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Portugal Golden Visa
Apply for Portugal Residency by Investment with the Help of an Expert Lawyer
OVERVIEW
What is Portugal’s Residency Through Investment Program?
By promoting foreign investment in European countries, Portugal’s Golden Visa Program serves as a prominent path to residency for non-EU citizens. Established in 2012, this investment program highlights Portugal’s cultural heritage and economic vitality by supporting fund investments, and other forms of investment. With over 10,000 visas issued, this initiative is a recognized gateway to permanent residency and, ultimately, Portuguese citizenship.
Why Choose Portugal’s Residency by Investment?
Considering why Portugal’s residency through investment could be the right path for you? This program stands out for its flexibility and diverse investment types, such as capital transfers, and fund investments, all meeting the minimum investment requirements. Ideal for those seeking a blend of lifestyle and work opportunities within the EU, this attractive option opens the door to exceptional healthcare and education systems. It can be a transformative period that leads to Portuguese citizenship and an enriched future for you and your family.
- Portugal offers seamless connectivity to Europe and the United States. You may even qualify for a ten-year tax exemption on all non-habitual worldwide income.
- Achieve Portuguese citizenship (and by extension, EU citizenship) after just five years of residency status.
- Portugal’s passport is a highly sought-after document, granting visa-free travel to numerous destinations.
Interested in Portugal’s Golden Visa Program? Let JH Marlin help you navigate the application process with ease.
Key Benefits of Portugal’s Residency Visa Program
VISA FREE TRAVEL
- A Portuguese residence permit allows access to the Schengen Zone, granting travel liberty across various European countries.
- After five years of residency, you can obtain Portuguese citizenship, equipping you with a Portuguese passport for access to over 185 countries without a visa.
Business Advantages
- The residency program extends beyond living; it supports working, studying, and entrepreneurial ventures.
- Investors gain the right to establish and operate businesses within Portugal’s market.
Family Advantages
- Applications can include the primary applicant’s spouse, children, and dependent parents, making this a comprehensive solution for families.
PERSONAL FREEDOM
- Residency status after five years can lead to citizenship, offering the freedom of being a Portuguese citizen.
- Portugal’s embrace of dual citizenship, combined with its reputable healthcare and education systems, enhances its appeal.
Ready to explore this remarkable investment opportunity? Book an appointment with JH Marlin to begin your journey.
Requirements for Portugal’s Golden Visa Application
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- A clean criminal record is required from both the applicant’s home country and Portugal.
- Medical insurance valid in Portugal must be provided.
- Proof of investment from funds originating outside of Portugal is mandatory.
- Applicants must commit to maintaining the investment for a minimum period of five years.
The Different Pathways to Portugal’s Residency Visa
Portugal’s Golden Visa Program offers several eligible investment options, enabling a clear path to residency through investment. These include:
Fund Investments
- A minimum subscription of €500,000 in qualifying Portuguese investment funds is required.
Capital Transfer
- Applicants must transfer a minimum of €1.5 million into an approved bank or financial institution in Portugal.
Company Investment
- Create at least 10 full-time jobs in a Portuguese business owned by the applicant. For low-density areas, the requirement reduces to eight jobs.
- Alternatively, invest a minimum of €500,000 in an existing and registered business in Portugal, which must create at least five new full-time jobs over three years.
Cultural Donations and Research Projects
- Invest a minimum of €250,000 in preserving Portugal’s national heritage or supporting artistic and cultural projects. In low-density areas, the minimum is €200,000.
- Alternatively, invest €500,000 in research and development initiatives within public or private entities. For low-density regions, the minimum investment is €400,000.
How to Obtain the Portugal Golden Visa
The process for securing the Portugal Golden Visa under the renowned Golden Visa Program involves several key steps that ensure compliance with residency requirements and eligibility criteria. These steps include:
- Initial contact is made with JH Marlin, where clients are guided through the application process.
- A due diligence period follows, where foreign investment eligibility and applicant criteria are verified.
- A client agreement is signed, and the retainer is paid to formally begin the process.
- Applicants review and select the eligible investment option, such as real estate-related funds, capital transfers, or other qualifying funds aligned with their goals.
- A detailed checklist of required documentation is shared, including proof of identity, tax residency, and other necessary details.
- Applicants set up a Portuguese bank account with a financial institution and obtain a NIF (Tax Identification Number), essential for managing their investment funds.
- The chosen form of investment is finalized and documented.
- The initial application, along with all supporting materials, is submitted to SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service).
- Within approximately two months, SEF schedules an appointment for biometrics, a key milestone in the application processing fee timeline.
- Around four months later, residence cards are issued, valid for two years before renewal is required.
- After maintaining their residency status for five years, applicants become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship and a Portuguese passport, achieving permanent residency status.
All financial transactions must be conducted through a Portuguese bank account, making it critical to establish this early in the process.
Setting Up a Tax Number and Bank Account
To open a Portuguese bank account and obtain a NIF remotely, applicants will need to provide the following documents:
- A high-quality copy of a valid passport (picture and signature page).
- Proof of address, such as utility bills, phone statements, or bank correspondence from the country of residence.
- Verification of employment or self-employment through an official declaration or related documents, issued within the last three months.
- The last three salary slips reflecting professional position and income level.
- An annual income declaration (if applicable).
- Bank statements for all active accounts.
- Proof of real estate-related funds or worldwide property ownership (if applicable).
- Foreign tax identification or equivalent from the applicant’s residence country.
- A valid email address and mobile phone number for direct communication with the financial institution.
Once the account is active and the investment type has been determined, funds must be transferred to the Portuguese bank account to fulfill the form of investment requirements.
Applicants can complete the initial application remotely. Physical presence is only necessary for biometrics at SEF and submitting original documents, such as those related to cultural donations or scientific research institutions, as required by the investment program.
Documents Required for Portugal Golden Visa Application
- A certified copy of a valid passport.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of the chosen investment type, such as a deed or deposit confirmation.
- A declaration from a Portuguese bank confirming the transfer of funds.
- Proof of health insurance from an internationally recognized insurance provider.
- A criminal record certificate from the applicant’s country of residence, issued within three months prior to submission.
- An authorization form granting SEF access to criminal records in Portugal.
- A sworn declaration to meet the minimum investment requirements for a period of at least five years.
- Supporting documents proving compliance with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority and Social Security system, submitted within 45 days.
- Receipt of payment for the residency application fee.
Note: A comprehensive checklist and sample documents will be shared upon becoming an applicant.
Apply for Residency by Investment in Portugal with the Guidance of Expert Legal Services
Key Benefits of Portugal’s Residency Visa Program
JH Marlin expertly manages every step of your Portugal Golden Visa journey, from the initial application to permanent residency or citizenship. They handle application forms, residency requirements, and ensure compliance for seamless processing.
With a range of investment routes, including real estate and capital transfers, JH Marlin helps you select an eligible investment option that meets your goals. Whether pursuing a popular investment route or a unique project, they guide you through the Golden Visa Program criteria.
The principal applicant can include family members, such as spouses, children, and parents, ensuring residency benefits extend to all. JH Marlin ensures compliance for a smooth five-year period toward permanent residence.
From the initial application to document submission with Immigration and Borders Services, JH Marlin ensures timely transfer of funds and accurate submissions. Their expertise simplifies the path to a residency card.
JH Marlin’s streamlined approach ensures your Golden Visa application meets standard processing times. Their clear communication keeps you informed from the first appointment to achieving permanent residency or citizenship.
JH Marlin Law: Your Partner for Portugal’s Golden Visa Program
JH Marlin Law’s proven success in the Golden Visa Program ensures clients secure permanent residency or enjoy benefits as Non-Habitual Residents. They provide expert guidance for a smooth and stress-free process.
Start Your Portugal Golden Visa Journey with JH Marlin Today!
FAQ
Learn more about Portugal Golden Visa
Who is eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa is open to non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals who meet specific residency requirements. Applicants must make a qualifying investment, such as in private equity funds or cultural heritage projects, with a minimum of €250,000. Additionally, they must spend at least 7 days annually or 14 days over a two-year period within Portugal’s national territory while holding their residence card.
Is Portugal still offering a Golden Visa?
Yes, the Portugal Golden Visa remains available and is an excellent option for those seeking legal resident status in Portugal. While real estate investment options are no longer included, the program offers a range of investment routes, including commercial company investments and cultural projects. It continues to be a popular choice for applicants seeking permanent resident status or eventual citizenship.
What is the cheapest option for a Portugal Golden Visa?
The most affordable pathway under the Portugal Golden Visa Program is supporting cultural heritage projects, often through donations. With a minimum qualifying investment of €250,000—reduced to €200,000 in low-density areas—this is a popular investment route for applicants seeking residency. These investments are designed to support national initiatives while granting residence card eligibility.
Can I get residency in Portugal if I buy a house?
No, real estate investments are no longer part of the Portugal Golden Visa Program. The program shifted focus in 2023 to promote other qualifying investment types, such as private equity funds and cultural heritage projects, as pathways to becoming a Portuguese citizen or permanent resident. Real estate investment is now excluded from immigration services related to the Golden Visa.