What is it?
The “Golden Visa” program was created by the Portuguese government in October 2012 as a bold way to attract foreign investors from countries outside the European Union. The visa allows the investor and their family to obtain a permanent residence permit valid in Portugal that also allows free travel within the majority of European countries (within the Schengen Area).
Under the Golden Visa program, non-EU citizens only need to make one form of investment (property, funds transfer, or job creation) in order to obtain a permanent residence permit in Portugal. The Golden Visa has been welcomed as a highly successful and flexible program, with simple and clear legal requirements.
What are its benefits and advantages?
- It is not necessary to obtain a visa to enter Portugal
- It is not necessary to obtain a visa to travel within the EU (Schengen Area)
- Stress and visa-free living, working, and studying in Portugal, even if resident in a different country – taxation only comes into play if you spend more than 183 days resident in Portugal
- Extremely low minimum stay periods
- Permanent residence possible after a mandatory minimum period of five years (of maintaining minimum residence and investment)
- Family reunion possible for partner and children
- Same-sex partners eligible for family reunion
- Simple, online application
- Path to citizenship within five to six years
What are the requirements for obtaining it?
Until 31 December 2021
Investment in either of the following types of qualifying investment with specific characteristics:
a) Real estate acquisition
- Minimum investment of €500,000 (or €350,000 for approved urban renovation projects)
- Acquisition of one or more properties possible
- All types of real estate eligible
- Possibility of co-ownership
- Can be for own habitation or for lease
b) Fund transfer
- Minimum capital transfer of €1,000,000
- Funds must be transferred from abroad to a bank in Portugal
- Possibility of using the funds to invest in company shares
c) Portuguese Investment Fund
- €350,000 investment in specific agreed areas
- Investment in arts and research encouraged
d) Job creation
- Creation of a minimum of ten jobs (or eight in a low-density region such as the interior, Madeira or the Azores)
- €350,000 for the incorporation or increase of the share capital of a company that is registered in Portugal, creating or maintaining a minimum of five permanent jobs for a period of three years
- There is no minimum investment amount
- Without limitation of areas/activities
- Possibility of subsidies / incentives / benefits
Changes applicable from 1 January 2022
- Minimum property investment of € 500,000 (or €350,000 for urban renovation projects) now only applies to the interior of the country or Maderia and the Azores. Lisbon, Porto, coastal regions, and the Algarve are no longer eligible.
- minimum fund transfer of €1,500,000
- minimum investment of €500,000 euros in the Portuguese investment fund
Sounds great, I’m in! Are there any other criteria I need to know about?
In addition to meeting the investment criteria, applicants will need a clear criminal record and medical insurance to cover any stay in Portugal.
Where to apply for the Golden Visa?
- Digital application via SEF portal
- Talk to us and we will help make sure the process runs smoothly as possible
More information at: www.sef.pt