How to Get a Portuguese Passport by Investment
Portuguese Golden Visa citizenship can be obtained by applicants in five years. Below, you can find the necessary steps and requirements.
Requirements
Portugal requires you to spend seven days on average per year, for a duration of five years, in order to apply for Portuguese citizenship. In order to apply for citizenship, there are a couple of pre-requisites, these include:
You need to have a clean criminal record,
You need to have NO unpaid taxes in Portugal,
You need to enter and pass a Portuguese language test.
Required Documents
Filled out application form
Passport, ID, or a Birth certificate from your country of origin,
Clean criminal record certificate,
Portuguese residence permit,
Proof of passed Portuguese language test (CIPLE)
Document from AIMA to prove that you have been a resident in Portugal for at least five years
Investment Routes and Requirements as of 2024
Due to changes in regulations, the landscape of Portugal’s Golden Visa program has evolved, with several investment routes available to applicants in 2024.
Real Estate Investment is no longer an option
While real estate initially formed a cornerstone of the program, as of 2024, applicants can no longer pursue residency through property investment. This shift in policy excludes the previous options to invest in real estate for qualification.
Investment in Research and Development
Applicants can opt to invest a minimum of €500,000 in public or private scientific research institutions. This route supports the advancement of Portuguese scientific research and development efforts.
Investment Funds and Private Equity
Investing in approved investment funds or venture capital funds dedicated to capitalization of companies generates significant growth potential. A minimum investment fund contribution of €500,000 is the standard for candidates considering this option. These funds are specifically tailored for fostering economic activity in various sectors within Portugal and must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the program.
Cultural Heritage Donation
For those interested in contributing to the preservation of Portugal’s rich cultural heritage, a donation of €250,000 is required. These funds directly support the maintenance and restoration of the national cultural heritage under the Golden Visa program. The requirement is lowered to €200,000 in low-density areas.
Portugal’s Golden Visa program continues to offer diverse investment options that stimulate the country’s economy while providing opportunities for investors to gain residency, and potentially citizenship, within the European Union.
The Application Process
The pathway to Portuguese residency through the Golden Visa entails a series of precise steps and requires extensive documentation. Foreign investors are required to follow a structured timeline to achieve the approval of their residency permit.
Documentation and Paperwork
Applicants must begin by acquiring a Portuguese Fiscal Number (NIF) and opening a bank account in Portugal. The documentation needed includes proof of investment, a valid passport, and legal entry into Portugal, among other personal and financial documents. It is critical to have all documentation professionally translated into Portuguese.
Applicants with children are allowed to include dependents under 18 years old at no extra charge. However, for dependents aged 18 years and older, additional documentation and fees will apply.
Timeline and Approval Stages
The approval process for the Portugal Golden Visa consists of several stages:
Expression of Interest & Pre-Approval: Submit an expression of interest online to SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Border Service), followed by a pre-approval stage where the investment activity is verified.
Submission of Documents: After pre-approval, applicants submit their complete application along with the necessary paperwork.
Biometric Data Collection: Once the documents are confirmed, applicants schedule an appointment with SEF to provide biometric data.
Analysis and Approval: SEF reviews the application, biometric data, and conducts a background check. The entire process can take several months.
Issuance of Residence Permit: Finally, applicants who meet all the requirements are issued a residence permit.
During this timeline, fees for the Golden Visa application and legal representation may range from €5,000 to €8,000 for single applicants, with a varying cost for dependents aged 18 and over. It is important to note that fees are subject to change; applicants should verify the current fee structure as part of their application process.
Who can apply for residency by investment in Portugal?
Any adult with a clean criminal record that is not from the EU can apply for residency in Portugal through a qualifying investment. Portugal Golden Visa is the name of this investment visa.
Buying property in Portugal to obtain Citizenship
Real estate investment is no longer an eligible fund option for Portugal Golden Visa. You could buy property in Portugal and obtain citizenship in five years, as long as you maintain your investment. The property needed to be either
€500,000 or more in value
€400,000 or more if in a low-density area
€350,000 or more if it is a property in an urban rehabilitation area,
€280,000 or more if n a low-density area
Get in touch with us if you’re interested in investing in a fund or buying a property in Portugal for investment or lifestyle purposes. We’d be happy to answer any of your questions regarding the process and the market.
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