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11 Apr 2023
At the time this article is published, the permanence in Portugal of the Golden Visa in the context of housing investments is being discussed.
There are arguments for and against the Golden Visa in housing, so we leave here this update that there is a possibility that the authorities cancel or change this legal regime in the short term.
Portugal’s Golden Visa initiative was established with the intention of luring international capital and fostering economic development in the nation. Investors can live and work in Portugal, travel freely across the Schengen Area, and have the option to seek citizenship and permanent residency after five years, among other benefits.
The program also enables investors to bring their family along and provides a number of investment alternatives, like buying real estate, generating jobs, or transferring money. Overall, Portugal’s Golden Visa program presents a special chance for non-EU citizens to settle in the nation and reap its many advantages.
Here is a collection of the most frequently asked questions concerning Portuguese Golden Visa, in an effort to make this complex procedure easier to grasp.
A Golden Visa is a type of residency permit that allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Portugal by investing in the country.
To obtain a Golden Visa in Portugal, an individual must make a qualifying investment, such as purchasing property worth at least €500,000 or creating at least 10 jobs in the country.
Capital transfer situations worth €500,000 are also foreseen, under the conditions detailed on this SEF webpage.
The process of obtaining a Golden Visa in Portugal typically takes around 4-6 months.
The minimum investment required is €500,000 in real estate, or investing in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions, or acquisition of units of investment funds or venture capital fund of funds dedicated to the capitalisation of companies, or constitution of a commercial society with head office in the national territory.
Online pre-registration is required at https://ari.sef.pt/account/DefaultEN.aspx.
The contacts of the responsible authorities in Portugal for the process are as follows:
SEF’s Contact Centre, available from 09:00 to 17:30, through the numbers – 217 115 000 (fixed network) or 965 903 700 (mobile network).
A Golden Visa in Portugal is initially valid for one year and can then be renewed for two-year increments.
Yes, dependents such as a spouse, children, and dependent parents can be included in a Golden Visa application.
A Golden Visa in Portugal allows an individual to live and work in the country, travel freely within the Schengen Area, and apply for permanent residency and citizenship after five years.
Yes, an individual with a Golden Visa can work in Portugal, either for themselves or for an employer.
Yes, a Golden Visa holder can study in Portugal if they meet the requirements for enrolling in an educational institution.
Yes, after five years of holding a Golden Visa, an individual can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Yes, a Golden Visa can be revoked if the individual fails to comply with the conditions set out in the visa, such as not spending enough time in the country or not maintaining the qualifying investment.
It depends on the type of investment made. For example, if the investment was made in real estate, the property can be sold. However, some investments such as job creation or capital transfer might not have a clear refund policy.
Yes, it is possible to apply for a Golden Visa if you don’t speak Portuguese. English is widely spoken in Portugal, and many Golden Visa services offer translation services.
Individuals with a criminal record may be denied a Golden Visa in Portugal.
The cost of applying for a Golden Visa in Portugal varies and depends on the type of investment made, legal and consulting fees, and other related expenses.
No, it is possible to apply for a Golden Visa in Portugal while outside of the country.
A Golden Visa must be renewed every two years.
Yes, it is possible to apply for a Golden Visa while in Portugal as long as the individual meets the eligibility requirements.
Yes, to maintain a Golden Visa, an individual must spend a minimum of 7 days in Portugal in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent year.
There is no limit to the number of times an individual with a Golden Visa can enter and exit Portugal.
Yes, it is mandatory for all residents in Portugal, including those with a Golden Visa, to have health insurance.
If the value of the investment changes after obtaining a Golden Visa, the individual may be required to make a new investment or show that they have maintained the original investment.
Obtaining a Golden Visa in Portugal can be a relatively quick process if all the necessary documents are in order and the investment requirements are met. It is recommended to seek professional help from a lawyer or a consultant specialized in Golden Visa process. They can assist in guiding through the process and ensure that everything is done correctly and efficiently.
To maintain the Golden Visa without problems with the State, it is important to comply with the conditions set out in the visa, such as spending a minimum amount of time in the country each year and maintaining the qualifying investment. Additionally, it is important to keep up-to-date with any changes in the law or regulations related to the Golden Visa program. Regularly checking your immigration status, renewing your visa on time, and keeping all the necessary documents in order will help you to maintain your Golden Visa without any issues. It is also advisable to have a continuity plan in case of unforeseen circumstances that might affect the investment.
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