With its rich history, Portugal is considered one of the world’s most globalized nations and is ranked among the top 10 countries on the Global Peace Index. It is the world’s largest supplier of cork and enjoys the benefits of a strong tourism industry. Portugal has produced streamlined legislation to create an efficient process by which non-EU citizens may obtain a residence permit based on investment.
PORTUGAL
((Golden Residency Permit Program))
VISA FREE DESTINATIONS:
91
PASSPORT INDEX RANK:
4th
OVERVIEW:
PROCEDURE:
The process to acquire a Portuguese residence permit through investment takes over 18 months. The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program requires the main applicant to make two trips to Portugal during the application period. After the residence permit has been received, the client will need to provide biometric data and updated original documents at each renewal. The first permit is usually issued for one year; however, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is now issued for two years.
MINIMUM CAPITAL REQUIREMENT:
Minimum contribution of EUR 250,000
MAIN APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:
Choose any one of the qualifying options in any one of the below categories:
Capital Transfer: one of the following options;
- EUR 500,000 for the acquisition of investment fund or venture capital fund units committed to the capitalization of companies incorporated under Portuguese law, with a maturity of at least five years and with at least 60% of the investment portfolio in companies with a registered office in the national territory (real estate entities do not apply).
- EUR 500,000 for research activities of public or private entities that are part of the national scientific and technological system. EUR 400,000 in a low population density area.
- EUR 250,000 in support of artistic production or in the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage. EUR 200,000 in a low population density area*
Business: One of the following options;
- Creation of a minimum of ten new jobs. Eight new jobs in a low population density area.
- EUR 500,000 for the incorporation of a commercial company that is registered and headquartered in Portugal, creating a minimum of five permanent jobs for a period of three years (or for the increase of the share capital of a company already incorporated and headquartered in Portugal, creating at least five permanent jobs or maintaining at least ten jobs for three years) A low population density area is defined as less than 100 inhabitants per km2, or with a GDP per capita below 75% of the national average.
PROCESSING TIME:
18 Months
KEY BENEFITS:
- Visa-free travel in Europe’s Schengen Area
- Eligibility to apply for citizenship after five years as a legal resident while keeping other citizenship(s)
- Low physical presence requirement (seven days during the first year of residence and 14 days for the two subsequent years, which can count towards citizenship eligibility after five years)
- Income-generating and recoverable investment Family reunification, including civil and same gender partner.
- Excellent international and Portuguese schools and universities
- High quality of life, local cuisine and wines, rich culture, mild climate, and a high level of security
- International quality healthcare clinics and hospital
