Portugal Golden Visa: What you need to know

• Posted on Sep 18, 2024
• In Industry News, Portugal, Europe

The pathway to Europe through the Portugal Golden Visa

The Portugal Golden Visa program, introduced in October 2012, has become one of the most popular residency-by-investment options worldwide. Designed to attract foreign investment, it offers a streamlined path to permanent residency and eventual citizenship in Portugal.
With over 18,000 foreign families already taking advantage of this unique opportunity, the program continues to serve as a gateway to not only European residency but also a secure, prosperous future in one of the continent’s most dynamic countries.

Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa

Visa-Free Travel Across Europe: As a Golden Visa holder, you will enjoy visa-free access to the European Union’s Schengen area, allowing you to travel freely within 29 European countries.
Minimal Residency Requirements: The program requires you to spend only 14 days in each period of two years, making it ideal for those with commitments in other countries.
Pathway to Citizenship:  Five years after applying for the Golden Visa, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship, which grants you the right to live and work anywhere in the EU/EEA and provides one of the world’s most desirable passports.
High Quality of Life: Portugal is renowned for its safe and stable environment, excellent healthcare and education systems, and a pleasant climate, making it an attractive destination for families and individuals.
Favorable Tax Conditions: Unless you move out permanently to Portugal, as a non-tax resident you will only be taxed on any income you obtain in Portugal. Eligibility Criteria for the Portugal Golden Visa
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Nationality: The program is open to individuals from outside the EU, Switzerland, and the European Economic Area.

Investment Options for the Portugal Golden Visa

The Portugal Golden Visa program offers various investment options, each with its own minimum investment requirement:

• Capital Option
  €500,000 – Acquisition of shares in non-real estate entities.
• Capital and Employment Option
  €500,000 – Incorporation of a company in Portugal that creates 5 permanent jobs, or investment in an existing company with the creation of 5 permanent jobs or maintenance of at least 10 jobs.
• Donation Options
  €500,000 – Investment in research activities.
  €250,000 – Investment in arts or the reconstruction of national heritage projects.

Recent Changes and Updates

As of October 7, 2023, significant changes were implemented in the Portugal Golden Visa program:
Non-qualification of Real Estate Investments: The purchase of real estate or real estate-related funds is no longer a qualifying investment option.
New Investment Routes: Despite the removal of real estate investments, other investment options remain available, including fund investments and cultural donations.

The Portugal Golden Visa Investment Fund

The Portugal Golden Visa Investment Fund is a pathway for non-EU citizens to obtain residency in Portugal through investment. This option was significantly emphasized following amendments to the Golden Visa program, which eliminated real estate investments as a qualifying route.
The minimum investment required for this option is €500,000, which must be made in qualifying investment funds, specifically in private equity or venture capital funds that do not involve direct real estate investments.

How to Obtain the Portugal Golden Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide

Stage 1: Onboarding and Investment Selection
Begin by selecting the investment option that aligns with your goals. Consult with one of our Advisors to choose the most suitable option. Next, complete a Know Your Client (KYC) form and sign a Client Facilitator Agreement to comply with regulatory requirements. Gather initial documents, such as your valid passport and proof of address.
Stage 2: Application Preparation and Submission
Working along with our partners, we will ensure to secure a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF) for you, essential for transactions like opening a bank account. Once a Portuguese bank account is open, you will be required to transfer the required investment funds. In parallel, be prepared to prepare the necessary documents, such as background checks, marriage and birth certificates, when applicable. All documents will have to be attested, and subsequently translated and certified in Portuguese. Your application will at that point be submitted online via the AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migração e Asilo) portal with the assistance of our immigration experts.
Stage 3: Biometric Appointment and Approval
After submission and preliminary approval, attend a biometric appointment in Portugal to provide original documents and complete data collection, such as fingerprinting and a photo. Upon approval, you will receive residence cards valid for two years, with periodic renewals required.
Stage 4: Renewal and Maintenance
To maintain your Golden Visa, spend an average of seven days per year in Portugal (14 days within each two-year period of residence card validity). Renew your permit at the end of years 2 and 5, demonstrating compliance with residency and investment requirements.
Stage 5: Permanent Residency and Citizenship
After an initial period of five years, you become eligible for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.  Apply for citizenship by providing evidence of the links with Portugal for the previous 5 years, language proficiency, and integration into Portuguese society to obtain a Portuguese passport. Once citizenship or Permanent Residency is obtained, you will not need to maintain your investment in place any longer

How Arton Capital Can Help

At Arton Capital, we specialize in guiding you through every step of the residency or citizenship by investment process. From tailored consultations that align with your unique goals and circumstances to comprehensive application management, our team ensures a seamless and compliant journey. You’ll benefit from expert legal support, providing clarity and confidence throughout the process. Even after approval, we continue to offer dedicated services to help you maintain your new status.
Connect with us today and take the next step toward becoming a global citizen.