Portugal is a country located on the southwestern tip of Europe, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Its capital is Lisbon and its official language is Portuguese. The country's currency is the Euro (€) and its surface area is approximately 92,090 km². Known for its warm climate, historical heritage and friendly people, Portugal is an attractive destination for both living and investing. A member of the Schengen Area, Portugal stands out among EU countries for its high quality of life, low crime rates and affordable costs.
What is the Portugal Golden Visa Program?
The Portugal Golden Visa Program was launched by the Portuguese Government in 2012 and allows foreign investors to obtain a residence permit in the country and gain the right to free movement in Europe. Officially known as the "Portuguese Investor Permanent Residence Program", this program encourages investments in real estate, fund investments, business establishment and other alternative means.
Program Advantages
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Living in Portugal and Visa-Free Travel to the EU Schengen Area:
Golden Visa holders and their family members have the right to reside, work and study in Portugal, and travel visa-free in the Schengen area.
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Citizenship Rights:
Investors who meet the necessary conditions for five years can apply for Portuguese citizenship. The Portuguese passport is one of the most powerful passports in the world and offers visa-free travel to more than 185 countries.
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Inclusion of Family Members:
The main applicant can include their spouse, children up to the age of 21, and in some cases their parents in the program.
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Flexible Residence Requirements:
Investors only need to be in Portugal for 7 days each year. This makes the program much more flexible than similar programs in other European countries.
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Tax Advantages:
Golden Visa fund investments are exempt from certain taxes and provide lucrative returns in the long term.
Investment Options for Portugal Residence Permit
The main areas where investment can be made under the Portugal Golden Visa program:
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Fund Investment: Participation in CMB-approved investment funds worth at least €500,000.
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Job Creation: Creation of employment for at least 10 people.
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Scientific Research: Investment of at least €500,000 in public or private scientific projects.
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Cultural and Artistic Support: Contribution of at least €250,000 to national cultural heritage preservation projects.
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Company Establishment: Increasing job opportunities through the establishment or expansion of commercial enterprises.
Recent Changes to the Program
As part of the “Mais Habitação” law that came into effect in October 2023, direct real estate investments were excluded from the Golden Visa process. However, alternative routes such as fund investments and job creation are still valid.
Why Portugal?
Portugal is one of the centers of attraction in Europe with the quality of life, security and economic stability it offers to investors. As of 2023, it is in high demand, especially from countries such as the USA, Turkey, China and Brazil.
Tax Advantages
The Portuguese tax system offers tax exemptions or low rates of taxation on certain types of income, especially thanks to the NHR (Non-Habitual Residency) status.
Cultural Richness
Portugal offers much more than a lifestyle with its rich historical heritage, cities on the UNESCO World Heritage List, unique cuisine and magnificent beaches on the Atlantic coast.
Language and Citizenship Requirements
Basic knowledge of Portuguese (A2 level) is required for citizenship application. However, there are alternative paths that do not require a language test.
Our Portuguese Residence Permit Services
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Investment Consultancy: Fund selection, capital transfer and business establishment support.
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Legal Consultancy: Management of Golden Visa application processes with our experienced Portuguese and Turkish lawyers.
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Banking and Real Estate Transactions: Bank account opening, property inspection, sales and transfer transactions.
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Family Applications: Management of the necessary processes to include your family members.
You can contact us for more information and special consultancy about the Portugal Golden Visa Program.