Golden Visa | Immigration

Portugal Residency by Investment

Portugal has become an increasingly attractive destination, not exclusively recognized for its tourism but seen as a promising country for relocation and investment opportunities through second residency programs in the European Union. Visa-free travel, the right to work and study, and access to higher standards of healthcare and education are only some of the benefits that Portugal, one of the safest countries in the world, has to offer.

Portugal’s pathway to Residency Overview

Portugal has a variety of Residency by Investment programs, including a Golden Visa program. You may have read that, in 2023, the Portuguese government discontinued this program, but in truth one of the options was canceled: the eligibility through Real Estate purchase. Thus, the Portugal Golden Visa program is available, albeit through other options, such as the creation of a business that employs 10 employees; investment in scientific research programs; investment in the arts and culture through a plethora of different ways; and investment in funds, bonds or shares.

All these, while holding merit of their own, have never been at the forefront of the Portugal Golden Visa due to their lack of returns and profits. However, there are other residency-by-investment programs available in Portugal, such as the D2 Visa, known as the Entrepreneurship Visa, a reasonable and profitable solution for securing Residency in Portugal.

Benefits of Portuguese Residency

Residency in Portugal

Portugal boasts amazing weather year-round, a vast, interesting historical background, a rich, flavorful gastronomy, and a friendly, local population. As part of the European Union, Portugal is also economically strong and politically stable. The minimum stay requirement differs depending on the chosen Residency by Investment program.

Family Reunification

You can bring your spouse and family with you regardless of the Visa option you choose. By becoming a Resident in Portugal, you will ensure that your family has a Plan B exit strategy should any situations of political or social turbulence arise in your country of origin. In 2023 Portugal ranks 7 in the Global Peace Index, effectively being one of the safest countries in the world.

Visa-free Travel

Residency in Portugal translates into Residency in the European Union, thus allowing you to travel to 26 other countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement. This multilateral treaty agrees to the abolishment of shared borders in the European Area, including countries such as France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain, among many others.

Easiest Path to EU Citizenship

If your ultimate goal is to become a Citizen of a European Union country, look no further than Portugal. The Portugal D2 Visa allows you to become a Portuguese citizen after five years, requiring just basic knowledge of the Portuguese language. This means that, after you have acquired Citizenship, you can exit the original plan, allowing you to obtain a return on your investment.

Access to a Higher Standard of Living at a Lower Cost

As a country in the European Union, Portugal boasts a strong countrywide infrastructure, across all sectors of life. Including healthcare, education, and public transportation, among others, at an arguably lower cost of living, at least in comparison to countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

Low Investment Amount Required

In the past, the Portugal Golden Visa was set at minimum investment of €250,000 on a real estate. As the real estate through investment option is no longer eligible, investing through the Portuguese D2 Visa will be the best option for you as it provides a lower investment that needs to cover the legal fees and the set of a new company in the country.

Investment Programs to obtain Portuguese Residency

After the discontinuation of the Real Estate option through the Portugal Golden Visa, the program became a not profitable investment and thus not the ideal Residency-by-Investment solution. There are also alternative solutions, such as the D2 Visa, one of the cheapest residency programs in the world.

Investing in Portuguese Real Estate

The Portuguese Real Estate market is booming, revealing myriads of properties qualifiable for Residency by Investment programs.

This stretches across all types of categories: residential, commercial, and developments, especially in the regions of Lisbon, full of modern, luxurious apartments; Porto, with the best townhouses on the market; and the Algarve, with dreamy, waterfront properties, perfect for the summer getaway.

However, finding the right property can, sometimes, be overwhelming. In these cases, it is always advisable to seek professional guidance, and you can rely on our team, as they have more than 25 years of experience in finding the perfect property for our partners.

Through the purchase of Real Estate, Residency in Portugal is possible, allowing freedom of movement in the European Union, taxation benefits, and a secure place to establish Residency abroad.

Portugal Golden Visa statistics

Profitable program

For a decade, between 2012 and 2022, the Portugal Golden Visa proved to be a major source of income for the country. It contributed almost 7 billion EURO among all the Golden Visa investment options. The possibility to purchase a Real Estate property contributed nearly 90% by itself, responsible for a staggering 6 billion EURO.

More than €560 million in the Economy

Between January and September 2023, the Portugal Golden Visa contributed more than 560 million EURO, with the option to purchase Real Estate responsible for more than 70%, accounting for almost 410 million EURO.

All this translates into more than 12,000 Residency Permits being issued to foreign investors. In 2023, the Portuguese government discontinued this option. However, it also means the Golden Visa has become unprofitable for investors. For this reason, the D2 Visa has become the best option to obtain Residency and a worthwhile investment.

Timeline

Investment Visa boasts a team of experts with over 25 years of experience in guiding our partners to a second residency in a foreign country through Residency by Investment programs. They have prepared a step-by-step guide with a focus on securing a brighter future.

Step-by-step process

Investment Selection

Which Portugal Visa option is the best for you? There are several options through each program. Our advisors can analyze your situation and offer insight into which one best suits your situation.

Funds for Investment

After speaking with one of our advisors, and you have selected which Visa is the best for you, it is time to gather the necessary funds.

Documentation Check

Our experts will let you know all the documents you need to present to apply for the Visa of your choice and verify if they are in order.

Golden Visa Submission

After everything has been gathered, including funds and documents, it is time to apply to the Portuguese authorities. Our specialists will remain by your side and continue to provide their assistance.

Residency Permit & Renewals

Done! You can now enjoy your Residency in Portugal. Bear in mind the permit will have to be renewed, and the Investment Visa will help you throughout this as well.

Cost Estimates

To obtain an estimate of how much acquiring the Portugal Residency Visa might ultimately cost you, please fill out our inquiries. One of the experts from our Investment Advisory team will contact you as soon as possible.

We Are Portugal Residency by Investment Experts

Our advisors can help you obtain a Residency by Investment in Portugal.

Contact Us and Receive our Advice

Our team of experts has more than 25 years of experience in helping investors obtain all types of Visas, including the D2 Visa, and coveted Golden Visas across the globe. They are ready to share their knowledge with you. Fill out our query forms and allow us to help you guide you to Residency in Portugal.

Investment Visa Experts

If Portugal Residency is not what you are seeking, feel free to contact us. We work with other Residency by Investment, which are also commonly known as Golden Visas, and Citizenship by Investment programs in other European countries and the Caribbean which might be better suited to you.

You can count on us

At Investment Visa, our mission is to deliver the utmost care and personalized service, committed to providing you with the best-custom-tailored solutions for you. Our ultimate goal is to help you build a brighter future for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Does Portuguese Residency give the holder the right to apply for Citizenship?

Yes, the path to Citizenship is open after five years. You will need to conduct a simple test and have basic knowledge of the Portuguese language.

2. What is an alternative to Golden Visa - D2 Visa program?

The Portugal D2 Visa is a Residency by Investment program and a profitable alternative solution to the discontinuation of the most profitable option of the Portugal Golden Visa. Also known as the Business or Entrepreneurship Visa, this program is designed to attract wealthy individuals to invest in the economy by opening a new business or branching out an existing one in Portugal. In exchange, investors can enjoy all the benefits of Residency in Portugal. Investment Visa has exclusive packages to help you go through all requirements and gain your Portuguese Residency. Contact one of our advisers to learn more.

3. Did the Portugal Golden Visa end in 2023?

No. The Portugal Golden Visa is not over. The option of acquiring Real Estate property has been discontinued, though other options remain. As the most famous option, it was heavily publicized that the Golden Visa ended, though this is not the case. However, the remaining Golden Visa options are not profitable for the investors seeking residency, the D2 Visa arises as an alternative more beneficial option

4. What is the Golden Visa Program in Portugal?

The Portugal Golden Visa is a Residency-by-Investment program available in Portugal. Launched in 2012, it was designed to attract foreign investment into the country’s economy in exchange for Residency. The program is open to most non-EU/EEA nationals. In 2023 the Real Estate option was discontinued, leaving behind options such as donations, and funds application.

5. Who is Eligible for the Portugal Residency-by-Investment Visas?

Portugal does impose some restrictions, and not all third-country nationals will be able to apply for the Portugal Residency Visas, such as the Golden Visa ant the D2 Visa. Please verify with our advisors what is applicable in your case.

6. How Long Do You Need to Live in Portugal to Renew the Residency Visas?

The Residency Permit is issued with a set duration of two years. If you maintain the investment, you will need to renew it by the fifth year, and by then, you can apply for Permanent Residency or Citizenship. Otherwise, you will need to continue renewing the permit every two years.

7. What is the difference between Residency by Investment and Citizenship by Investment?

Residency by Investment programs enables you to become a resident of the country, and the Portugal Golden Visa is an example of this. Endeavoring through this does not grant full, legal rights like Citizenship does. However, becoming a Portuguese citizen is possible for Portuguese residents after five years.

8. Can You Get Portugal Citizenship by Investment?

No. You cannot get Citizenship in Portugal by Investment. However, Residency by Investment programs such as the Portugal Golden Visa and the D2 Visa do unlock the path to Citizenship after five years.

9. Can the Portugal Golden Visa lead to Permanent Residency?

Yes. The Portugal Golden Visa and the D2 Visa leads to Permanent Residency if you so wish after five years.

10. How much does a Golden Visa cost in Portugal?

The minimum investment amount to qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa is €250,000.

11. Can I get a Residency in Portugal if I buy a house?

Unfortunately, not anymore. In 2023, the Portugal Golden Visa was revised and the option to buy a house and obtain Residency was discontinued.

12. What family members can I include when applying for a Portugal Residency-by-Investment Visa?

The Portugal Residency-by-Investment program allows family inclusion, extending the benefits of Residency in Portugal to the main applicant’s spouse, dependent children, and senior parents, among others, if they meet the eligibility criteria. If you have any queries regarding who might qualify or not, do not hesitate to contact Investment Visa.

13. Do I need to travel to Portugal to apply for Residency by Investment through D2 Visa?

The process itself can be done entirely remotely. However, you will have to visit Portugal, as the D2 Visa program requires attending an appointment for biometric registration. Our specialists in Investment Visa can help you throughout the entire process.

14. Do I have to buy Real Estate to participate in the Portugal Golden Visa program?

No. There are other options to obtain the Portugal Golden Visa, some of which include the creation of job positions, contributions to scientific research programs, donations to Portuguese cultural and artistic programs, subscription to investment funds, and the creation of businesses hosting permanent jobs.

15. Is Portugal Golden Visa the same thing as Portugal Residency by Investment?

Yes and no. The definition varies by country. In Portugal, the Golden Visa is an umbrella term for multiple investment options, including the ones mentioned in the previous question. However, other residency-by-investment programs unlock the path to Residency in Portugal, such as the D2, the best and most profitable option for investors seeking a Portuguese Residency. Contact Investment Visa advisors and understand our D2 Visa Packages.