Overview

The Golden Visa programme is a Portuguese government initiative to provide a route to permanent residence, citizenship and an EU passport for those from outside the EEA (European Economic Area). In return for a suitable qualifying investment in Portugal, the applicant can obtain residency in Portugal for them and their family. After 5 years, it is possible to apply for Portuguese nationality.

In an unpredictable world, Portugal is an attractive location for its political stability, safety (most recently rated as the 3rd safest country in the world) and welcoming attitude to foreigners. The Golden Visa programme offers residency while only spending 1-2 weeks per year in the country which makes it perfect for those who wish to continue running a business or working overseas while having the peace of mind of a safe and stable location for them and their family.

Qualifying Investments

In the past, property purchases were the most common form of Golden Visa investment. However, that route is no longer available, and so only the following investment options remain:

1. Creation of at least 10 job positions.

2. Transfer of capital in the amount equal to or greater than €350,000, to be invested in research activities carried out by public or private research institutions integrated into the national scientific and technological system.

3. Transfer of capital in the amount equal to or greater than €350,000, intended for the establishment of a commercial company headquartered in national territory, combined with the creation of five permanent job positions, or for the reinforcement of the share capital of a commercial company headquartered in national territory, already established, with the creation or maintenance of jobs, with a minimum of five permanent positions, for a minimum period of three years.

4. Transfer of capital in the amount equal to or greater than 250,000 euros, to be invested in artistic production or support, recovery, or maintenance of the national cultural heritage, through services of the central and peripheral direct administration, public institutes, entities within the public business sector, public foundations, private foundations with public utility status, inter-municipal entities, entities within the local business sector, municipal associative entities, and public cultural associations, pursuing assignments in the area of artistic production, recovery, or maintenance of the national cultural heritage.

5. Transfer of capital in the amount equal to or greater than €350,000, intended for the acquisition of units of participation in investment funds or venture capital funds aimed at capitalizing companies, established under Portuguese legislation, with a maturity, at the time of investment, of at least five years and where at least 60% of the investment value is realized in commercial companies headquartered in national territory.

It is possible that the Golden Visa programme may face further changes. So if you are considering a Golden Visa, please follow my page for updates.