Golden Visa

The Golden Visa Programme launched by the Portuguese Authorities in October 2012 is the best investor visa scheme in Europe. Its a fast track for citizens from non European countries and the family members to obtain a fully valid residency permit in Portugal and to travel freely in the vast majority of the  countries in Europe (Schengen area).

Who can request a residence permit for investment activities?

Third country nationals who either carry out investment activities personally or through a company that lead to, at least one of the following situations in Portuguese territory for a minimum of 5 years.

Property Investment

•  Acquisition of property with a value of minimum € 500.000
•  Acquisition of property above € 350.000 for property more than 30 years old or located in areas of urban renovation.

Capital Investment

•     Transfer of funds with a value equal or above € 1,000.000 with total freedom to invest in Portugal
•     Transfer of funds above € 500.000 for capitalization of small and medium size companies
•     Transfer of funds above € 350.000 for research activities. Investment amount may be reduced by 20%                    (€280,000) in case such investment is made in low density population areas
•     Transfer of funds above € 250.000 for artistic or cultural activities 

Job Creation

Creation of at least 10 jobs without minimum investment value. Investment amount may be reduced by 20% (8 employees) in case such investment is made in low density population areas

Requirements on the investments

 Property

Provide evidence of having the ownership of real estate property by public deed or promissory share-purchase agreement of the property, with a declaration of an authorized financial institution to exercise its activity in Portugal. An up-to-date certificate issued by the real estate registry.

Funds

Provide evidence of having invested the minimum amount required, including stocks or shares of companies. Confirmation by an authorized Portuguese financial institution. An up-to-date certificate issued by the Commercial Register.

Creation of jobs

Provide evidence that minimum 10 jobs have been created and the employees registered in the social security.

Requirements for the investor

•     The investment has to be kept for at least 5 years
•     Funds for investments should come from abroad
•     Entry in Portugal with a valid Schengen Visa
•     Portuguese Fiscal number
•     Declaration from the Tax- department and Social security proving the absence of debts
•     Absence of references in the Portuguese Immigration and the Schengen services
•     Absence of conviction of relevant crime
•     Criminal record of the country of residency
•     Health insurance valid in Portugal
•     Proof of income and address
•     Minimum stay in Portugal, 7 days during the first year and fourteen days during each subsequent period of two        years  

What are the cost involved?

•     Processing fee € 514,80 + € 80,20 per family member
•     Initial Golden Visa € 5,147.80
•     Renewal of Golden Visa € 2,573,90

Countries of the Schengen Area:  Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland