Golden Visa Program for Non-EU Citizens

Advantages

• Fast track for foreign investors from non-EU countries to obtain a residency permit in Portugal (“Golden Visa”)
• The investor can enter, live, work and study in Portugal
• Allows the investor to travel freely in the Schengen area
• Can include spouse, dependent children and parents
• Eligible for apply for Permanent Residence after 5 years
• Eligible to apply for Citizenship after 5 years

Requirements

• Make a qualifying investment in real-estate or in a
qualifying Portuguese investment fund
• Must keep the Investment for a minimum of 5 years
• Funds for investment must come from abroad
• Proof that the applicant has no criminal record
• Must meet residency requirements in Portugal of:
o 7 days during the first year, and
o 14 days in each subsequent two-year period

Process

• Obtain Schengen visa to visit Portugal
• Select property (if applicable) and open bank account
• Meet all application documentation requirements
• Complete qualifying investment
• Submit Application to SEF Border & Immigration office
• Processing time between 3-6 months
• Following submission applicant must visit Portugal to submit biometric information
• After 5 years investor can apply for Permanent residency or Citizenship

Investment Options

1) A minimum of €500,000 (plus taxes) in Real-Estate
• Purchase of one or multiple properties
• All types of property qualify
• May be used or rented out
OR
2) A minimum of €350,000 in a Portuguese Investment fund
• Minimum investment period of 5 years
• Minimum 60% of investment used for Portuguese companies

Obtaining Permanent Residence

• Have met the minimum residency requirements for 5 years
• Kept a clean criminal record
• Have sufficient funds and a place of residence in Portugal
• Proof of Portuguese language proficiency (CEFR A2)

Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship

• Have met the minimum residency requirements for 5 years
• Kept a clean criminal record
• Have sufficient funds and a place of residence in Portugal
• Proof of Portuguese language proficiency (CEFR A2)
• Must show a close connection to Portugal

Benefits of Citizenship

• Unrestricted right to live, work, study in Europe
• Access to free education within EU
• Possibility of visa-free travel to US & Canada