Portugal
Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic, is a country in southwestern Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula.
The land within the borders of today’s Portuguese Republic has been constantly settled since Prehistoric Iberia or prehistoric times.
During the fifteenth and sixteenth century, with its global empire which included possessions in Africa, Asia, and South America, Portugal was one of the world’s major economic, political, and cultural powers. In the nineteenth century, armed conflict with French and Spanish invading forces, and the loss of its largest territorial possession abroad, Brazil, which declared independence unilaterally, disrupted political stability and potential economic growth.
The Carnation Revolution’s coup d’état in 1974, replaced an authoritarian dictatorship with a communist state, while the country granted independence to its overseas territories in Africa. Portugal is a developed country, and although having the lowest GDP per capita of all Western European countries, it has a high Human Development Index and one of the highest quality of life ratings in the world.
Advantages of the
Portugal Golden Visa
- Straightforward and flexible investment requirements
- Extremely low minimum stay requirements
- Possibility of Permanent Residency after 5 years and nationality after 6 years
- No limitations on ownership of the selected investment
- Residency applications quickly processed
- Fully extensible to family members (with no further investment requirements)
- Freedom to travel to all European countries members of the Schengen area
- No limitation on subsequent investments or employment opportunities
- Very limited number of documents required
- Access to all Portuguese Public Services, including health and education
Features
- New laws approved by the Portuguese Government open up the possibility of applying for a residence permit to third state Citizens.
- This new residence permit seeks to attract new investment into Portugal through the purchase of real estate for a minimum period of five years.
- The holders of the residence permit for investors will have the right to family regrouping and may gain access to a permanent residence permit, as well as to Portuguese citizenship in accordance with the current legal provisions. The investor must purchase one or more properties with a value of or above € 500,000 (five hundred thousand euros). They may also choose to purchase a property in co-ownership as long as each co-owner invests more than € 500,000 (five hundred thousand euros).
- The requisite of purchasing a property can also be demonstrated with a promissory contract with a deposit of or above € 500,000. This means that a residence permit for investment can be applied for with a mere signed promissory contract. The promissory contract must be registered at the Land Registry Office and before renewing the residence permit for investment, the title deeds of purchase and sale must be presented.
- A declaration issued by a financial institution is also necessary to prove the transfer of the capital for payment of the deposit in the promissory contract in the amount of or above € 500,000 (five hundred thousand euros).
- The properties purchased can be rented out or leased for commercial, agricultural or tourist exploration.
Investment options
- I. & II. REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT
I. Purchase a real estate in Portugal that has a minimum value of € 500,000.
Key benefit: you are not restricted as to what property you can purchase as you are in many CBI Programs. Once you have purchased a property, you will need to hold on to it for a minimum 5 years. After this you can sell it if you want, continue to rent it or live in the property yourself.
II. Purchase a property that was constructed at least 30 years ago and is in an area designated under urban rehabilitation. The property must also have an execution order for rehabilitation work. Your minimum investment requirements in this case is reduced to € 350,000.
ESTIMATE REAL ESTATE QUOTATION FOR A FAMILY OF 4 (2 children under the age of 18)
Real Estate Purchase:
€ 500,000
Registration At The Land Registry Office (Value Approx.):
€ 350
Deed Of Purchase And Sale Or Private Document Authenticated By Lawer:
€ 650
IMT (Depending On The Choice Below*):
€ 30,000
Stamp Tax (Depending On The Choice Below**):
€ 4,000
SEF Process Analysis:
€ 532,70
Issuance Of Residence
Authorization Card Investor:
€ 5,324.60
Authorization Card Spouse:
€ 5,324.60
Authorization Card Children:
€ 5,324.60 (2,662.30 per minor child)
*IMT: 6,5% (Urban Buildings for commercial purposes, land for constructions); 6% (Urban Buildings for housing purposes); 5% (Rustic Buildings).
**Stamp Duty: Rate applicable between 0.3% and 0.5% (Urban Buildings); 0.8% (Rustic Buildings).
- III. CAPITAL TRANSFER
As an alternative to real estate investments, you can perform a capital transfer with a minimum of €1,000,000. You will need to transfer the funds to a financial institution in Portugal such as a bank or credit union. If you want to invest the funds, you can include the option to invest in Portuguese companies.
- IV. INVESTMENT IN RESEARCH
You can make a minimum investment of € 350,000 in public or private research under the national scientific and technological system.
- V. JOB CREATION INVESTMENT
You can create or invest in a business in Portugal that will create a minimum 10 jobs. The exact amount of investments required will depend on how the jobs will be created.
- VI. INVESTMENT IN FUNDS
You can make a minimum capital transfer of € 350,000 for the acquisition of investment units or venture capital funds. This option was added relatively recently but is becoming more attractive as new venture capital funds are entering the market, encouraged by this provision.
- VII. SHARE CAPITAL INVESTMENT
You can make a minimum capital transfer of € 350,000 to enhance the share capital of a company that has its registered office in Portugal, so that it creates at least 5 full time jobs for a minimum 3 year period.
- VIII. INVESTMENT IN ART AND CULTURE
You can make a minimum € 250,000 into an artistic production or the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage.
FAQS
What is the Portugal Golden Visa and what benefits does it offer?
The Portugal Golden Visa is a program that provides residency to non-EU investors who make qualifying investments in Portugal. Benefits include flexible investment options, low minimum stay requirements, the possibility of permanent residency after five years and nationality after six years, the inclusion of family members without extra investment, freedom to travel within the Schengen area, minimal documentation, and access to Portuguese public services such as healthcare and education.
What types of investments qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa?
Qualifying investments for the Portugal Golden Visa include purchasing real estate worth at least €500,000 or €350,000 in designated rehabilitation areas, transferring a minimum of €1,000,000 to a Portuguese financial institution, investing at least €350,000 in public or private research, creating a business that generates at least 10 jobs, acquiring investment units or venture capital funds with a minimum of €350,000, enhancing the share capital of a company by at least €350,000 to create 5 full-time jobs for three years, and investing at least €250,000 in artistic production or cultural heritage maintenance.
How long does the process take to obtain the Portugal Golden Visa?
The process to obtain the Portugal Golden Visa is relatively quick compared to other programs. After making a qualifying investment and submitting the necessary documents, the residency application is processed swiftly. Typically, it takes a few months for the initial approval, followed by the issuance of the residence authorization cards for the investor and their family members.
What is the scope of services NTL Trust can help you with in Portugal?
NTL Trust offers extensive services in Portugal, focusing on assisting with the Portugal Golden Visa program. We guide clients through the investment options, including real estate purchases, capital transfers, and other qualifying investments. Additionally, they provide support in property acquisition, including legal and tax advice, as well as assistance with setting up businesses and managing investments in Portugal. With 30 years of expertise we can ensure a smooth and efficient transition for clients seeking to establish a presence in Portugal.
More
Portugal Citizenship by Investment
If you are considering Portugal citizenship by investment, you might be aware of the immense possibilities that this program can offer. Portugal’s Golden Visa program allows foreign investors and their families to obtain residency and, eventually, citizenship in Portugal.
The program is designed to attract investment into the country, primarily through real estate, but there are also options to invest in job creation or capital transfer. With a relatively low minimum investment requirement compared to other countries, such as Spain or Malta, many investors find it a favorable option.
Once you secure your residence permit, not only do you gain access to Portugal but also the entire Schengen Area, which permits free travel within many European countries. This enhances the desirability of the program, as it allows you to work, study, and travel freely across most European nations.
Eligibility for the program typically requires that you maintain your investment for a minimum period. You also have to fulfill a few other basic requirements, such as having a clean criminal record and holding valid health insurance.
The application process is straightforward, and you can apply for the Golden Visa online. Once submitted, it usually takes about 60 days to get a response, allowing you to plan your journey to Portuguese residency effectively. Many investors choose this route as a means to not only secure their family’s future but also as a strategic entry into the lucrative European market.
In addition to residency benefits, obtaining Portuguese citizenship can take as little as five years, provided you meet the necessary conditions such as maintaining residency and fulfilling basic language requirements in Portuguese. This will not only grant you the right to live in Portugal but also a European passport, which opens up even more global mobility options.
Benefits of Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship
Investors often look at the benefits that come with Portugal citizenship by investment. The main appeal lies in the European passport, which allows for visa-free travel to many countries around the world, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, with Portuguese citizenship, you gain the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union, enhancing the value of this investment.
Moreover, Portugal is known for its high standard of living, rich culture, and beautiful landscapes. Whether you want to enjoy a lifestyle in the sun, have access to world-class healthcare, or take advantage of quality education for your children, gaining citizenship through this investment can be a life-changing decision.
Steps to Apply for Citizenship
To get started with the application for citizenship, make sure to prepare all necessary documents including proof of your investment and a clean criminal record. Once your application is submitted and approved, your investment needs to be maintained for the minimum required period. After five years of residency, you can apply for citizenship.
Portugal vs. Other Investment Programs
When comparing Portugal citizenship by investment to other countries’ programs, like those in Malta or Cyprus, investors might find that Portugal offers a more accessible and less costly pathway to EU residency and citizenship. The Portuguese government has streamlined processes, making it one of the most attractive options for high-net-worth individuals.
Additionally, Portugal’s economy is robust, and it is a member of the EU and the Schengen Zone, providing stable long-term prospects for investors looking to gain citizenship.
Final Thoughts
We encourage interested investors to contact our team for personalized advice on navigating the Portugal Golden Visa program. The right guidance can make a significant difference as you consider this valuable option for citizenship and investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Portugal Golden Visa program?
The Portugal Golden Visa program allows non-EU citizens to obtain a residence permit by making a qualifying investment in Portugal.
What types of investments qualify for the Golden Visa?
Qualifying investments can include purchasing real estate, creating jobs, or contributing to scientific research or cultural heritage.
How long must I maintain my investment?
You must maintain your investment for a minimum of five years to be eligible for citizenship.
Can my family benefit from my Golden Visa?
Yes, family members including your spouse and dependent children can be included in your Golden Visa application.
Is there a language requirement for Portuguese citizenship?
Yes, basic knowledge of Portuguese language is required to apply for citizenship after five years of residency.
How long does it take to process the application?
Typically, the processing time for the Golden Visa application is around 60 days.
What are the benefits of obtaining a Portuguese passport?
Portugal passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to numerous countries and the right to live and work in any EU nation.
Do I need to reside in Portugal to maintain my Golden Visa?
You are required to spend a minimum of seven days in Portugal during the first year and 14 days in subsequent two-year periods.
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