PORTUGAL IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS

Portugal has several attractive and competitive immigration programs and one of the most competitive tax regimes for foreigners who transfer their tax resident to Portuguese territory.

Benefits of Portuguese Residency By Investment

  • Obtaining a residence permit that allows you to live, work and study in Portugal
  • Free movement within the European area
  • Short mandatory stay period (14 days every 2 years)
  • Family reunification
  • Permanent residence after 5 years
  • Nationality after 5 years
  • Special tax regime for residents in Portugal - Non Habitual Resident

PORTUGAL IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS

THE GOLDEN VISA PROGRAM

Portugal has implemented a residence permit program that allows foreign citizens to obtain a temporary residence permit and freely circulate within the Schengen Area, through certain eligible investments (e.g. real estate and capital investments among others). Investors are required to a minimum period of 14 days stay per each 2 years, for a minimum period of 5 years. Family regrouping is also available under the Portuguese program.

On February 16th, 2023 the Portuguese government proposed the closure of the Portugal Golden Visa Programme as a measure aimed at addressing the housing problem in the country. The proposal is now under consultation and will change once the law is approved by Parliament to pass the legislation, validated by the President of the Republic, and published. Until then, the current law for the Visa still stands and the new law will not apply retroactively to current applications and renewals. The program will effectively change once the law is approved by Parliament.

ELIGIBLE INVESTMENTS

  • Transfer of € 1,000,000.00 or more, through.
    • bank deposits,
    • creation of a company
    • acquisition of Portuguese government debt, namely treasury bonds;
    • acquisition of Securities and Acquisition of Shares in Commercial Companies
  • Creation of at least 10 jobs
  • Acquisition of real estate with a minimum investment of € 500.000,00, or € 400.000,00 in some low density areas
  • Acquisition of real estate with a minimum investment of € 350.000,00, whose construction was completed at least 30 years ago, or located in an area of urban rehabilitation, with works of rehabilitation of the assets; or € 280.000,00 if the real estate is located in some low density areas
  • Transfer of capital in the amount of € 350.000,00 or more, which is applied in research activities carried out by public or private research institutions of scientific institution, integrated into the national scientific and technological system
  • Transfer of € 250.000,00 or more, which is applied in investment or support for artistic production, restoration or maintenance of national cultural heritage
  • Transfer equal or above to € 350.000,00, for the acquisition of units in investment funds or venture capital enterprises, or for the capitalization of companies, which meet certain requirements
  • Transfer equal or above € 350.000,00, for the incorporation of a company with head office in Portugal, combined with the creation of five permanent jobs, or to reinforce the share capital of a company with headquarters in Portuguese territory, already established, with the creation or maintenance of work, with a minimum of five permanent, for a period of three years

The residence permit is granted for a period of 2 years, always renewable for 2 years, until a minimum of 5, at which time you can apply for the permanent residence permit or Portuguese nationality, if you meet the respective requirements.

The pandemic and the need for investment it has brought has caused the government to fall behind in restricting eligible investment, so this is the right time to make your investment and benefit from the Golden Visa program.

The investor has also the right to apply for family regrouping, for his or her direct relatives, including spouse or partner, dependent children and stepchildren, dependent siblings, parents and in-laws.

OTHER RESIDENCE PROGRAMS

Unlike the Golden Visa program, the following residence permits require the applicant to stay in Portuguese territory for more than 183 days per year, in which case he/she may benefit from the most favourable tax regime of the non-habitual resident.

  • Visa and residence permit for teaching or highly qualified or cultural activity
  • Visa and residence permit for entrepreneurs
  • Visa and residence permit for retired persons
  • Visa and residence permit and foreign citizens with own income

PORTUGUESE NATIONALITY

  • The holders of temporary residence may apply for derived Portuguese nationality after 5 years
  • Descendants of Portuguese parents or ascendants up to the first degree, who didn’t lose the nationality
  • Children born in Portugal from foreign parents who have been living in Portugal for more than 1 year (as soon as the new Law of Nationality come into force)
  • Citizens born in the former state of India and their descendants
  • Descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews
  • Spouses or de facto cohabitees of Portuguese citizens

Common Questions about Portuguese Residency By Investment

Minimum Investment for Residency in Portugal:
To obtain residency in Portugal through the Golden Visa program, which is designed to attract foreign investment, there are various investment options:
  • Real estate: A minimum investment of €500,000 (or €350,000 for properties over 30 years old or located in designated urban rehabilitation areas).
  • Capital transfer: A minimum investment of €1 million in a Portuguese bank account, stocks, or bonds.
  • Job creation: Creating a minimum of 10 jobs in Portugal.
Minimum Investment for Residency in Portugal:
To obtain residency in Portugal through the Golden Visa program, which is designed to attract foreign investment, there are various investment options:
  • Real estate: A minimum investment of €500,000 (or €350,000 for properties over 30 years old or located in designated urban rehabilitation areas).
  • Capital transfer: A minimum investment of €1 million in a Portuguese bank account, stocks, or bonds.
  • Job creation: Creating a minimum of 10 jobs in Portugal.

Please note that these investment thresholds may have changed, and additional requirements and fees may apply. It is important to consult with an immigration lawyer from Davies & Associates or relevant authorities for the most current information.
Residency through Property Purchase:
Yes, it is possible to obtain residency in Portugal by purchasing property. The Golden Visa program mentioned earlier allows for investment in real estate as a pathway to residency. By investing the required amount in eligible real estate, you may be eligible to obtain a residence permit in Portugal. However, On February 16th, 2023 the Portuguese government proposed the closure of the Portugal Golden Visa Programme as a measure aimed at addressing the housing problem in the country.
Permanent Residency in Portugal:
To obtain permanent residency in Portugal, there are different routes available depending on your situation. Generally, you must first hold a valid residence permit in Portugal for a certain period, typically five years. During this period, you should maintain your residency status and comply with any specific requirements, such as physical presence and absence of criminal convictions. After fulfilling the required conditions, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Portuguese Residency for Non-EU Citizens:
Non-EU citizens can obtain Portuguese residency through various routes, including:
  • Golden Visa program: By making the specified investments in Portugal, such as real estate, capital transfer, or job creation, you can apply for a residence permit.
  • Work visa: If you have a job offer from a Portuguese employer, they can sponsor your work visa, which allows you to live and work in Portugal.
  • Family reunification: If you have immediate family members who are Portuguese citizens or legal residents, you may be eligible for residency based on family reunification.
  • Study visa: Non-EU citizens accepted into Portuguese educational institutions can obtain a study visa, allowing them to live in Portugal for the duration of their studies.
These are just a few examples, and there may be other specific immigration routes available. It is crucial to contact immigration lawyers from Davies & Associates who can provide personalized advice based on your circumstances and the most up-to-date regulations.

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Jeremy Abernathy
Jeremy Abernathy
2 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with Verdie and Nessa to obtain my E2 Visa. Their in-depth knowledge and experience allowed me to be fully prepared in my application and they were able to answer all questions leading up to the Visa interview.

Saeed Muhammad
Saeed Muhammad
3 months ago

Verdie was an amazing attorney, providing exceptional client care throughout the process. He had a great depth of knowledge in all areas on business visas in the US.

Satyabrat Chowdhury
Satyabrat Chowdhury
6 months ago

I had a great experience with Davies & Associates. They are very thorough in the approach and their have experts in this field who know the domain very well.I would certainly be leaning onto them for any future needs as well.

hoshino ryuichi
hoshino ryuichi
6 months ago

Thanks to them for handling my E2 visa very professionally. I had a study visa from F1 and changed it to E2. I encountered many problems during the application process. Verdie and Etta were very patient in helping me and it took a long time. I highly recommend this place.

Tanuj Dewan
Tanuj Dewan
9 months ago

Outstanding Immigration Attorney: Highly Recommended! Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) I had the pleasure of working with Verdie Atienza and his team at Davies & Associates , a top-notch immigration attorney in the United States. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication throughout the process were exceptional. With in-depth knowledge of immigration law, they provided accurate advice and addressed all my concerns, instilling confidence. Verdie Atienza and his team meticulously reviewed my documentation and maintained excellent communication, keeping me updated regularly. What sets Davies & Associates apart is their unparalleled attention to detail. Communication with Verdie Atienza and his team in USA and Sukanya Raman in India was always prompt and efficient. They promptly returned my calls and emails, providing regular updates on the progress of my case. This level of responsiveness and transparency significantly reduced my stress levels, as I knew I could rely on their support and guidance throughout the entire process. Their personalized approach, ethical conduct, and genuine care for my success made them an outstanding attorney. I highly recommend Davies & Associates for all your immigration needs.

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