Chinese investors are seeking new investment opportunities in Portugal under the Golden Visa programme

Chinese investors are seeking new investment opportunities in Portugal under the Golden Visa programme
The exponential awareness of Portugal’s Golden Visa programme has increased the number of investors, specifically Chinese investors, who are flocking to secure the best international investments in addition to safeguarding their family’s future.
Statistics from SEFSTAT reveal that an overall 480,300 worldwide nationals applied to Portugal’s Golden Visa programme between June 2017 – June 2018 with 25,377 of these main applicants coming from both Hong Kong and China. This recent survey confirms that when combined, nationals from Hong Kong and China are one of the leading national groups to apply under Portugal’s Golden Visa programme, running close behind Brasil and other South American countries.
With flexible and accessible investment opportunities, Portugal has become one of the most popular Golden Visa programme in the market. With a minimum investment of €280,000 in real estate, applicants and their family members can obtain a residency permit to Portugal that enables them to live, work and attend educational institutions. Benefits also include no extra tax on income both in Portugal and in the applicant’s home country, visa-free travel to the Schengen countries, no residential requirement and if the investment is in property, applicants have the option to rent it out. The highlight of applying under Portugal’s Golden Visa programme is that applicants and their dependants can obtain a permanent visa within 5 years and citizenship status within a year thereafter.
For more finite details and to explore the opportunities of investing in Portugal, please feel free to contact one of our representatives on 0207 799 1606 or alternatively, email info@coatesglobal.com

Recent changes to the Cyprus Investment Programme (CIP)

Girne ( Kyrenia ), North Cyprus

Recent changes have been made to the Cyprus Investment Programme (CIP) in an effort to further regulate, protect and secure its permanence within the market. The Cyprus Council of Ministers approved revisions to the programme on 13 February 2019. With such amendments set in place, the aim is to provide for social contribution within Cyprus as well as contribute to the research and development of the programme; and country. Please see below the following amendments for the CIP: Applicants must be in possession of a Schengen visa when applying.

Applicants who have previously been rejected by another EU country shall be automatically disqualified from the CIP;
– Rather than having the investment retained for a minimum of 3 years following the date of naturalisation, it has now been extended and must be maintained for 5 years.
– The investor, during this 5-year-period, will be able to change his investment, provided that the Ministry of Finance has granted consent for such change;
– The option to invest in government bonds will no longer be available, however, shipping will be included in the investment sectors;
– Properties under construction will now need a mandatory planning permit;
– A donation of €75,000 will be a mandatory requirement that will go towards research and development;
– Due diligence and background checks on each applicant will be carried on by a specialised foreign firm – the firm has not been hired yet.

The official CIP criteria is due to be published and Coates Global will keep you updated with more news once information has been released.