Introduction
Portugal’s Golden Visa program is one of the most popular residency-by-investment programs in Europe and across the globe. It is an investment-based residency program for non-EU nationals where an individual can invest a minimum of 500K EUR and get Portuguese residency for himself and his family, which in turn allows the holders to live, work, study in Portugal and travel freely across the Schengen area without any additional visa and ultimately secure the Portuguese Citizenship thereby unlocking visa-free travel to over 189 countries. Since the program’s launch in October 2012, over 12,000 individuals have been awarded Golden Visa’s.
Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa
Travel flexibility
Portugal Golden Visa holders can travel freely across the Schengen area without a visa. This covers 26 European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, etc. This benefit significantly enhances the mobility of investors, offering ease of travel for business or pleasure.
Business, Healthcare & Education benefits
Portuguese Golden Visa allows the holder and their family members to live, work, and study in Portugal. It provides free access to the public education and healthcare system. Local schools are available and free to enroll. Golden Visa holders spending more than 183 days per year in the country will qualify for complete coverage by the country’s healthcare system. The Golden Visa also allows you to work anywhere, as well as start and run your own business in Portugal.
Minimum stay requirement
The Portugal Golden Visa is one of the most preferred residency options in Europe because the holder is not required to stay in Portugal for long periods to maintain residency. The holder just needs to stay for 7 days in a year or 14 days over 2 years.
Reunification of Families
The program extends benefits to family members of the main investor, including spouse, children and dependent parents, with parents above 65 being included without the need to prove dependency. Unlike many other residency programs, children who are above 18 can also be included as long as they are dependent, and parents of spouses can also be included, making it a big draw among investors looking for European residency.
Pathway to Citizenship
The Golden Visa program is a ticket to securing European citizenship in one of the most touristic and welcoming countries in Europe. The holder can choose to take up Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of maintaining a Golden Visa. This gets them further access to more than 189 countries since the Portuguese passport is ranked 5th in the world and provides visa-free/visa-on-arrival benefits to all major countries.
Tax-Friendly
Portugal Golden Visa Program will not bring any tax responsibility to you unless you spend more than 183 days of the year in Portugal. Moreover, India has a dual taxation treaty with Portugal, which can help in planning taxation more efficiently.
Investment Options
Fund Subscription
A minimum of €500,000 investment in a qualifying Portuguese fund. It can include private equity and venture capital funds in Portugal that support business capitalization. The fund must be set up following Portuguese law and have a minimum five-year maturity. The fund’s investments must include at least 60% in Portuguese businesses.
Fund investment has become the top option for investors in 2024 and is expected to account for 95% of the investment due to the closure of the real estate investment option in October 2023, making it the main route via which applicants can still benefit from the program.
Company setup
The minimum investment needed is €500,000.
- Creation of a minimum of 10 new full-time jobs in a new Portuguese business that is owned by the main applicant.
- Create a minimum of eight new full-time jobs in a Portuguese business formed in a low-density area in Portugal, owned by the main applicant.
- Invest a minimum of €500,000 in an existing Portuguese business, where the incorporated business must create a minimum of five new full-time jobs for at least three years.
Donation
A minimum donation of €250,000 in preserving national heritage in Portugal. This donation must be made into artistic production or in the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage, arts or culture.
EUR 500,000 if the donation is given for research activities of public or private entities that are part of the national scientific and technological system
Why Portugal is a Smart Investment
For a variety of reasons, investors around the world are drawn to the Portugal Golden Visa. They see it as an investment in a future full of opportunities and security for themselves and their families, in addition to the financial opportunity.
The Security “Plan B”: The Portugal Golden Visa serves as a “Plan B” for investors in an uncertain world. It serves as a safety net, guaranteeing that individuals have permanent residency in a calm and stable country if political or economic unrest affects their own country. Portugal’s appeal as a secure haven for investors and their families is enhanced by its continuous status as one of the world’s most tranquil nations, currently ranking #7 in the Global Peace Index.
Travelling without a visa: Among the strongest arguments for obtaining a Golden Visa is that it provides freedom of travel. It makes travelling for business and leisure easier by granting entry to the Schengen Area without a visa. This mobility is priceless for people who need unrestricted entry to Europe for business or pleasure.
Prospects for the Future of Children: Investors often choose to apply for the Golden Visa because they are concerned about their children’s future. The program provides access to education in Portugal’s excellent educational system and universities throughout Europe. It prepares kids to become citizens of Portugal, which can open up a world of possibilities by allowing them to live, work, and travel freely inside Portugal and other Schengen nations.
Entry Point for Citizenship: Investing via the Golden Visa route and ultimately taking up Portuguese citizenship is perhaps one of the most strategic decisions that an investor can take. Investors and their families can seek citizenship after five years, which grants them the freedom to live, work, and travel throughout the EU with the least amount of red tape. This long-term advantage is frequently a significant factor for investors, as it gives them the choice to migrate to Portugal or another EU nation completely, should they so desire, in addition to granting them a second residency.
The Portugal Golden Visa is a multipurpose investment that guarantees a free lifestyle, opens doors for the next generation to pursue education, and secures a haven. These features make it a desirable program for investors hoping for more prosperous future options, increased liberty, and increased safety.
Conclusion
For investors hoping to secure not simply a monetary commitment but also a future full of opportunities, the Portugal Golden Visa program stands out as a light of potential.
This definitive guide to the Portugal Golden Visa in 2024 is a compass for individuals who are prepared to move towards a future where opportunities are abundant and aspirations come true. Your dream of a life enhanced by the benefits of the Portuguese Golden Visa can come true with the correct planning, direction, and comprehension of the involved procedure.
Acquest Advisors can assist you and your family to secure your Golden Visa and also provide customized investment advice. A team of specialists at Acquest Advisors will facilitate a clear and customized route in pursuit of your immigration dream. Get in touch with us for assistance with any of your issues.