About
Capital: Lisbon
Population: 10,833,816
Language: Portuguese
GDP: $27,275 USD
Currency: Euro
Membership: Member of European Union and NATO
Visa-Free Access Countries: 175 countries including the 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 the most historically influential countries in Europe, with a rich background of global exploration and trade. By residing in Portugal, you can enjoy access and visa-free travel to the 27 European Schengen Area countries. Portugal launched its Golden Visa Program in October 2012. It has become Europe's most popular residency-by-investment program and is available to any non-EU citizen. The program offers you and your family the opportunity to live, study, and work in Portugal, a safe country with excellent healthcare and education facilities.
The Portugal Golden Visa Program provides a potential pathway to Portuguese and European Union citizenship after five years of residency. For citizenship, you must demonstrate a basic knowledge of Portuguese and genuine ties to the country. Portugal is a family-friendly country, and the Golden Visa Program extends to dependents. In this sense, Portugal is an excellent option for families seeking a European base. English is widely spoken, and the country offers attractive personal tax options through its non-habitual resident tax regime.
The program requires the applicant to stay in Portugal for a minimum of seven days in the first year, and at least 14 days in each subsequent two-year period.
Advantages
• Visa-free travel to Schengen Area countries
• Right to live, work, and study in Portugal
• Residency rights within 12–18 months
• Attractive tax benefits
• Citizenship is possible after 10 years of legal residency
• Low minimum stay requirement (at least 7 days in the first year, at least 14 days in each subsequent two-year period).
• Investment or donation options starting from €200,000
• High quality of life, rich culinary culture and world-renowned wines, deep-rooted culture, mild climate, and high security level
Conditions/Investment Options
The program requires you to make an investment in the country in exchange for a residence permit. The program offers a range of investment or contribution options that will qualify you and your family for residency.
Investment Options
• Capital transfer of €500,000 to acquire participation units in investment funds (non-real estate collective investment undertakings) or venture capital funds
• Capital transfer of €500,000 to establish a commercial company, along with creating at least 5 permanent jobs (or 10 jobs without capital transfer)
• Capital transfer of €500,000 for research activities conducted by public or private scientific institutions part of the national scientific and technological system
• Investing at least €500,000 in an eligible credit investment fund
• Capital transfer of at least €200,000 or more to support the investment or artistic production, restoration, and maintenance of the national cultural heritage.
Main Applicant
As the main applicant, you must have no debt in Portugal, source your investment capital from outside Portugal, and prove the legality of your income.
Eligible Family Members
You may include your spouse as a dependent. Like you, your spouse must be over 18 years old, have health insurance, a clean health record, and no criminal record. You can also include dependent children of any age. Furthermore, you can include dependent parents over the age of 55. Parents over 65 are automatically considered dependents and can be included.
Taxation
Portugal levies personal income tax on Portuguese-sourced employment and pension income for non-residents at a preferential rate of 25%. Interest, rental income, dividends, and capital gains are taxed at 28%.
Current residents may apply for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, which can be more beneficial. Foreign-sourced income relating to employment, pensions, and commercial/professional income may be exempt from taxation. Any income derived from a Portuguese source will be subject to a flat income tax rate of 20%, although some surcharges may apply.
The NHR will no longer be available for new residents after 2023. The Portuguese Parliament is currently discussing a new Incentivized Tax Status (ITS) to replace the NHR. Portugal does not impose a wealth tax. There is no tax on gifts or inheritances between parents, children, and grandchildren.
Process Overview
Following the initial consultation, we will provide an overview of the entire program process, from application to permanent residency within 5 years. The entire process can be conducted remotely, and you only need to make your first visit when invited for biometrics. We support you through the entire legal process, including obtaining a NIF, opening a bank account, identifying the most suitable qualifying investment option, and submitting your application to SEF. The Golden Visa is a temporary residence permit valid for two years from the date of issue. Provided you continue to meet the requirements, it is renewable for successive two-year periods. Assuming you satisfy eligibility criteria, you can apply for permanent residency after 5 years, and for Portuguese citizenship after 10 years.
Initial Due Diligence
Following a successful screening, we will present you with a Client Agreement (CA) for your review and signature. Upon receiving the signed agreement and retainer payment, our legal team will complete all necessary official forms and supporting documents. We will also assist you in opening a bank account and applying for your tax ID.
Renewal
When the initial validity period of your Golden Visa Program concludes, we will assist you with the renewal process, ensuring you continue to meet the eligibility requirements for an additional two-year extension. Our team of experts will guide you through the necessary steps.
Second Renewal
As the fourth year of your Golden Visa Program approaches, we will once again assist you with the renewal process to ensure you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. Upon completing the renewal process, your Golden Visa will be renewed for another two years, allowing you to maintain your residency status in Portugal and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.
Residency/Citizenship Step
In the 5th year of the Portugal Golden Visa Program, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency, and for citizenship in the 10th year. Taking advantage of the various benefits, you can consider long-term residency or citizenship options in Portugal.