GOLDEN VISA
The Golden Visa Program In Portugal
GOLDEN VISA IN PORTUGAL
Golden Visa Portugal is a governmental programme that grants investors Portuguese and European citizenship in exchange for investment in different areas of the country.
Golden Visa Portugal 2022 New Rules
In February 2021, the Portuguese Government announced key changes to the Golden Visa which all potential applicants should be aware of.
To know more about these new rules, keep reading our Golden Visa Portugal 2022 Guide.
Golden Visa Portugal is a governmental programme that grants investors Portuguese and European citizenship in exchange for investment in different areas of the country.
Golden Visa Portugal 2022 New Rules
In February 2021, the Portuguese Government announced key changes to the Golden Visa which all potential applicants should be aware of.
To know more about these new rules, keep reading our Golden Visa Portugal 2022 Guide.
Golden Visa Portugal is a governmental programme that grants investors Portuguese and European citizenship in exchange for investment in different areas of the country.
Golden Visa Portugal 2022 New Rules
In February 2021, the Portuguese Government announced key changes to the Golden Visa which all potential applicants should be aware of.
To know more about these new rules, keep reading our Golden Visa Portugal 2022 Guide.
Golden Visa Portugal is a governmental programme that grants investors Portuguese and European citizenship in exchange for investment in different areas of the country.
Golden Visa Portugal 2022 New Rules
In February 2021, the Portuguese Government announced key changes to the Golden Visa which all potential applicants should be aware of.
To know more about these new rules, keep reading our Golden Visa Portugal 2022 Guide.
OBTAINING THE GOLDEN VISA
There are several investment options to obtain the Golden Visa in Portugal in 2022, such as:
Buying residential property(ies) in Portugal’s appointed interior regions in the value of €500.000 or higher (or €400.000 if located in an interior and low-density area of Portugal).
Buying commercial property(ies) in Portugal in the value of €500.000 or higher (or €400.000 if located in a low-density area of Portugal).
Buying and renovating commercial property(ies) in Portugal in the value of €350.000 or higher, that meet(s) specific criteria* (or €280.000 if located in a low-density area of Portugal).
Creation of 10 new permanent job positions or a capital transfer of the minimum amount of €500.000 for the constitution of a commercial society in Portugal, combined with the creation of 5 working jobs (maintained for at least 3 consecutive years), or for the reinforcement of the share capital of an already existing commercial society with the creation or keeping of a minimum of 5 working jobs.
Buying and renovating residential property(ies) in Portugal’s appointed interior regions in the value of €350.000 or higher, that meet(s) specific criteria* (or €280.000 if located in an interior and low-density area of Portugal).
Investment in a private equity or venture capital fund to the value of €500.000 or higher.
Capital transfer in the value of €1.5 million or higher.
Capital transfer in the value of €500.000 used for research and development.
Capital transfer in the value of €250.000 used for preservation of cultural heritage.
*that is located in an urban rehabilitation zone or with construction dating back more than 30 years, for renovation.
YEAR 0
✓ Complete investment
✓ Submit Application
YEAR 1
✓ Stay in Portugal for 7 days
YEAR 2-3
✓ First Golden Visa Renewals
✓ Stay in Portugal for 14 days
One of the most attractive benefits of the Golden Visa in Portugal is that it is extendable to family members.
✓ First Golden Visa Renewals
✓ Stay in Portugal for 14 days
One of the most attractive benefits of the Golden Visa in Portugal is that it is extendable to family members.
YEAR 4-5
✓ Second Golden Visa Renewals
✓ Stay in Portugal for 14 days
✓ Residency Approved
The Golden Visa gained popularity by offering EU residency which allows free movement through the Schengen Area.
✓ Second Golden Visa Renewals
✓ Stay in Portugal for 14 days
✓ Residency Approved
The Golden Visa gained popularity by offering EU residency which allows free movement through the Schengen Area.
YEAR 5+
✓ Apply for permanent residency or citizenship
After the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic, the Portuguese passport moved up one place and now occupies the 6th position on the list of the most powerful passports in the world.
*All deadlines mentioned are subject to change due to Covid-19.
✓ Apply for permanent residency or citizenship
After the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic, the Portuguese passport moved up one place and now occupies the 6th position on the list of the most powerful passports in the world.
*All deadlines mentioned are subject to change due to Covid-19.
✓ Apply for permanent residency or citizenship
After the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic, the Portuguese passport moved up one place and now occupies the 6th position on the list of the most powerful passports in the world.
*All deadlines mentioned are subject to change due to Covid-19.
GOLDEN VISA TIMELINE
NEW RULES 2022
NEW RULES 2022
In 2022, new restrictions were applied to the Golden Visa real estate investments for residential purposes.
Many popular parts of the country such as Comporta, Melides, Grândola, Évora and sections of the Algarve remain eligible for Golden Visa investments. The foreign interest in these charming and historical towns and cities located on the southwest coast/interior of Portugal has been gaining momentum over the past few years and ORIA expects this to accelerate in 2022.
The new Golden Visa rules allow applicants to buy residential real estate in designated interior areas of the country worth at least €500,000 (or €350,000 if investing in a rehabilitation project). If the residential property is located in a designated ‘low-density’ area, then a 20% discount applies - the trendy towns mentioned above all fall into this category, as well as some regions of the already well known and sought-after Algarve region.
Alternatively, in light of the new rules, you can still apply for a Golden Visa by investing in commercial real estate or touristic properties (e.g. serviced apartments, apart-hotel units) anywhere in the country with the same investment thresholds of €500,000 or just €350,000 when investing in a commercial rehabilitation project. If the commercial property is located in a designated ‘low-density’ area, then a 20% discount applies).
Those who are focused on obtaining the Golden Visa through real estate should target the most popular of the eligible towns such as Comporta, Melides, Évora and parts of the Algarve. Real estate investors interested in touristic or commercial properties can still move forward with investments in the major cities, including Lisbon and Porto.
ORIA Real Estate Advisors offers clients a number of Golden Visa-eligible properties. Contact us to discover our Golden Visa portfolio!
Explore our interactive Golden Visa Portugal Map above, to understand which regions of the country apply to the different modalities of the Golden Visa through real estate investment.
In 2022, new restrictions were applied to the Golden Visa real estate investments for residential purposes.
Many popular parts of the country such as Comporta, Melides, Grândola, Évora and sections of the Algarve remain eligible for Golden Visa investments. The foreign interest in these charming and historical towns and cities located on the southwest coast/interior of Portugal has been gaining momentum over the past few years and ORIA expects this to accelerate in 2022.
The new Golden Visa rules allow applicants to buy residential real estate in designated interior areas of the country worth at least €500,000 (or €350,000 if investing in a rehabilitation project). If the residential property is located in a designated ‘low-density’ area, then a 20% discount applies - the trendy towns mentioned above all fall into this category, as well as some regions of the already well known and sought-after Algarve region.
Alternatively, in light of the new rules, you can still apply for a Golden Visa by investing in commercial real estate or touristic properties (e.g. serviced apartments, apart-hotel units) anywhere in the country with the same investment thresholds of €500,000 or just €350,000 when investing in a commercial rehabilitation project. If the commercial property is located in a designated ‘low-density’ area, then a 20% discount applies).
Those who are focused on obtaining the Golden Visa through real estate should target the most popular of the eligible towns such as Comporta, Melides, Évora and parts of the Algarve. Real estate investors interested in touristic or commercial properties can still move forward with investments in the major cities, including Lisbon and Porto.
ORIA Real Estate Advisors offers clients a number of Golden Visa-eligible properties. Contact us to discover our Golden Visa portfolio!
Explore our interactive Golden Visa Portugal Map above, to understand which regions of the country apply to the different modalities of the Golden Visa through real estate investment.
In 2022, new restrictions were applied to the Golden Visa real estate investments for residential purposes.
Many popular parts of the country such as Comporta, Melides, Grândola, Évora and sections of the Algarve remain eligible for Golden Visa investments. The foreign interest in these charming and historical towns and cities located on the southwest coast/interior of Portugal has been gaining momentum over the past few years and ORIA expects this to accelerate in 2022.
The new Golden Visa rules allow applicants to buy residential real estate in designated interior areas of the country worth at least €500,000 (or €350,000 if investing in a rehabilitation project). If the residential property is located in a designated ‘low-density’ area, then a 20% discount applies - the trendy towns mentioned above all fall into this category, as well as some regions of the already well known and sought-after Algarve region.
Alternatively, in light of the new rules, you can still apply for a Golden Visa by investing in commercial real estate or touristic properties (e.g. serviced apartments, apart-hotel units) anywhere in the country with the same investment thresholds of €500,000 or just €350,000 when investing in a commercial rehabilitation project. If the commercial property is located in a designated ‘low-density’ area, then a 20% discount applies).
Those who are focused on obtaining the Golden Visa through real estate should target the most popular of the eligible towns such as Comporta, Melides, Évora and parts of the Algarve. Real estate investors interested in touristic or commercial properties can still move forward with investments in the major cities, including Lisbon and Porto.
ORIA Real Estate Advisors offers clients a number of Golden Visa-eligible properties. Contact us to discover our Golden Visa portfolio!
Explore our interactive Golden Visa Portugal Map above, to understand which regions of the country apply to the different modalities of the Golden Visa through real estate investment.
GOLDEN VISA BENEFITS
Find the benefits of obtaining a Golden Visa in Portugal.
Enter, live, work and study in Portugal.
Freely travel within the Schengen area.
Apply for Family Reunification*.
Apply for permanent residency or portuguese citizenship after 5 years.
The Golden Visa in Portugal acts as a visa-waiver for other European countries, which reduces time spent on airports’ passport control queues.
Golden Visa in Portugal gained popularity mainly due to offering EU residency and, therefore, free movement through the Schengen Area and free relocation to any of the EU states upon gaining citizenship by investment. Yet, one of the most attractive benefits of the Golden Visa in Portugal is that it is extendable to family members.
A so-called Family Reunification paragraph of Residence Permit for Investing Activity (the official name for Golden Visa in Portugal) says that both the EU residency and EU citizenship can be extended to dependent family members.
The Golden Visa in Portugal acts as a visa-waiver for other European countries, which reduces time spent on airports’ passport control queues.
Golden Visa in Portugal gained popularity mainly due to offering EU residency and, therefore, free movement through the Schengen Area and free relocation to any of the EU states upon gaining citizenship by investment. Yet, one of the most attractive benefits of the Golden Visa in Portugal is that it is extendable to family members.
A so-called Family Reunification paragraph of Residence Permit for Investing Activity (the official name for Golden Visa in Portugal) says that both the EU residency and EU citizenship can be extended to dependent family members.
The protocols of Golden Visa in Portugal specifically define “dependent family members” as:
- The spouse of the applicant and minors or dependent children of the couple, or one of the members of the couple.
- Adopted children, adult children that are still financially dependent on parents, financially dependent parents or parents over 65 years old, and minor siblings.
- Golden Visa in Portugal is also available to unmarried partners, including their minors, or adopted children, as long as they are under legal custody.
Please note that applying family members don’t need to invest anything to receive a Golden Visa in Portugal.
Moreover, the requirements for the Golden Visa in Portugal are substantially simpler than in other countries offering citizenship by investment programmes.
For example, while other countries like the UK and Cyprus demand a significant investment of over €1,000,000 euros and several months of stay, in Portugal you can receive citizenship for €350,000 and only 7 days of stay per year.
Please note that applying family members don’t need to invest anything to receive a Golden Visa in Portugal.
Moreover, the requirements for the Golden Visa in Portugal are substantially simpler than in other countries offering citizenship by investment programmes.
For example, while other countries like the UK and Cyprus demand a significant investment of over €1,000,000 euros and several months of stay, in Portugal you can receive citizenship for €350,000 and only 7 days of stay per year.
Marriage and birth certificates relevant to all individuals when applying as a family.
1.
The requirements for a Golden Visa in Portugal are simple, yet extensive.
Below is the list of all requirements for a Golden Visa in Portugal.
The requirements for a Golden Visa in Portugal are simple, yet extensive.
Below is the list of all requirements for a Golden Visa in Portugal.
PORTUGAL GOLDEN VISA REQUIREMENTS
Present a Criminal Record Certificate, issued within 3 months of the online application, and legally translated into Portuguese.
2.
For children over 18, evidence of enrolment in full-time studies and financial dependency is mandatory.
3.
For parents younger than 65 years old, evidence of financial dependency is mandatory.
4.
Initial entry into Portugal with a valid Schengen Visa, if necessary and applicable.
5.
The investment needs to be maintained for a minimum of 5 years, starting from the date the Golden Residence Permit was issued. Once the permit has been received, the Golden Visa in Portugal is officially valid for a one-year period.
6.
Investments need to be made prior to applying for the Golden Visas.
7.
Investment funds must come from outside Portugal.
8.
No previous issues with the Portuguese or Schengen Immigration Services.
9.
The Golden Visa is granted for an initial period of 1 year & renewed for two subsequent 2-year periods, before the application for permanent EU residence or EU citizenship is allowed.
10.
Another requirement for a Golden Visa in Portugal - is the stay period within the country’s territory. Officially, holders of Golden Residence Permit are obliged to stay in Portugal only for 7 days a year for the first year, then no less than 14 days each subsequent two-year period.
Please note, that except for the first year’s 7 days period, the remaining 28 days that have to be spent within the country to obtain a Golden Visa in Portugal do not have to be consecutive.
Upon entry to Portugal, the investor and applying family members must have valid EU visas. Otherwise, the investor must prove an exemption or be able to legalise his/her stay in Portugal within 90 days.
Lastly, to transfer funds for Golden Visa in Portugal, it is necessary to open a Portuguese bank account and get a tax number. In case the Golden Visa investor is a non-EU resident, it is required to get a tax representative - usually an accountant assigned by the investor’s lawyer.
Another requirement for a Golden Visa in Portugal - is the stay period within the country’s territory. Officially, holders of Golden Residence Permit are obliged to stay in Portugal only for 7 days a year for the first year, then no less than 14 days each subsequent two-year period.
Please note, that except for the first year’s 7 days period, the remaining 28 days that have to be spent within the country to obtain a Golden Visa in Portugal do not have to be consecutive.
Upon entry to Portugal, the investor and applying family members must have valid EU visas. Otherwise, the investor must prove an exemption or be able to legalise his/her stay in Portugal within 90 days.
Lastly, to transfer funds for Golden Visa in Portugal, it is necessary to open a Portuguese bank account and get a tax number. In case the Golden Visa investor is a non-EU resident, it is required to get a tax representative - usually an accountant assigned by the investor’s lawyer.
GOLDEN VISA GUIDE
On our Golden Visa Guide you can find information about:
✓ Golden Visa Portugal 2022 Rules
✓ Benefits of Golden Visa in Portugal
✓ Real estate and private equity or venture capital fund investment as the most popular routes to obtain a Golden Visa in Portugal
✓ Requirements, Application Procedures, and Documents
✓ Application Fees
✓ Property Taxes in Portugal
✓ Other investment options used to obtain Golden Visa in Portugal
On our Golden Visa Guide you can find information about:
✓ Golden Visa Portugal 2022 Rules
✓ Benefits of Golden Visa in Portugal
✓ Real estate and private equity or venture capital fund investment as the most popular routes to obtain a Golden Visa in Portugal
✓ Requirements, Application Procedures, and Documents
✓ Application Fees
✓ Property Taxes in Portugal
✓ Other investment options used to obtain Golden Visa in Portugal
Meeting
We comply with COVID-19 social distancing rules. During the first stage, we prefer to arrange a call or an online meeting, according to recommendations made by Portuguese authorities. Our solid knowledge of the market will allow you to make an informed decision on what city area that suits your requirements and meets your expectations. We will be able to properly prepare your trip to Portugal and select properties according to your expectations.
Meeting
We comply with COVID-19 social distancing rules. During the first stage, we prefer to arrange a call or an online meeting, according to recommendations made by Portuguese authorities. Our solid knowledge of the market will allow you to make an informed decision on what city area that suits your requirements and meets your expectations. We will be able to properly prepare your trip to Portugal and select properties according to your expectations.
Meeting
We comply with COVID-19 social distancing rules. During the first stage, we prefer to arrange a call or an online meeting, according to recommendations made by Portuguese authorities. Our solid knowledge of the market will allow you to make an informed decision on what city area that suits your requirements and meets your expectations. We will be able to properly prepare your trip to Portugal and select properties according to your expectations.
1.
The process of applying for the Golden Visa in Portugal is very straightforward.
PORTUGAL GOLDEN VISA PROCEDURES
Select a lawyer and open a bank account
Our team can also prepare some of the paperwork in advance, prior to your visit to Portugal.
2.
Select your favourite property(ies)
Ensuring it complies with legal requirements and Golden Visa minimum values.
3.
Start your Golden Visa application
4.
Application Approval
The average time for the processing of applications is around 6-8 months. Once approved, resident cards are issued within 4-6 weeks after fees are paid to the immigration services.
5.
Golden Visa Renewals
Application may be submitted between 30 and 90 days before the expiration of residence card. Preparation for renewals should start 4 months before the expiration of the card in order to allow sufficient time to gather all required documentation for submission. All residence cardholders will need to visit Portugal in order to complete the renewal and provide biometric data. For renewals, evidence of spending the minimum stay in Portugal is required.
6.
Conditions for Permanent Residency
5 previous years of residency
A2 level of the Portuguese language
Proof of Portuguese Residence
7.
Citizenship
After 5 years, all residence card holders are eligible for citizenship. To be eligible, they are required to complete and pass the CIPLE Portuguese language test for citizenship (A2 level). Approval of citizenship application is approximately 12 - 18 months.
Citizenship
After 5 years, all residence card holders are eligible for citizenship. To be eligible, they are required to complete and pass the CIPLE Portuguese language test for citizenship (A2 level). Approval of citizenship application is approximately 12 - 18 months.
Citizenship
After 5 years, all residence card holders are eligible for citizenship. To be eligible, they are required to complete and pass the CIPLE Portuguese language test for citizenship (A2 level). Approval of citizenship application is approximately 12 - 18 months.
8.
The legal process of obtaining a Golden Visa in Portugal starts with registering online. The registration for the Golden Visa application is usually done by the legal representative appointed by the investor.
Once the registration for Golden Visa in Portugal has been made, the investor must come to Portugal and visit SEF, with the main office in Lisbon.
When applying for the Golden Visa in Portugal, the investor must submit biometric data – fingerprints and photograph – and also sign a written statement of his/her application. Similarly to the registration, this process can be completed individually, or with the help of a legal representative specialising in the Golden Visa programme.
The application time of the Golden Visa in Portugal and the time of issuing Golden Residence Permit are different.
Officially, authorities give a maximum of 90 days to approve the application for Golden Visa in Portugal. Nevertheless, if all documents had been filled out right, and the steps were followed correctly, SEF can approve the Golden Visa application in about 4 to 6 weeks. The physical Golden Residence Permit card takes a further 2 weeks to issue.
Therefore, the complete application process for Golden Visa in Portugal takes around 1.5 - 2 months.
After the purchase of property in Portugal and the receipt of the Golden Visa Residence Permit, the Golden Visa property can be used as a primary home, kept empty, or used as a holiday home and rented out short-, medium- or long-term.
The last options are considered to be the most popular, as it allows to improve the return on funds invested for Golden Visa in Portugal. After receiving EU citizenship, or permanent EU residency, the Golden Visa property can be sold.
The legal process of obtaining a Golden Visa in Portugal starts with registering online. The registration for the Golden Visa application is usually done by the legal representative appointed by the investor.
Once the registration for Golden Visa in Portugal has been made, the investor must come to Portugal and visit SEF, with the main office in Lisbon.
When applying for the Golden Visa in Portugal, the investor must submit biometric data – fingerprints and photograph – and also sign a written statement of his/her application. Similarly to the registration, this process can be completed individually, or with the help of a legal representative specialising in the Golden Visa programme.
The application time of the Golden Visa in Portugal and the time of issuing Golden Residence Permit are different.
Officially, authorities give a maximum of 90 days to approve the application for Golden Visa in Portugal. Nevertheless, if all documents had been filled out right, and the steps were followed correctly, SEF can approve the Golden Visa application in about 4 to 6 weeks. The physical Golden Residence Permit card takes a further 2 weeks to issue.
Therefore, the complete application process for Golden Visa in Portugal takes around 1.5 - 2 months.
After the purchase of property in Portugal and the receipt of the Golden Visa Residence Permit, the Golden Visa property can be used as a primary home, kept empty, or used as a holiday home and rented out short-, medium- or long-term.
The last options are considered to be the most popular, as it allows to improve the return on funds invested for Golden Visa in Portugal. After receiving EU citizenship, or permanent EU residency, the Golden Visa property can be sold.
GOLDEN VISA REAL ESTATE PORTUGAL
Buying real estate is the most popular route to acquire the Golden Visa in Portugal. In fact, since 2012, 9 514 out of 10 170 issued Golden Visas were granted through the real estate route (source: SEF).
The reason behind property investment standing as the most popular way to obtain a Golden Visa in Portugal is the profitability of the purchased real estate fuelled by the rise of tourism. Plenty of properties purchased to apply for Golden Visa in Portugal can act as holiday homes that are rented out short, medium or long-term. The average short-term rental yield from Golden Visa property depends on the degree of investor participation in property management and is approximately 6% to 8% gross.
After attentively listening to you, we initiate our exhaustive search through our softwares, portals and extensive network — both on and off market. Narrowing our finds to make the most of your valuable time, we provide you with a shortlist of properties that meet your unique criteria and handle all tour arrangements.
With a profound understanding of the local market, we share the insider's tips - ranging from up-and-coming neighborhoods to capital growth potential - and craft a winning strategy that allows you to achieve your desired goals.
Renowned for our unrivalled negotiation skills, we advocate on your behalf from inspections to closing, and work thoroughly to achieve the best possible purchase price. This service is also available as a stand-alone modality.
According to the Government’s recent announcements, as long as your application has been submitted before the deadline (December 31st 2021), your eligibility to apply to a Golden Visa remains. You can still apply for a Golden Visa after January 1st 2022, as long as your investment and application are compliant with the new 2022 Golden Visa Rules. You can learn more about the 2022 Golden Visa rule changes by reading our Golden Visa guide.
In order to qualify, one of the following investment conditions in Portugal must be met:
*that is located in an urban rehabilitation zone or with construction dating back more than 30 years, for renovation.
Other Investment routes
As may be expected, to qualify for residency, there are minimum length of stay requirements in Portugal (which may include circulation in the Schengen Area countries) of seven days during the first year and fourteen days, consecutive or not, in the subsequent two-year periods (i.e. an average of one week per year). Where the applicant does not fulfil the minimum stay requirements, the GRP may not be renewed and the applicant will need to re-apply.
REQUEST GOLDEN VISA ELIGIBLE PROPERTIES
Whether you are looking into the Portuguese real estate market for investment or lifestyle reasons, we are committed to understanding your needs and finding the right property for you - on or off market.
Request a private consultation for further discussion.
Whether you are looking into the Portuguese real estate market for investment or lifestyle reasons,
we are committed to understanding your needs and finding the right property for you - on or off market.
Request a private consultation for further discussion.
Whether you are looking into the Portuguese real estate market for investment or lifestyle reasons,
we are committed to understanding your needs and finding the right property for you - on or off market.
Request a private consultation for further discussion.
Whether you are looking into the Portuguese real estate market for investment or lifestyle reasons,
we are committed to understanding your needs and finding the right property for you - on or off market.
Request a private consultation for further discussion.
Whether you are looking into the Portuguese real estate market for investment or lifestyle reasons,
we are committed to understanding your needs and finding the right property for you - on or off market.
Request a private consultation for further discussion.