 Visa like normal though. This is not legal advice and before taking any actions, do your research. We are not liable for your wrong actions.