Citizenship & Residency by Investment | Global Mobility Solutions
Portugal
Golden Visa Program
About
Capital: Lisbon
Population: 10,833,816
Language: Portuguese
GDP per capita: 27,275 USD
Currency: Euro
Member of the European Union & NATO
Visa Free Countries: 175 countries including UK, USA, Canada, European Union, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Brazil, South Africa
Portugal Golden Visa Program Overview
Portugal is one of Europe’s most historically influential countries, with a rich past of global exploration and trade. As a Portuguese resident, you can enjoy access to and visa-free travel across the 27 European Schengen Area countries. Portugal launched its Golden Visa Program in October 2012. This has become Europe’s most popular residency by-investment program and is available to all non-EU nationals. The program offers an opportunity for you and your family to live, study, and work in Portugal, a safe country with excellent healthcare and educational opportunities.
A Portuguese Golden Visa Program provides a possible route to Portuguese and European Union citizenship after five years of residency. You will need to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Portuguese language and genuine links to the country. Portugal is family-friendly and the Golden Visa Program extends to dependants. This represents an excellent option for families seeking a European base. English is widely spoken and the country offers attractive personal tax options via the non-habitual tax regime.
The programme requires an applicant to stay in Portugal for at least seven days in the first year and no less than 14 days in each subsequent two-year period.
Key Advantages
- Visa-free travel access to the European Schengen Area.
- Right to live, work, and study in Portugal.
- Residency within 18-24 months.
- Attractive taxation system.
- Citizenship possible after five years of legal residence.
- Low physical presence requirement (seven days in the first year and no less than 14 days in each subsequent two-year period).
- Investment options from as little as EUR 250,000.
- High quality of life, fantastic local cuisine and wines, rich culture, mild climate, and a high level of security.
Requirements/Investment Options
The program requires you to invest in the country in return for a residence permit. The program offers a number of investment or contribution options that will qualify you and your family for residence.
Select one of the following options
- Transfer EUR 500,000 in capital to acquire participation units in investment funds (non-real estate collective investment entities) or venture capital funds.
- Create at least 10 job positions.
- Make a capital transfer of EUR 500,000 to incorporate a commercial company combined with the creation of five permanent jobs.
- Transfer EUR 500,000 in capital for research activities carried out by public or private scientific institutions that are part of the national scientific and technological system.
- Make a capital transfer of EUR 250,000 or more to support the investment or artistic production, recovery, and maintenance of national cultural heritage.
The Principal Applicant
Qualifying Dependents
As the main applicant, you must be free from debts in Portugal, source investment capital outside Portugal, and be able to confirm the legality of your income.
You can add your spouse as a dependent. Like you, they must be over 18 years of age, hold medical insurance, have a clean bill of health, and not have a criminal record. You can also include dependent children of any age. In addition, you can add dependent parents aged over 55. If parents are older than 65 they are considered dependent and can be included.
Taxation
Portugal charges personal taxation for non-residents on Portuguese-sourced employment and pension income at a preferential rate of 25%. They tax interest and rental income, dividends, and capital gains at 28%.
Current residents can apply for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime which may be more beneficial. Income derived from a foreign source and relating to employment income, pension income, and business and professional income can become subject to tax exemption. Any income derived from a Portuguese source will be subject to income tax at a flat rate of 20%, although some surcharges may apply.
NHR will no longer be available for new residents after 2023. The Portuguese Parliament is currently discussing the new Incentivized Tax Status (ITS) it will implement to replace NHR. Portugal does not apply a wealth tax. There is no tax on gifts or inheritances between parents, children, and grandchildren.
Process Overview
Following an initial consultation, we will provide an overview of what the program entails from submission to permanent residency over 5 years. The whole process can be managed remotely, and you will only be required to make your first visit when you are invited for biometrics. We assist with the full legal process including obtaining a NIF, opening a bank account, selecting the most appropriate qualifying option and submitting your application to SEF. The Golden Visa is a temporary residence permit valid for a period of two years from the date of issue. You can renew it for successive periods of two years, provided you continue to fulfill the necessary requirements. After five years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit or Portuguese citizenship, assuming you are eligible.
Months 1-18
Initial Due Diligence
Following the successful screening, we will provide you with a Client Agreement (CA) for review and signature. Upon receiving the signed agreement and retainer payment, our legal team will complete all the necessary government forms and supporting documents. We will also help you open a bank account and apply for your tax ID.
Year 2
Renewal
Once the initial validity period of your Golden Visa Program ends, we will assist you in the renewal process, ensuring that you continue to meet the eligibility requirements for an additional two-year extension. Our expert team will guide you through the necessary steps.
Year 4
Second Renewal
When the fourth year of your Golden Visa Program approaches, we will once again help you with the renewal process, ensuring that you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. After completing the renewal process, your Golden Visa will be renewed for an additional two years, allowing you to maintain your residency status in Portugal and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.
Year 5
Residency/Citizenship Step
In year 5 of the Portugal Golden Visa Program, you become eligible for permanent residency or citizenship. You can take advantage of long-term residency or nationality options in Portugal with various benefits.
Our Global Team
Attorney at Law, Managing Partner
Attorney at Law
Attorney at Law
Attorney at Law
Attorney at Law
Attorney at Law
Attorney at Law
Chief Markets & Clients Officer
Project Management Officer
Executive Assistant
Administrative Support Specialist