Portugal
By investing EUR 500,000 in a qualified fund in Portugal, an investor, the investor’s spouse, any children under 28 who are financially dependent on the primary investor, and parents of the primary investor and the investor’s spouse can be included in one application for a Golden Visa. Once the Golden Visa is held for 5 years, the applicants will be eligible to apply for the Portuguese passport, which offers the right to live and work anywhere in the EU. The Golden Visa Program is known for its lenient residency requirements.
Government
Parliamentary Republic
Population
10.7M (2024)
Official Language
Portuguese
Climate
10 degrees C Winter I 24 degrees C Summer
Member of
United Nations, European Union, NATO, OECD, Community of Portuguese Language Countries
Visa Free Travel
Schengen and EU Access
Time to Residency
8-12 months
Time to Citizenship
5 years
Portugal Golden Visa Process
Step 1
Candidate is onboarded along with a compliance check. Legal documents are signed, and document compilation begins including criminal background checks and civil documents for the primary applicant and all dependents.
Step 2
The professional team will assist to obtain NIF numbers and open and validate a bank account in Portugal via the Power of Attorney.
Step 3
Once the account is validated, the candidate may make a transfer of the funds. The Subscription of the Participation units in the fund are signed along with the Finprop Declaration.
Step 4
The final application and documents are submitted to AIMA for processing under the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program.
Step 5
In approximately 8-10 months AIMA will provide their pre-approval and a biometrics appointment will be scheduled. All required documents will be compiled by the professional team for the appointment with AIMA and the primary applicant along with all family members will need to visit Portugal to attend the biometrics appointment.
Step 6
Approximately 4 months after the biometrics, AIMA will provide a final approval of the Portugal Golden Visa cards, and residence cards fees will be paid.
Step 7
Final Portugal residence permit cards are issued and mailed to the applicant.
Portugal Golden Visa Requirements
Principal applicant must meet all of the following golden visa requirements for Portugal:
- Clean criminal record
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Investment must be made from funds originating abroad
- comply with minimum stay requirements (7 days in the first year and 14 days in subsequent two year periods up to 5 years)
- No frozen property in any EU territory
Nationality Restrictions:
- Must be any non-EU/EEA/Swiss national
Key Portugal Golden Visa Benefits Include:
- Visa-Free Travel throughout the EU and Schengen Zone
- Lenient Physical residency requirements to maintain Golden Visa and arrive at Passport Includes the full family under family reunification
- Path to Citizenship and an EU Passport after only 5 years
- Ability to live and work in Portugal without Sponsorship Access to Portugal’s universal healthcare system
- Become a Portuguese tax resident
Benefits of a Portuguese Passport Include:
- Visa-Free or Visa on Arrival travel to over 190 countries worldwide
- Ability to live and work anywhere in the EU without additional sponsorship Access to EU Healthcare
- Access to EU Education System Allowance for dual citizenship
Benefits of the Golden Visa
Legal Framework
The Portugal Golden Visa program was introduced in 2012 allowing non-EU and non-EEA nationals to apply for residency via investment in order to attract foreign investment into Portugal and stimulate economic growth.
In 2023, the program was amended via the “Mais Habitacao Law”. The new law was passed by the Portuguese Parliament which reduced the list of eligible investments and presented significant reforms to the Golden Visa Program. Most prominently, the ability to purchase real estate for a Golden Visa was eliminated.
*Please contact Step Global for a copy of the amended Mais Habitacao Law.
About Step Global
Step Global is the leading immigration consultancy and advisory firm headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates – a hub for effectively servicing clients from the GCC and MENA region, including India and Pakistan. We are comprised of a network of globally licensed lawyers, investment advisors, immigration specialists, and real estate experts who provide active guidance through the entire immigration process. Acting as a single point of contact between all parties involved, we ensure the most optimal chances for approval of your application for migration.
Our partner firms meet high standards to be part of our international network and are respected by peers in the legal and business communities. As a result, Step Global only offers investment immigration visa programs that are well-reputed globally and provide access to the top-ranked passports worldwide as per the Passport Index.
Step Global bridges the gap of future planning for its high-net-worth clientele by providing additional required services including Wealth and Tax planning and Executive Lifestyle Management Services. Step Global has taxation specialists who help clients fully prepare for their financial future. With over a decade of experience in estate planning and investment consultation, and international taxation guidance, our experts can guide HNWIs on how to best appreciate and protect their capital.
This branch of the business is titled Step Wealth, and we’re proud to boast a solid track record of clients making significant capital gains through investment, taxation consultation, and estate planning.
Why Choose Us for Your Immigration Journey:
Portugal Program FAQs
The Portuguese Visa does come with a lot of benefits, such as:
- Granting work, study, and residence opportunities in Portugal.
- Flying to any destination in the Schengen Zone without any flight restrictions.
- A very short minimum stay obligation of 7 days per year.
- The chance to benefit from Portugal’s superior healthcare and education.
- Citizenship application after a 5-year residency.
- The possibility of adding family members on the application.
Investments in research funding, business creation, or job creation usually require more than €250,000, the typical minimum investment threshold set for cultural contributions. Investment in real estate has, as of the latest updates, ceased to be an investment option under the Scheme.
The Portugal golden visa requirements funding under the Scheme is open to all nationals from outside the EU, EEA, and Swiss territory who are willing to invest in Portugal. All applicants are required to have a clear criminal record, provide proof of investment funds obtained through legal means, and maintain the investment for the stipulated period. An application may also be inclusive of spouses, dependent children, and in certain circumstances, parents of the principal applicant serving as the investor.
The process generally involves:
- Choosing the correct type of investment, be it cultural, scientific, or commercial.
- Drafting and submitting the application for the residence visa along with all needed documents.
- Doing biometric data registration in Portugal.
- Getting the initial residence permit with a validity of two years.
- Renewing the permit, keeping the investment, and maintaining eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship.
Other Programs We Offer
We provide a wide range of Citizenship by Investment programs: Malta Citizenship by Investment, St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment, St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment.
We provide a wide range of Residency by Investment programs: Canada Residency by Investment, Greece Residency by Investment, Hungary Residency by Investment, Latvia Residency by Investment, UAE Residency by Investment, US Residency by Investment.
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