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[ Portugal GOLDEN VISA ]

Seeking Stability in a Changing World? Choose the Portugal Golden Visa

The Portugal Golden Visa program, also known as residency-by-investment (RBI), offers a unique opportunity to attain EU citizenship for you and your family. Requiring only 7 days per year in Portugal for five years and zero tax obligations, it’s remarkably accessible to those who meet the minimum criteria. 

Why Should You Get EU Citizenship?

In a world where change is the only constant, having a plan B is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Therefore, holding multiple passports is your safeguard against uncertainty. 

A Portuguese passport not only opens the door to the world’s 7th most peaceful country but also offers unparalleled access to exceptional free healthcare and education. Experience the liberty to roam, reside, and retire anywhere within the EU’s 27 nations.

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What is the Portugal Golden Visa?

The Portugal Golden Visa program represents a strategic opportunity for investors seeking EU citizenship through residency in a country known for its rich cultural heritage, stable economy, and high quality of life.

 

Designed for non-EU investors and their family, this program offers a quick and pathway to European citizenship.

 

Investors and their families can enjoy the benefits of living in Portugal, such as free healthcare and education, as well as visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.

 

It’s an appealing option for those looking to secure a passport in Europe with minimal time spent away from home.

What Are the Portugal Golden Visa Benefits?

Visa-Free Travel

Enter and travel throughout the Schengen Area at your leisure. Imagine enjoying croissants for breakfast in Paris, stroopwafel for elevenses in Amsterdam, and pizza for dinner in Rome.

Family Reunification

One Golden Visa investment covers you and your dependents, such as your spouse/life partner, children - including adult children if they are in full-time education - and dependent parents/in-laws

Tax Free Investment

The Pela Terra II: Regenerate fund is tax exempt and your investment is subject to 0% capital gains tax.

Plus, Portugal offers an attractive tax exemption scheme on income (NHR program).

Who is Eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa?

How Much Investment is Needed For Portugal's Golden Visa?

Make an investment of €500,000 into an eligible Golden Visa venture capital or private equity fund, e.g. Pela Terra II: Regenerate.

One investment covers all of your dependents.

Do Portugal Golden Visa Holders Need to Live in Portugal?

Simply spend 7 days per year, or 14 days every two years, in Portugal to maintain your Golden Visa status.

Zero tax obligations on foreign gains, including GV fund dividends, while living outside Portugal.

When Do Golden Visa Holders Become Eligible For a Passport?

After only 5 years you and your family become eligible to apply for a Portuguese passport.

Unlocking all of the benefits of EU citizenship.

How to Apply For Portugal's Golden Visa Program?

Infographic showing the steps required to apply for a Portugal Golden Visa

Golden Visa applicants must first acquire a Portuguese fiscal number (NIF) to open a bank account and make their investment(s).

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Investment Options

There are several ways to qualify for a Portugal Golden Visa, but investing through a private equity fund, like Pela Terra II: Regenerate is often the cheapest, most convenient, and the highest returning form of qualifying investment.

1

Investing in a Private Equity Fund

2

Cultural Heritage Donation

3

Start a Business that Creates 10 Full-Time Jobs

4

Scientific Research Donation

5

Investing in an Existing Businesses

What Are the Portugal Golden Visa Disadvantages?

Since October 2023, the Portugal Golden Visa program has changed. Here are some of the potential disadvantages to investors:

  • A popular route was to either buy a rural development property for €280,000 or a commercial development project for €350,000 within more populated areas, such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. However, real estate investment is no longer eligible for a Portugal Golden Visa.


  • Although the Portugal Golden Visa is still one of the most affordable Golden Visas in Europe, the increase of investment amount to €500,000 into private equity or venture capital funds could price out many would-be investors


  • Alternatively, investors looking for a lower price tag can opt for a cultural heritage contribution (€250,000) or investment into scientific research activities (€400,000 in low-density areas).

    However, these routes could present significantly more risk than investment funds. Risk-averse investors should consider low-volatility private equity or venture capital funds, like Pela Terra II: Regenerate.

FAQ's

Yes. The Pela Terra II: Regenerate fund meets the requirements of the new Golden Visa Portugal rules introduced in October 2023. The fund has been evaluated by several independent lawyers. See here for legal opinions.

Many countries around the world have programs that allow individuals to obtain residency by investing in a participating country. This investment is usually made by buying real estate, investing in government bonds or even making a capital transfer. In the case of Portugal, it also leads to the opportunity to attain citizenship after a short period of residency for the investor and your dependents. 

  • No visa required to visit Portugal or rest of the Schengen Area
  • Freedom to live & work in Portugal (even if resident in another country)
  • Eligible for citizenship after 5 years
  • Spend as little as 7 days per year in Portugal, rather than the usual 6 months, to maintain eligibility for citizenship

There are around 5 investment alternatives, but one of the best and cheapest option is
through acquiring a relatively low-cost minimum investment of €500,000 in a specific fund with a specific investment mandate.

Where an applicant is able to produce all of the required documents in the required formats, the application process take as little as 4-6 weeks. Once the application is submitted your clock towards citizenship begins. AIMA, the Portuguese immigration agency, will then schedule a biometrics appointment to attend in Portugal. You will receive your temporary residency card, enabling the holder to move freely within the Schengen area, after this appointment.

Once it has been issued, the Golden Visa is valid for an initial 1-year period followed by two subsequent 2-year periods.

Anyone from outside the EU can apply for a Golden Visa, provided you have a clean criminal record. Business experience or current employment is not necessary. Proof of the legal obtainment of €500,000 (eg. accumulated savings, company profit inheritance, etc) must simply be shown.

Yes. A fiscal number, a.k.a NIF, is a personal identification number set by the Portuguese Tax Authorities. All investors are required to have a fiscal number in order open a bank account, make their investments, and to submit their Golden Visa
application. This can be obtained with the assistance of a tax representative, such as your Portuguese immigration lawyer.

Yes. Portugal allows dual citizenship, meaning you can still retain the citizenship of your country of origin. Portugal does not claim taxation on worldwide income for non-residents, regardless of their Portuguese citizenship.  

It is generally quicker to open a bank account and apply for your fiscal number (NIF) within Portugal. However, your Golden Visa application can be managed entirely remotely, giving you the flexibility to apply from the comfort of your own home in as little as 4-6 weeks
You and your family members included in the file absolutely must travel to Portugal for the biometrics appointment with the Portuguese immigration services, AIMA.

You only have to pay taxes for the income you have earned inside of Portugal. There is
no income tax on your income outside Portugal. An exception applies if you are physically present in Portugal for more than 183 days per year, where you become a tax resident and are required to declare your worldwide income to the Portuguese tax authorities. Portugal has double taxation agreements with many countries around the world. 

Speak with us or contact your tax accountant to find out more.

After obtaining your residency card, you and your family members must visit Portugal for a minimum of:
a) 7 days the 1st year;
b) 14 days for the 2nd and 3rd year combined;
c) 14 days for the 4th and 5th years combined.

The investment is only required for a 5-year period to qualify for citizenship. However, the liquidation period will depend on the investment fund you choose. 

Latest News

Read through the latest press releases and industry insights on residence and citizenship by investment in one of our featured articles below.

Looking for a Golden Visa?

An investment into the Pela Terra II: Regenerate Fund qualifies you for Portuguese citizenship in as little as 5 years.

Speak with one of our Managing Directors to find out more.