We call you
in 30 minutes.
Obtaining a residence permit in Portugal
11.07.2024
Since 2012, Portugal has provided the opportunity to obtain a residence permit by investment.
The program has proven to be very popular, and more than 32,000 people have received a golden visa since its inception.
Investors considering residency in Portugal are faced with a variety of investment options.
Among them, the minimum investment starts at €250,000 for the arts and cultural heritage support option, while the most popular option, the acquisition of fund units, requires an investment of €500,000.
From 2 October 2023, investment opportunities related to the purchase of real estate have been cancelled. Obtaining a Portugal Golden Visa through the purchase of real estate is no longer available.
The program offers investors five different options:
1. Purchase of investment fund shares from 500,000 €
Purchasing shares of investment funds is the best way to obtain residence permit status in Portugal for those investors who do not plan to reside permanently in the country or are not interested in investing in real estate.
An investment fund is a financial organization aimed at attracting and increasing the capital of its participants. The fund collects funds from investors and invests them in a variety of assets: from commercial real estate and Portuguese companies to industrial properties and the European stock market.
The minimum investment amount is €500,000. Investments must be locked in for five years, although funds are typically returned within 6 to 10 years. After receiving a profit, the fund distributes it among investors, deducting its own commission.
2. Support for culture and art from 250,000 €
Investors can also support cultural and built projects in Portugal with a minimum investment of €250,000.
3. Investments in scientific projects from 500,000 €
Investments in scientific projects open the door to cutting-edge scientific developments in Portugal. The minimum investment amount is €500,000, giving investors the opportunity to actively influence the innovative development of the country and obtain residence permit status.
4. Business investment from €500,000 with the creation of five jobs
Creating new jobs is an important aspect of Portugal's economic development. Investors can invest from €500,000 in business projects and commit to creating a minimum of five jobs for local residents, which will ultimately lead to obtaining residence permit status.
5. Opening a company with the creation of at least 10 jobs
Opening a company in Portugal and creating at least ten jobs is a serious contribution to the country’s economy. This option allows investors to obtain residence permit status and actively participate in the corporate life of Portugal.
Each of these investment opportunities represents a powerful tool for those seeking international mobility and investment opportunities in the heart of Europe.
After five years of residence as a resident, the investor and his relatives can apply for permanent residence (permanent residence) or citizenship. It is noteworthy that to maintain the status of a residence permit, it is not necessary to reside permanently in Portugal - it is enough to spend only seven days a year in the country.
This program attracts investors due to its flexibility and the opportunities it provides for obtaining a European residence permit with minimal residency requirements.
What does a residence permit in Portugal give an investor?
Obtaining a residence permit in Portugal provides investors with a number of significant advantages.
Let's look at the key ones:
1. Visa-free travel to Schengen countries
Holders of a residence permit in Portugal can freely visit Schengen countries without visas and spend up to 90 days out of every 180 there.
2. Creation of an “alternate airfield”
A residence permit allows an investor to come to Portugal at any time, even if the borders are closed. Residents can stay in the country without time restrictions. Living in Portugal is a right, not an obligation: according to the terms of the program, it is enough to spend 7 days a year in the country.
3. Moving to Portugal
Many investors choose Portugal as a relocation destination due to its warm climate, clean beaches, vibrant culture and high level of security. The opportunity to live by the ocean is one of the main reasons to move.
4. Access to quality medicine and education
Residence permit holders can use medical services in local clinics without restrictions related to the duration of treatment. They can also receive treatment in other Schengen countries without a visa, provided they spend less than 90 days out of every 180 there. Children of investors have the right to study at schools and universities in Portugal.
5. Working and doing business in Europe
Investors and their families can work in Portugal and register their companies there, opening up business opportunities in Europe.
6. Citizenship of an EU country after 5 years
Five years after receiving a residence permit, investors can apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship. In this case, permanent residence in the country is not required - it is enough to comply with the terms of the program and regularly renew the residence permit card. Portuguese citizenship allows you to choose to live in any EU state and travel without visas to 172 countries, including the USA, Canada, Great Britain and Australia.
7. Citizenship for newborn children
A child born in Portugal to foreigners who have obtained a residence permit at least one year before the birth automatically receives Portuguese citizenship.
These benefits make obtaining a residence permit in Portugal attractive to investors, providing them with many opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Persons who can obtain a residence permit in Portugal include:
- Investors with a documented source of income
- Spouses of investors
- Children under 18 years old
- Children from 18 to 26 years old (if they are in training)
- Parents of investors
The process of obtaining a residence permit in Portugal:
- Trustworthiness Check: This stage aims to minimize the likelihood of refusal to participate in the program, ensuring a high level of trust and security.
- Obtaining a Taxpayer Identification Number: This is a prerequisite for carrying out financial transactions and participating in the Portuguese economy.
- Opening accounts with a European bank: A step that provides access to international financial resources and ease of financial management.
- Selecting an Investment Fund: Selecting a fund that meets your investment goals and criteria for successful participation in the residency program.
- Making investments: An important stage at which your investment in the program is formalized and confirmed.
Obtaining documents for a residence permit.
In addition, it is important to remember that the residence permit card requires periodic renewal every two years after it is received in order to maintain your resident status.
A residence permit in Portugal provides unique opportunities for those seeking international mobility, security and a quality lifestyle in a beautiful country in southern Europe.
