Is it Still Possible to Apply for Portugal's Golden Visa?
The Portuguese Golden Visa programme is widely regarded as one of the top global Golden Visa options. In order to gain a deeper understanding of this programme, it is important to analyse its characteristics.
The Portuguese Golden Visa allow the holder to appreciate a high standard of quality life at an affordable cost, making it an attractive destination for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Another reason is with the Portugal Golden Visa, the holder can easily travel, reside, and work in other European Countries, giving them unparalleled freedom to decide where they want to go.
One of its features is a low residency requirement, holders of the visa are required to stay in the country for an average of only 7 days per year, which is one of the lowest requirements among Golden Visa programmes. This allows for more freedom of movement. Additionally, the citizenship eligibility is also lower compared to other programs. In Portugal, one can acquire citizenship within 5 years, whereas in Greece's Golden Visa programme, it takes 7 years to become eligible for citizenship.
What has changed in the Portuguese Golden Visa Programme?
The Golden Visa programmes worldwide have undergone legislative adjustments, and the Portuguese programme was no exception. In Portugal, these legislative adjustments, which took effect in October 2023, were driven by two primary motivations. Firstly, to alleviate external pressure on the real estate market in order to combat the housing crisis triggered by excessive demand and the consequent rise in prices. Secondly, to attract investment for the country's economic development by redirecting real estate investment, which has always been clearly dominant, towards the Portuguese business sector.
Despite Real Estate investment no longer being a possible investment route for the Golden Visa, routes for investment in funds of capitalization of Portuguese companies, company creation, job creation, as well as donations for research activities and national cultural heritage remain available.
Here are the investment routes available for Portugal's Golden Visa programme:
- Investing €500,000 or more in participation units of investment funds or venture capital funds focused on company capitalisation under Portuguese law, with a minimum maturity period of at least five years and a substantial allocation of the investment to national companies.
- Investing a minimum of €500,000 into establishing a commercial company in Portugal, alongside the creation of five permanent jobs, or increasing the share capital of an existing Portuguese company while generating employment opportunities.
- Creating a minimum of 10 job positions;
- Contributing €500,000 or more to research activities conducted by esteemed public or private scientific institutions within the national scientific and technological system;
- Supporting national cultural heritage through capital transfers of €250,000 or more for investment in artistic production, restoration, and upkeep. This can be directed towards public institutes, administrative services, and entities dedicated to preserving the rich cultural legacy of Portugal;
In conclusion, the Golden Visa programme remains available, with attractive investment routes for those wishing to invest in Portugal and secure mobility within the European Union.
If you are seeking assistance with your Portuguese Golden Visa or any related residency matter, you can
reach out to us. We are here to extend our help and offer you tailored expertise every step of the process.
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