Lately there has been a lot of talk about the Golden Visa in Portugal, and it has generated some misinformation. This is why we believe it is important to write about this subject.
On the important question of whether the Golden Visa also known as Residence Permit for Investment (ARI): Has it already ended in Portugal? We can firmly say: No. Absolutely not!
Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that the Golden Visa continues to be one of the most interesting visas to apply for if you intend to obtain residence in Portugal.
Why to invest in Golden Visa?
If your plans for the future include obtaining permanent residence and European citizenship, investing in a Golden Visa can be really interesting. It allows you to include your spouse and children.
How to obtain permanent residence and European citizenship?
Golden Visa is the simplest and quickest method of obtaining citizenship. Generally, you can get a European passport if you invest in a country through a citizenship program. You must invest a certain amount of money in a country that offers the scheme and maintain the investment for a certain period of time before you can apply for citizenship. Investment routes and the deadline for obtaining a passport depend exclusively on the country you intend to pursue and its regulations.
And how to get it in Portugal?
You can obtain Portuguese citizenship through the Golden Visa program by investing in private funds or venture capital, or incorporating a new business or acquiring shares in an existing company.
The funds offer several advantages for an investor:
- No income taxon distributions and capital gains in fund investments for non-tax residents versus 28% to be paid on income from direct investments.
- Investing via fund option doesn’t require high level of active management nor demand significant time from the investor, since there is a professional fund manager to handle all the complexities of investments, from origination to exit.
- The fund invests in a diversified portfolio of companies, helping to spread risk across a broad range of investments.
- Portuguese investment funds are transparent vehicles and regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (“CMVM”), which can provide an additional layer of protection for investors.
Ask us to introduce you to the greatest Asset Management companies in Portugal. All have funds options that qualify for the Golden Visa.
The Portugal Golden Visa program offers investors an opportunity to obtain residency in a safe and affordable country, with a high quality of life, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area and a path to citizenship. The great advantage of this visa is that you don´t need to move to Portugal, as the program only requires an average of seven days per year stay in Portugal over the five-year period.
In our view, Portugal Golden Visa is a golden opportunity!