Portugal Citizenship / Portugal Residency

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are questions frequently asked about the Portuguese golden visa/citizenship program. If you don't find your answers here, please contact us at your convenience. 

Q: What is the "Portugal Golden Residence Permit"?

A: In October of 2012 Portugal introduced a new type of visa and residence permit for investors known as the "Golden Residence Programme". The essential purpose of this new law is to facilitate foreign investments in Portugal made by individuals that are not citizens of the European Union.

 

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Q: What are some of the reasons the Portuguese Golden Visa program is attracting so many international investors?

A: International business executives, investors, and important persons who are active worldwide consider an alternative citizenship and passport a powerful tool for international tax planning and a safety net should the living conditions at home become unbearable.

Applicants realize that the Portuguese citizenship provides several benefits, including:

Applicants may file for Portuguese/European citizenship after five years of residency if desired.

Further, the residence permit grants the holder the right to work (independently or under working contract), the right to an education, access to the public health system and access to the courts.

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Q: What is the minimum investment required to obtain the "Golden Residence Permit"?

A: To apply for a Golden Residence Permit, a foreign citizen must invest for a minimum of five years under one of these investment options:


The applicant must choose one of these investment options at the beginning of the application process.

If selecting the real estate option, the investment cannot be financed through a loan/mortgage - it must be a cash investment. Further, the investment must have been made after 8/10/2012 which is the date on which the law became effective. Real estate purchases prior to this date cannot be applied.

If selecting the capital transfer option, the funds are to be held in a financial entity authorized to operate in Portugal. We can assist you with opening the required bank accounts.

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Q: What type of real estate can I invest in?

A: Your are free to select whichever property you wish to purchase; residential, commercial or land. Your investment can be in one property or a portfolio of multiple properties as long as the minimum investment is met. The investment may be structured as a rental property, allowing you to stay the required average of seven days per year in your property while renting it out and earning income during your absence.

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Q: Can you help me find real estate in Portugal?

A: Yes. We are associated with several licensed real estate agencies in Portugal and would be happy to help you find your ideal property that fulfills the program's real estate investment requirement.

Our professional relationships and the agents' local presence in Portugal guarantee to our clients a smooth, comprehensive service that includes identifying suitable properties, providing transport for property viewings, drafting/reviewing legal contracts, and/or liaising with local notaries and architects as needed.

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Q: Once I obtain the visa, do I need to travel to Portugal for a minimum number of days during the year?

A: Yes, the program requires a minimum stay of only seven days per year, on average. Specifically; the first year minimum stay is seven days. The minimum stay during the second residency period (Years 2 and 3) is a total of 14 days (consecutive or non-sequential). The minimum stay during the third residency period (Years 4 and 5) is also a total of 14 days (consecutive or non-sequential).

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Q: Once I want to apply for citizenship, do I need to move to Portugal or live in Portugal for a minimum number of days during the year?

A: No. Once citizenship is granted, there are no residency requirements.

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Q: Will the visa also include my family?

A: Yes, your spouse, parents on either side, and children under 18 can be added at the same time as the initial application, or anytime thereafter.

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Q: How long does the application process take?

A: The application takes approximately two months to process after all documentation has been filed and the required investment is made.

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Q: How long can I stay in Portugal with my golden visa?

A: The Golden Residence Permit is valid for a period of one year after issue and renewable for two subsequent periods of two years, resulting in a total of five years. After residence in Portugal for five years it is possible to file for citizenship.

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Q: Does the Golden Residence Permit authorize me to work?

A: Yes. The Golden Residence Permit authorizes you to live and work in Portugal.

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Q: Can I keep my tax residence outside Portugal?

A: Personal taxation for non-residents on Portuguese-sourced employment and pension income is charged at a preferential rate of 25%, although interest and rental income, dividends and capital gains are taxed at 28%.

Income derived from a foreign source and relating to employment income, pension income and business and professional income can be subject to exemption. Portugal does not apply a wealth tax. There is no tax on gifts or inheritances between parents, children and grandchildren.

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Q: What are the major differences among the various immigration by investment programs?

A: The Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment Program offers several investment options starting from EUR 257,000 plus fees for Bulgaria (EU) citizenship and passport after 5 years in residency status.

The Cyprus Residency by Investment Program offers options from EUR 300,000 for Cyprus (EU) permanent residency. Residents may apply for citizenship after 7 years in residency status.

The Greece Golden Visa allows non-EU applicants to file for Greece (EU) residency by way of a EUR 250,000 investment in local real estate. The investor may file for Greek citizenship after 7 years of living in Greece at a minimum of 183 days per year.

The Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment regulation provides the applicant with Malta (EU) residency and citizenship for an investment in the amount of EUR 600,000 (36 months residency option) or EUR 750,000 (12 months residency option). Additional are a philanthropic donation, a property purchase or rental, and fees. For applicants who are only seeking Malta (tax) residency or Schengen travel benefits, options start at an annual recurring expense of EUR 15,000 plus property and fees. 

The Monaco Residency / Citizenship Program offers Monaco residency to applicants who can prove sufficient accommodations and financial self-sufficiency. The applicant may file for Monaco citizenship after 10 years of permanent residency.

The Portugal Golden Visa Residence Permit Program offers Portugal (EU) permanent residency for a property investment starting from EUR 280,000. Investors may apply for Portugal citizenship after 5 years in residency status. 

The Spain Golden Visa offers Spain (EU) residency for a EUR 500,000 minimum investment in real estate, or a EUR 1 Million Euro asset transfer, or a 2 Million Euro securities investment, or the creation of a new government-approved business project. The investor may file for citizenship after 10 years in residency status.


Outside of the EU, citizenship by investment programs include those offered by Canada, the United States of America, and the Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia:

Canada offers several residency by investment options, leading to citizenship if desired, starting at CAD 200,000.

The United States EB-5 Program leads to permanent residency status and citizenship in the United States for a minimum investment of USD 900,000 in a commercial enterprise in the U.S. that generates at least 10 jobs for Americans. After 5 years as a permanent resident the investor may apply for U.S. citizenship.

The Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia offer citizenship programs requiring a real estate investment from USD 200,000 or a non-refundable donation of at least USD 100,000.

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Q: What does "Schengen Area" mean?

A: The Malta citizenship allows you to travel without restrictions across the "Schengen Area" of the European Union. The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and immigration controls at their common borders. It functions as a single country for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. Source: Wikipedia

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Q: After I am granted citizenship and receive a Portuguese passport, will I be able to travel to the United States with my Portuguese passport?

A: Yes. The Portuguese passport will allow you to travel to the U.S. under the visa waiver program which allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less. Source: U.S. Government


Please contact us for a detailed cost estimate or confidential consultation.  Our associated attorneys are ready to assist you with attaining your investment objectives and answer any questions you might have about the Portugal Residency / Citizenship by Investment programs.

Zenturo Ltd.

Residency & Citizenship by Investment Programs Worldwide

Portugal Offices: Lisbon, Porto, Algarve

394A / 395A, Triq il-Kbira San Guzepp
Santa Venera SVR 1016, Malta

Phone: +356 9950 5515
WhatsApp: +356 9991 4125
Telegram: +356 9991 4125
WeChat: ZenturoSupport
Skype: Zenturo Ltd. Support



Company Registration No.: C-39472
VAT ID: MT-18142026

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