Finding Your New Home in Portugal: Our Golden Visa Program
Portugal has become a popular destination for expats looking for a new home. The country offers a high quality of life, a warm climate, stunning scenery, and a welcoming culture. One of the ways that people can relocate to Portugal is through the Portugal Golden Visa program, which offers residency to non-EU citizens who make an investment in the country.
Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa program was launched in 2012 as a way to encourage foreign investment in the country. The program has been very successful over the last decade, with thousands of people from around the world choosing to invest in Portugal and make it their new home.
The Portugal Golden Visa program offers residency to non-EU citizens who make an investment in the country. The investment can take the form of purchasing property, investing in a business, or making a capital transfer. Golden visa investors must make one of the following investments to be eligible for a Portuguese Golden Visa:
Invest a minimum of EUR 500,000 into a Portuguese Investment Fund or Venture Capital Fund
Maturity of at least 5 years
Minimum 60% of the investments realized in commercial companies headquartered in Portugal
Purchase a property with a minimum value of EUR 350,000 or EUR 280,000 (located in a low density territory)
The property must be at least 30 years old or located in urban regeneration areas
With a commitment to be refurbished or renovated
Residential property is limited to designated interior areas
Purchase a property with a minimum value of EUR 500,000 or EUR 400,000 *
Residential property is limited to designated interior areas
Once the investment is made, the applicant can apply for a Golden Visa, which allows them and their family members to live, work, and study in Portugal. The Golden Visa is valid for two years and can be renewed for subsequent periods of two years as long as the investment is maintained.
After five years of holding a Golden Visa, the applicant can apply for permanent residency in Portugal. After six years of residency, the applicant can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Portugal Golden Visa Requirements
To be eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa program, you must meet certain requirements. These include:
Non-EU citizenship
No criminal record
Investment in Portugal
In addition to these basic requirements, there are also specific requirements depending on the type of investment made. For example, if an applicant chooses to invest in property, the property must be valued at €280,000 or more, and it must be free of any charges or mortgages. If an applicant chooses to invest in a business, the investment must create at least ten jobs or have a minimum turnover of €1 million.
Citizenship in Portugal
Portugal is a member of the European Union, which means that Portuguese citizens enjoy the benefits of free movement and access to all EU countries. Becoming a citizen of Portugal can offer a range of benefits, including access to healthcare, education, and social services.
To become a citizen of Portugal, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include:
At least six years of residency in Portugal (which can include time spent on a Golden Visa)
Basic knowledge of the Portuguese language
No criminal record
Passing a citizenship test
Once these requirements are met, applicants can apply for Portuguese citizenship. After becoming a citizen, they can enjoy all the rights and privileges that come with it, including the ability to vote and hold public office.
How to Move to Portugal
Making the move to Portugal can be an exciting and life-changing experience. However, it can also be a complex and stressful process. Here are some tips to help make the move as smooth as possible:
1. Research your options
Before making any decisions, take the time to research the different areas of Portugal and the types of investments that are available. Consider factors such as climate, cost of living, and access to amenities.
2. Plan ahead
Moving to a new country requires careful planning. Make a checklist of everything that needs to be done, such as applying for visas, finding a place to live, and arranging for the transport of your belongings.
3. Get professional help
Working with a reputable immigration lawyer or relocation specialist can help make the process of moving to Portugal much easier. They can guide you through the legal requirements and help you navigate the complex bureaucracy.
4. Learn the language
Learning the Portuguese language can help you better integrate into Portuguese society and make it easier to communicate with locals. There are many language schools in Portugal, and there are also online resources that you can use to learn the language before you arrive.
5. Network
Building a network of contacts in Portugal can be helpful for finding a job, a place to live, and for making friends. Consider joining expat groups or attending events and meetups to connect with other expats and locals.
6. Embrace the culture
Portugal has a rich and diverse culture, and embracing it can help you better adjust to life in the country. Try new foods, attend cultural events, and learn about the history and traditions of Portugal.
The Portugal Golden Visa program offers a unique opportunity for non-EU citizens to make an investment in Portugal and obtain residency in the country. With a relatively low investment threshold and a range of investment options available, the program has become very popular among expats looking for a new home. By meeting the eligibility requirements, taking the necessary steps to prepare for the move, and embracing the culture of Portugal, anyone can make the transition to a new life in this beautiful country.
Citizen Lane Can Help You With Your Citizenship in Portugal
Through our dedicated experience in the field and building our dependable network over the years, Citizen Lane is confident in our abilities to successfully guide and support you through Citizenship and Residency programs.
We respect every client’s unique situation and will be able to discuss details in confidence. We will provide you with comprehensive advice and find the appropriate solution for you and/or your family to move to Portugal and even transfer your company there.
For more information on how we can help, please contact us here.