In 2012, the Portuguese government launched the Portugal Golden Visa initiative. The primary reason it is the most well-liked residence by investment scheme in Europe is because, after five years, it grants European citizenship. All you have to do is invest in Portugal in a qualifying amount and visit the nation on average seven days a year.
Benefits of Portugal Citizenship by Investment
You’re Not Required To Move to Portugal
Most residence and citizenship schemes in Europe require investors to live in the respective country for the majority of the year. In contrast, Portugal only requires Golden Visa applicants to spend an average of just seven days per year in the country over a five-year period. In other words, Golden Visa holders can apply for citizenship after just 35 days of residency in Portugal within those five years.
Variety of Investment Methods
In Portugal, there are several ways to invest in order to obtain a Golden Visa. These options include, among others, investing in funds, purchasing real estate, and transferring capital. You can choose the investment path that best suits your needs. The available options will be briefly discussed later in this article.
Only Citizenship by Investment Opportunity with Investment Return
You don’t need to be a Rockefeller to take advantage of the Portugal Golden Visa program. The minimum investment requirements are quite reasonable compared to other citizenship by investment schemes.
More importantly, Portugal’s economy has been strong in recent years, becoming a popular destination for both tourists and residents alike. As a result, investing in Portugal makes sense, offering access to one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies. Investments in funds or real estate, particularly in urban areas like Lisbon and Porto, can yield significant returns.
Portugal remains one of the most affordable countries in Europe, despite its strong economy and high standard of living.
As of October 2023, Portugal’s Golden Visa is no longer available through real estate investment. Previously, investors could obtain a Golden Visa by purchasing property valued at €280,000. Now, to qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa Program, investors must choose from several fund investment options, with minimum investment requirements starting at €500,000.
Access to Health Care and Social Security in Europe
Upon obtaining Portuguese citizenship, individuals become entitled to all the benefits this European nation offers, including healthcare and social security. Portugal’s social security system provides a wide range of benefits for both employees and independent contractors. These include pension support, death benefits, maternity benefits, disability benefits, coverage for occupational diseases, and unemployment benefits. This comprehensive system ensures that residents and citizens receive support during different phases of life and in times of need.
Investment Options To Get Citizenship in Portugal
The Portugal Citizenship by Investment program offers a range of investment options, each with varying minimum amounts and returns. One option is to create 10 jobs, or eight in low-density areas, by starting a business. Alternatively, you can invest a minimum of €500,000 in approved Portuguese funds or in research projects conducted by accredited academic institutions. Investors can also choose to contribute at least €200,000 toward artistic production or the preservation of cultural heritage.
Please note that as of October 2023, real estate investments and capital transfers no longer qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa program. Due to these changes, applicants must now focus on other investment opportunities, such as job creation, funding, or contributions to science and culture.
How to Apply for the Portuguese Citizenship?
To apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship, you must hold a valid residency permit in Portugal for at least five years. However, this depends on your residency status and doesn’t mean you need to live in Portugal for the entire period. To keep your Golden Visa valid, you only need to spend seven days per year in Portugal. If applying through marriage, the required residency period is shortened to three years.