Coates Global

Your Guide to Portugal Golden Visa

A Premier Path to EU Residency and Citizenship

The Portugal Golden Visa, a residency by investment scheme, is an attractive option for non-EU citizens seeking residency in the European Union. Launched in October 2012, this program has successfully attracted international capital, especially after the 2008 economic crisis, by offering a range of investment options.

The Portuguese Golden Visa will allow the investor to enter and/or live in Portugal and to travel freely within the vast majority of EU countries (the Schengen Area). It will also allow the investor to bring their spouse, children and any dependants with them with no additional investment requirement by applying for “family reunion”. With access to public services including the National Health Service, schools and universities along with receiving foreign income from employment or self-employment without double taxation, Portugal’s Golden Visa Programme is one of the best programmes to apply for.

Aimed at attracting foreign investment to Portugal, the Golden Visa Programme is very straightforward and flexible, with simple and clear legal requirements. With extremely low minimum stay requirements and the possibility of receiving permanent residency and/or Portuguese citizenship (and an EU passport) after five years, the programme is clearly the most attractive residency programme in the world for investors.

Recent Changes and Continued Appeal

As of October 2023, the Portugal Golden Visa program has undergone significant changes, notably the exclusion of property investment as a qualifying option. Despite this adjustment, the program remains one of the most attractive and best Golden Visa schemes in the European Union, offering a unique blend of benefits and opportunities for non-EU investors and their families.

Investment Options for the Portugal Golden Visa Program
  • Investment Fund or Venture Capital Fund Units:
    A minimum investment of €500,000 in investment fund or venture capital fund units that are committed to the capitalization of companies incorporated under Portuguese law. These funds should have a maturity of at least five years and at least 60% of the investment portfolio in companies with a registered office in Portugal. Real estate entities are excluded from this option.
  • Research Activities:
    An investment of €500,000 in research activities conducted by public or private entities that are part of the national scientific and technological system.
  • Artistic Production or National Cultural Heritage:
    A minimum investment of €250,000 is required to support artistic production or in the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage.
  • Reduced Investment in Low Population Density Areas:
    For investments in research activities or support of artistic production, there is a reduced minimum of €400,000 and €200,000 respectively if made in low population density areas (defined as less than 100 inhabitants per km² or with a GDP per capita below 75% of the national average).
  • Job Creation:
    Creation of a minimum of ten new jobs in Portugal. In low population density areas, this requirement is reduced to eight new jobs.
  • Company Incorporation or Capital Increase:
    An investment of €500,000 for incorporating or increasing the share capital of a commercial company in Portugal, with the creation or maintenance of five permanent jobs for a period of three years.
  • Venture Capital Fund Units:
    A minimum investment of €500,000 in investment fund or venture capital fund units that are committed to the capitalization of companies incorporated under Portuguese law, with a maturity of at least five years and a significant portion of the investment in companies based in Portugal.
Family Reunification
The Portugal Golden Visa program is designed with family inclusivity in mind, offering a comprehensive family reunification process. This aspect of the program allows the main applicant to extend the benefits of the visa to immediate family members, under the following conditions:
  • Children Under 18: All children under the age of 18 are eligible to be included in the Golden Visa application of the main investor without any additional conditions.
  • Adult Dependent Children: There is no age limit for adult children to be included in the family reunification process, provided they meet certain criteria:
  • Unmarried: The adult child must be single. Married children are not considered dependents under this program.
  • University Students: Adult children who are enrolled full-time in a university or higher education institution and are financially dependent on their parents can be included.
  • Unemployed Adults: Adult children who are currently unemployed and reliant on their parents for financial support are also eligible.
  • Special Circumstances: In cases where the adult child has a disability or other conditions that make them dependent on their parents, they can be included regardless of their age.
  • Spouse or Legal Partner: The spouse or a legal partner of the main applicant can also be included in the Golden Visa application.
  • Parents and In-Laws: Parents of the main applicant and of the spouse, especially if they are over the age of 65, can be included. However, even if they are younger, they may still qualify if they are financially dependent on the main applicant.
Portugal Golden Visa Benefits
Whether you wish to relocate to Portugal or simply enjoy easy access across the EU, there are lots of benefits of gaining a golden visa.

When you apply for the Portugal golden residence permit, you can also add your spouse, dependent children, and any other dependant family members (parents and in-laws) to your application. This lets you and your partner work freely in Portugal as well as visa free travels to the Schengen area .

Also, your children would also be able to attend Portugal’s most prestigious schools and universities. In short, gaining residency in Portugal has real potential to unlock new possibilities for your future.

With Portugal situated on Europe’s West coast, Lisbon is fast becoming known as “the California of Europe” thanks to its booming real estate market, a sharp rise in foreign business start-ups, as well as its favourable year-round weather.

According to A Place in the Sun’s ‘10 Best Places to Buy Abroad in 2017’ index, Lisbon currently ranks at number three. In addition to the potential investment returns, the capital is considered one of Europe’s friendliest and most welcoming cities, according to expats. Add in glorious weather with average highs of 15°C even in December and January, as well as above average political stability and security, and Portugal is a truly desirable destination.

While property investment  is no longer available, the program still offers a variety of investment avenues. These include capital transfer, investment in research activities, support of the arts, and business investments, with some options starting from €200,000. This flexibility allows investors to choose an option that aligns with their financial goals and interests.

Under the Golden Visa Programme, there are no maximum stay requirements, but you are required to spend at least seven days in the first year and 14 days in each year thereafter, not necessarily consecutive, until you are granted permanent residency at the end of year 5. After year 5, there are no minimum or maximum stay requirements.

The non-habitual residency (NHR) program in Portugal offers favorable tax regimes for investors, with certain exemptions from income tax for the first ten years of residence. This aspect is particularly attractive to those looking to optimize their tax liabilities while enjoying the benefits of EU residency.

Portugal is renowned for its high quality of life, which includes a superb climate, rich cultural heritage, excellent healthcare and education systems, and a safe and secure living environment. These factors make Portugal not just an investment destination but also a desirable place to live and raise a family.

As a Golden Visa holder, you will have all the benefits of the Schengen Visa. Your residence permit will allow you to travel in the 26 member states:  Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

After five years of residency, investors have the opportunity to apply for Portuguese citizenship. This process is streamlined and efficient, making Portugal’s Golden Visa a fast track to an EU passport, which is a significant draw for many investors.

Eligibility and Application Process
  • The program is open to all non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with a clean criminal record.
  • The application process involves selecting a qualifying investment, completing legal procedures, opening a bank account in Portugal, and submitting biometric data.
  • The initial residence permit is usually issued for one year; however, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it may be issued for two years. Thereafter, the permit may be renewable for two subsequent periods of two years.
  • The entire process takes over 14 months, requiring at least one trip to Portugal.
Why Choose Coates Global?

At Coates Global, our expertise in the Golden Visa process is unmatched, offering personalized guidance tailored to each client’s unique needs. Our team’s deep understanding of various countries’ immigration policies, including Portugal and Greece, ensures that our clients receive the most effective advice. We leverage our global network and local knowledge, connecting clients with trusted professionals in their chosen destination, and provide comprehensive support throughout the entire residency or citizenship acquisition process.

Integrity and transparency are central to our approach, fostering long-term relationships based on trust. Our high success rate is a testament to our thorough understanding of the application requirements. Beyond just obtaining the Golden Visa, we offer aftercare services to help clients integrate into their new communities, considering the needs of all family members to ensure a smooth transition.

Efficiency is key in our process, as we value our clients’ time and strive for a swift and smooth application process. Combining a global perspective with local insights, Coates Global is uniquely positioned to offer advice that aligns with both international trends and local market dynamics, making us the ideal partner for your Golden Visa journey.

APPLY NOW – Talk to our experts
Embarking on the Portugal Golden Visa Program is an investment in a new lifestyle, a future within the European Union, and a legacy for your family. With Coates Global, begin this journey with confidence and clear guidance. Reach out to us today to explore your options and start your path to residency in Portugal.

Portugal Contact

Ridvan Sevinc

Coates Global Portugal
Avenida 24 de Julho
1200-480 Lisboa
Portugal
TELEPHONE: +44 20 7799 1600
EMAIL: info@coatesglobal.com

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