GOLDEN VISA PROGRAM FOR NON-EU CITIZENS
Advantages
- Fast track for foreign investors from non-EU countries to obtain a fully valid residency permit in Portugal (“Golden Visa”)
- Non-EU citizens simply need to carry out one of the investments to qualify to obtain a residency permit in Portugal
- This residency permit allows the investor to enter and/or live in Portugal
- Allows the investor to travel freely within the vast majority of European countries (Schengen area)
- Eligible for Permanent Residency after 5 years
- Eligible to apply for Citizenship after 6 years
Requirements
- Be a Non-European Union citizen
- Must keep the Investment for a minimum period of 5 years
- Funds for investment must come from abroad
- Proof that the applicant has no criminal record
- Minimum stay in Portugal of 7 days during the first year, and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period
Process
- Application is submitted at the Services of Foreigners and Borders (SEF)
- Processing time between 3-6 months
- Once the application is processed, the SEF will contact the investor’s legal representatives and set up an appointment with the investor (and family members) to collect signature and fingerprints
Investment Option
- Minimum investment of €500,000
- Purchase of one or multiple properties
- All types of property qualify
- Possibility of co-ownership
- Freedom to use, rent of lease
Getting the Permanent Residence
- Applicant must had held the Golden Visa for at least 5 years
- Kept a clean criminal record
- Sufficient subsistence funds and a place of residence in Portugal
- Proof of basic Portuguese proficiency
Getting the Portuguese Citizenship
- Applicant must have been a legal resident of Portugal for at least 6 years
- Kept a clean criminal record
- Sufficient subsistence funds and a place of residence in Portugal
- Proof of sufficient Portuguese proficiency
Benefits of Citizenship
- Unrestricted right to live, work, study in Europe
- Access to free education within EU
- Possibility of visa-free travel to US & Canada