What is Portugal's Golden Visa Program?
The Portuguese Golden Visa is a Residency by Investment Program that grants non-EU/EEA citizens the right to reside in Portugal and allows free movement within the Schengen Area in exchange for an eligible investment in Portugal.
This program was launched in 2012 by the Portuguese government to attract foreign investment and stimulate the economy.
The program is particularly popular because it provides a pathway to Citizenship in Portugal by Investment, which includes the benefit of visa-free travel within most EU countries and the opportunity to live in Portugal with a high quality of life, mild climate, and a rich cultural heritage.
Portugal Golden Visa FAQs: Your Questions Answered
What is the latest news about the Portugal Golden Visa Program?
Beginning on April 1st, 2024, the 5-year timeframe necessary to apply for citizenship will begin with the application instead of when issuing the residence permit, as it used to be.
Is Portugal ending its Golden Visa Program?
Portugal is not ending the Golden Visa program but restructuring it. The Portuguese government intends to remove real estate investments from the program but keep it in place for other types of investments, such as venture capital, investment funds, cultural heritage, scientific research, and direct business investment that creates jobs.
Which is better, the D7 or the Portugal Golden Visa?
The D7 and Golden Visa Portugal are Residence By Investment Programs offering different benefits and requirements. The best option for you will depend on your circumstances and goals.
The D7 visa is a passive income visa that allows you to live in Portugal if you can prove that you have a regular passive income of at least €8,460 per year. You are not required to make any investment, but you must reside in Portugal.
Your financial situation: The D7 visa is a good option if you have a regular passive income. The Golden Visa is a good option if you have the financial resources to invest significantly.
Your goals: If you plan to live in Portugal permanently, the D7 visa is a good option. The Golden Visa is a good option if you are unsure how long you will stay in Portugal.
You should consult us if you are unsure which program is right for you.
Which Golden Visa is better, Spain or Portugal?
The Spain and Portugal Golden Visas are both famous Residence by Investment Programs, but two characteristics stand out:
Spain Golden Visa requires a HIGHER minimum investment than the Portugal Golden Visa. If you are unsure how long you will stay in Spain or Portugal, the Portugal Golden Visa is a better option because it has a more flexible residency requirement.
You may also read our article "European Golden Visas Comparison: Portugal x Spain x Greece" to learn more about these Golden Visa Programs.
Why is Portugal Golden Visa the best Golden Visa in Europe?
We believe the Portugal Golden Visa is the best in Europe because of its low minimum investment requirement, very flexible residency requirements, and attractive lifestyle.
Can I live in Spain with a Portugal Golden Visa?
When acquiring a Portugal Golden Visa, you become a Portuguese citizen and, therefore, a European citizen, entitling you to live and work in any other EU country, including Spain.
What are the Portugal Golden Visa minimum stay requirements?
Portugal Golden Visa Program minimum stay requirement is 14 days in Portugal for each two years.
What are the Portugal Golden Visa tax benefits (aka Non-Habitual Resident or NHR Program)?
With a Portugal Golden Visa, you may have access to the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) Program under specific conditions. However, the NHR regime was revoked starting January 1, 2024, with transitional provisions. If you became a tax resident in Portugal before the end of 2023 or fulfill specific transitional criteria (such as agreements or commitments made before December 31, 2023), you may still apply for or benefit from the program.
The NHR offered several tax benefits, including reduced tax rates and exemptions on certain foreign-sourced income, for up to 10 years. Please consult us for current eligibility and benefits.
Is it possible to acquire a Portuguese Golden Visa with a mortgage?
No, a Portugal Golden Visa requires that you transfer the required minimum investment amount into a Portuguese bank account.
Does Portugal's Golden Visa Lead to Citizenship?
Yes. After five years of applying for a Portugal Golden Visa, you can apply for a Permanent Residence Permit or Citizenship, which mitigates the impact of any administrative delays that may occur in the residency application process.
Answers and Insights: Portugal Golden Visa Guide 2024
Access the full guide to gain in-depth insights into the Portugal Golden Visa Program.
Portugal Golden Visa Program's Insights and trends
Impressive Growth in Investments
Initial Success: The program's launch in 2012 was a strategic move to attract international capital. Within the first few years, it showed remarkable success.
Resilience During Global Challenges: Despite global economic challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the program maintained strong investment inflows, with significant amounts invested even during the most uncertain times.
Diversification of Investor Base
Early Dominance by Specific Nationalities: Initially, certain nationalities, like Chinese investors, were predominant. This showed the program's international appeal.
Broadening Appeal: Over time, the investor base diversified significantly, attracting applicants from various countries, including Brazil, the USA, South Africa, and Turkey. This trend signifies the program's growing global reputation and trustworthiness.
Continuous Adaptation and Improvement
Program Adjustments for Enhanced Attractiveness: The program has evolved, adapting to new investment trends and changing economic landscapes. For instance, the shift in investment options in 2023, moving away from real estate to other investment forms, demonstrates its flexibility and responsiveness to market needs.
Robust Investment Returns
Consistent High Performance: The total investment amount, which runs into billions of euros, showcases the program's solid performance and substantial impact on the Portuguese economy.
Benefits for Investors
Attractive Advantages: The program offers numerous benefits, such as visa-free access to the Schengen area, the potential for citizenship within five to six years, and a high quality of life in Portugal.
Diverse Investment Options: The variety of investment options, from real estate to Investment Funds, provides flexibility and choice to investors, catering to different investment appetites and objectives.
Promising Future Outlook
Global Recognition: The program's recognition as one of the best residency-by-investment programs worldwide indicates its future solid potential.
Investor Confidence: The steady increase in the number of applicants and the diversity of their nationalities reflects growing confidence in the program's stability and benefits.
In summary, the Portugal Golden Visa program's journey from its inception to its current status demonstrates a successful, adaptable, and robust investment opportunity.
Its ability to attract a diverse and growing pool of international investors, combined with significant economic contributions and evolving investment avenues, makes it an attractive proposition for potential investors looking for a secure and fruitful investment with the added benefit of residency and, eventually, citizenship in Portugal.
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