Golden Visa Portugal: Key Advantages

After months of uncertainty surrounding Portugal’s Golden Visa, we’re here to clarify the changes and new guidelines about this popular residency investment program. Since the implementation of changes in early October last year, many have speculated about the program’s end without any clear explanation. However, opportunities for non-EU investors to gain residency in Portugal and pursue a Portuguese passport are still available. 

Discover the compelling benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa program:

1. Minimal Physical Presence: Enjoy the flexibility of minimal residency requirements, needing to spend only an average of seven days per year in Portugal.
2. Family Inclusion: Extend the advantages of the Golden Visa to your loved ones. Your spouse, children, and dependent family members can be included in your application.
3. Pathway to Citizenship: Secure a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship. After maintaining your investment for five years and meeting residency obligations, you can apply for citizenship, provided you meet criteria like basic proficiency in Portuguese.
4. Freedom to Travel: As a residency cardholder, you gain visa-free travel throughout the Schengen area, allowing for leisure trips across Europe.
5. No Government Donation Required: Invest with confidence, knowing that 100% of your capital is directed into a qualifying investment fund without the need for any government donations.
6. Dual Citizenship Allowed: Since Portugal imposes no restrictions on dual citizenship, you can retain your original nationality and also enjoy the benefits of Portuguese citizenship.

Consequently, these advantages make the Portugal Golden Visa an attractive option for global investors seeking residency and citizenship opportunities in Europe.

Understanding Investment Funds:

By investing at least €500,000 in eligible funds through Portugal’s Golden Visa program, applicants can secure residency for themselves as well as their families. Moreover, eligible companies must have been established for at least five years at the time of investment, with at least 60% of investments directed towards Portuguese-based commercial entities.

Even though real estate is no longer a qualifying investment option, the Portugal Golden Visa program remains an unparalleled pathway to Portuguese citizenship.

Benefits of Opting for Fund Investments:

• Hands-off Approach: Investors can manage the entire process remotely, as fund managers handle the investments on their behalf.
• Potential for High Returns: Various funds offer different risk profiles, allowing for potential higher returns for those willing to take on more risk. Additionally, there’s potential for capital appreciation when selling your investment in the future.

Choosing fund investments under the Portugal Golden Visa program provides a streamlined, potentially lucrative route to residency and citizenship in the EU.

Governments’ intervention on Residency and Nationality application timelines:

The Portuguese Government has intervened to ease pressure on the Immigration office and address delays in processing residency permits due to the high demand for the Golden Visa.

On June 25, 2024, the Portuguese Council of Ministers announced a pivotal Resolution to create a “Mission Structure for the Recovery of Pending Cases” at AIMA. This mission structure, active until June 2, 2025, aims to expedite the analysis and decision-making process for pending foreigner regularization cases.

Key Highlights:

• Enhanced Processing: Up to 300 dedicated staff members will focus on administrative processing and applicant assistance. This ensures a faster resolution of Golden Visa cases.
• Migration Action Plan: The government has also introduced the Migration Action Plan. This extends the validity of passports and visas by one year, until June 30, 2025. This extension offers Golden Visa applicants and holders greater flexibility and assurance throughout the application process.

These measures will significantly benefit Golden Visa applicants and holders by accelerating case resolutions and providing additional time for application procedures.

First Move partners with reputable partners in Portugal with our very own experienced on the ground services. For the latest and comprehensive details regarding the Portugal Golden Visa program, contact our Global Mobility team on info@firstmove.co.za or give us a call on +27 (0) 21 140 8763. Alternatively, visit our website on www.firstmove.co.za