Residence by Investment

The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program is often referred to as the Portugal golden visa. It is a comprehensive residence-by-investment program that stretches over a period of five years. This program is specifically designed for non-EU nationals. Portugal, being a full-fledged member of the EU, provides several benefits to its residents. With the residence permit, you get visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area. Furthermore, the program only necessitates an average stay of seven days per year in Portugal over the span of five years.

A Closer Look at The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program

Officially known as the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program, but commonly referred to as the Portugal Golden Visa Program, this scheme is an attractive five-year residence by investment program for non-EU nationals. The residence permit that comes with the program brings along several advantages. It gives the holder the right to live, work, and study in Portugal. Additionally, it allows free movement within Europe’s Schengen Area. One of the major highlights of the program is that it only requires an average stay of seven days per year in Portugal over this period. This stipulation can also contribute towards attaining citizenship eligibility after five years.

Advantages of Obtaining a Portuguese Golden Visa

Securing a Portuguese golden visa brings about several benefits that enhance the quality and convenience of life:

• It facilitates visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area and confers the right to live, work, and study in Portugal.
• It makes the holder eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residence, without the need to renounce any other citizenship(s) they may hold.
• The program requires a low physical presence in Portugal (only seven days during the first year of residence and 14 days for the two subsequent years). This can count towards citizenship eligibility after five years.
• Portugal boasts excellent international and local schools and universities, providing top-notch education opportunities.
• The high quality of life in Portugal is complemented by local cuisine and wines, rich culture, a mild climate, and a high degree of security.
• There are numerous international quality healthcare clinics and hospitals available for all residents.

Detailed Requirements for Portugal's Golden Visa

The Portugal Golden Visa is a unique opportunity for foreign nationals to obtain residency rights in Portugal. Applicants are required to select one option from any of the following categories:

Capital Transfer

Applicants choosing the Capital Transfer route have the following options:

1. Transfer a minimum of EUR 500,000 towards the acquisition of investment fund units or venture capital fund units. These funds should be committed to capitalizing companies incorporated under Portuguese law. The fund should have a maturity period of at least five years, and at least 60% of the investment portfolio should be in companies registered in Portugal (real estate entities do not qualify).
2. Transfer a minimum of EUR 500,000 towards research activities conducted by public or private entities that are part of the national scientific and technological system. If the transfer is directed towards a low-density population area*, the minimum transfer amount can be reduced to EUR 400,000.
3. Make a donation of at least EUR 250,000 in support of artistic production, or for the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage. Should the donation be directed to a low population density area*, the minimum donation amount can be reduced to EUR 200,000.

Business

For applicants looking to invest in business, they can choose from the following options:

1. Create a minimum of ten new jobs in Portugal. Should the business be established in a low-density population area*, the requirement can be reduced to eight new jobs.
2. Invest at least EUR 500,000 in a commercial company registered and headquartered in Portugal, creating a minimum of five permanent jobs for a duration of three years. This can also be used for increasing the share capital of an existing company, creating at least five permanent jobs or maintaining a minimum of ten jobs for three years.

Please note that a low population density area is defined as having fewer than 100 inhabitants per km² or a GDP per capita below 75% of the national average.

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Portugal Golden Visa Procedures and Timeframe

Following the issuance of the residence permit, clients are required to provide their biometric data and present updated original documents at each renewal. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the initial permit is issued for two years, although it was typically for one year. After this period, the permit can be renewed for two additional two-year periods.

The Golden Residence Permit Program requires the main applicant to make two trips to Portugal during the application period:

1. The first trip is to select the qualifying investment, initiate the legal process, and open a bank account in Portugal.
2. The second trip is to submit biometric data and present original documents.

It is important to note that the process to acquire a Portuguese residence permit through investment typically takes more than 18 months.

The processing time for the Portugal Golden Visa is about 18 months.

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Secure Your Future with Portuguese Citizenship

Portuguese citizenship isn't just about nationality—it's an opportunity. As a Portuguese citizen, you gain the right to live, work, and study in any European Union (EU) nation. Plus, it provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 worldwide destinations, simplifying international travel and enhancing global mobility.

Paths to Portuguese Citizenship

Portuguese citizenship is extended primarily to those with Portuguese lineage, such as descendants from Portuguese parents or grandparents. It's also available to individuals with ties to Portugal through marriage or civil union, and those born within Portugal's territory.

In addition, Portugal presents a viable route to citizenship for residents, including those participating in the attractive residence by investment program. After five years of legal and continuous residence, you can apply for citizenship.

Requirements for Portuguese Citizenship Application

To apply, you must:

• Be an adult, at least 18 years old
• Have lived in Portugal for a minimum of five years
• Possess a basic understanding of Portuguese, equivalent to an A2 international level
• Have a clean criminal record, free from convictions punishable by three years or more under Portuguese law

Building strong connections with the Portuguese community, through local activities, knowledge of the country's history, or personal and professional ties, can enhance the likelihood of approval. Portugal respects multiple cultural identities and allows dual citizenship.

Navigate Your Path to Portuguese Citizenship with Bootes Consulting

At Bootes Consulting, we're committed to helping clients navigate the path to Portuguese citizenship. We guide you through each step, ensuring you meet all requirements, turning your dreams of global citizenship into reality.