You must have heard about Portugal’s Golden Visa but have little or no idea bout it. Well, you will be learning about this specific type of Portuguese visa soon as we will unveil to you all that you need to know.
For starters, Portugal Golden Visa is considered a residence visa issued to non-EU citizens who have made a significant investment in Portugal (i.e. purchasing real estate, making a capital investment, etc.).
Journey with us to get more information about this unique visa.
What Is Portugal Golden Visa And How To Apply For It (Step By Step Guide)
The Portugal Golden Visa is considered to be the fastest process for obtaining permanent residence and citizenship in Portugal.
You can become a Portuguese citizen after five years. In fact, unlike in other countries, you do not need to live in Portugal for five years to acquire citizenship via the Golden Visa route.
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All that is required of you is to spend seven to fourteen days per year in the country. But you need to prove you have accommodation in Portugal, a steady income, and knowledge of the Portuguese language, if not in-depth, but at least on a basic level.
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options.
Now that you have an inkling about Portugal’s Golden Visa, it is time to reveal the several investment options you can invest in so that you will be eligible for a Golden Visa in Portugal. These are:
- Acquisition of a property that is worth at least €500,000. Investment amount of €400,000 to purchase property in a low-density area.
- Invest €350,000 in a property in an urban regeneration area in Portugal. In a low-density area, you can invest the amount of €280,000.
- You can also invest a minimum sum of €350,000 in a qualifying Investment Fund. The investment options is overseen by the Portuguese CMVM Securities Market Commission (CMVM), and usually include venture capital investment in real estate or start-up tech companies.
- Make a capital transfer of at least €1 million in a Portuguese bank account.
- Buying company shares that are worth at least €1 million.
- Invest a minimum of €1 million in a company.
- Create a minimum of ten jobs for Portuguese nationals.
- Invest a minimum of €350,000 for the creation/establishment of a commercial company, or to strengthen the share capital of a commercial company, all of which will lead to the creation of a minimum of 5 full-time jobs.
- Transfer a minimum capital fund of €350,000 for research activities/projects in science or technology by either public or private scientific research institute in Portugal.
- Make a capital transfer of a minimum of €250,000 to fund or support the arts or reconstruction of national heritage in Portugal.
Application Process For A Portugal Golden Visa?
If you have the cash to spend and you are interested to have Portuguese citizenship on a fast lane, now you will learn the process to apply for a Portugal Golden Visa which is done at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).
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Mind you, you must fulfill the ultimate requirement of investing before you apply because you must submit proof of the investment vis-à-vis fact that you intend to maintain it for a minimum of 5 years.
Also, if you cannot go through the process from beginning to end by yourself, you can hire a legal representative to do so on your behalf.
The application process for Portugal Golden Visa includes:
Step 1: Apply for a Portuguese Golden visa Application.
You need to first register via the ARI Portal via this website https://ari.sef.pt/account/default.aspx. This is the SEF’s online portal where you can apply for the Golden Visa Application. You can register yourself or a legal representative can do it for you.
Step 2: Upload Required Document.
Once your registration is successful, you will have to upload and attach electronic copies of the required documents. The documents should be in PDF, and no bigger than 4MB.
Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee.
You have to pay all the relevant fees so that your visa application can be processed.
Step 4: Wait!
You have to wait for confirmation from the SEF.
Step 5: Schedule an Appointment.
Set an appointment date to submit your Golden Visa application at a local branch of the SEF.
Documents Required For Portugal Golden Visa Application.
There are accompanying documents that you ought to bring along when submitting the Portugal Golden Visa application. These documents are:
- The official Portugal Visa Application Form that you have downloaded from the Portuguese visa portal. The form must be completed and signed appropriately.
- Your valid passport.
- Two (2) passport-size photographs that must be in line with Portugal visa photo specifications.
- Evidence of having obtained international health insurance that is valid in Portugal.
- Proof of having no previous criminal records. You can obtain a certificate from any country in which you have lived for more than one (1) year. The certificate must be issued by the appropriate authorities within the previous three (3) months and translated into Portuguese.
- A Sworn Statement to continue and maintain your investment for a minimum period of five (5) years.
- Evidence of fee payment from the ARI portal.
- Present any documents related to your investment. Read the detail below:
Ways To Get Portugal Golden Visa
Purchasing Real Estate Property worth at least €500,000
- Evidence of procurement deed of the property or the pre-contract agreement.
- Declaration from a financial institute that is authorized or registered in Portugal as evidence of the effective international transfer of the assets made by you.
- The Land Register Certificate includes the records, endorsements, and registration in force, confirming you as the owner of the property.
- The legal report of the property (if applicable).
Investment in a property in a Portuguese urban regeneration area at least €350,000
- The above-mentioned documents as in (a)
- Declaration from an experienced entity proving that the property is in a regeneration area.
Capital Transfer of At Least €1 Million in a Bank Account.
- Declaration from a financial institution registered in Portugal, confirming the deposit made. Also, the transfer made must be free from any charges and obligations.
Creation of At Least Ten Job Positions.
- Declaration from a financial institution registered in Portugal, confirming the required deposit.
- Individual employment contracts between binding employers and employees.
- Provide an extract from the register of companies, that is if you are a shareholder in a company.
Investment in the arts.
- A Declaration issued by the Portuguese Strategy, Planning and Cultural Assessment Office, affirming they have consulted with the experienced professional authorities in the sector and confirming your investment in support of arts or restoration/maintenance of the national cultural heritage.
- A Declaration from a financial institute established and registered in Portugal confirms the transfer of the assets.
Investment in research activities.
- A Declaration from the beneficiary public or private scientific research institution, confirming the investment.
- A Declaration from a financial institute established and registered in Portugal confirms the transfer of the assets.
Eligibility To Apply For A Golden Visa For Portugal.
There are guidelines set out that you have to fulfill to be eligible for a Golden Visa for Portugal, the requirements include:
- You have to be above 18 years.
- It is compulsory for you to make a significant investment that is beneficial to the Portuguese economy.
- You must not have any history of criminal records.
- The money you intend to invest must be yours.
- You must commit to continuing to maintain the investment for at least another five years.
Validity Of Portugal Golden Visa
Normally, the Portugal Golden Visa is valid for one (1) year; afterward, you have to continually renew it for two-year periods, that is if you still maintain your investment.
After five years of maintaining your investment, you are eligible for permanent residence or citizenship.
How Long Must I Live in Portugal to Maintain Golden Visa?
To maintain your Portugal Golden Visa, you have to reside in Portugal for at least 7 days in the first year and then fourteen days in the following two-year periods. you don’t have to permanently live in Portugal to renew your Golden Visa or to receive permanent residence or citizenship.
Conclusion.
Good to know you read this far, it means you are now enlightened regarding the Portugal Golden visa and have learned the nitty-gritty of the visa including the application process and other vital information you will find helpful.
Remember, having a Portuguese permanent visa and citizenship automatically qualifies you to have access to other EU member states. So, if you have the cash, you can spend it there.
