Portugal Residency by Investment
About Portugal
As one of the oldest nations in Europe, Portugal boasts a rich historical and architectural heritage with diverse cultures and Mediterranean lifestyles. The charm of Portugal is irresistible, offering exquisite cuisine, stunning beaches, and lush vineyards and landscapes in the countryside. With the highly developed infrastructure and quality education and healthcare systems, the Portuguese Golden visa is one of the most sought out residency programs in the world.
Established in 2012, the residency by investment visa- known as the Golden visa- was set up to attract foreign investment into the country. The Golden Visa is a fast-track residency program where applicants can receive residency within 6 months. Investors can benefit from Portugal´s affordable high standard of living as well as the pro-business fast-developing markets.
Prime Minister:
António Costa
Government:
Semi-presidential constitutional republic
Economy:
Business and manufacturing
Currency:
Euro
Capital City:
Lisbon
Population:
Over 10 million
Language:
Portuguese
Tax system:
Non-residents are only taxed on Portugal-sourced income
Members of:
European Union, European Union, Commonwealth
Benefits
Visa-free countries
Applicants can enjoy the right to live, work and study in Portugal as well as enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone (90 days within a 180 days period).
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Four of these countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) are not members of the EU but enjoy similar rights under the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
Eligibility
Applicants proceeding with the residency by investment program must be at least 18 years of age, hold a clean criminal record, and show proof of funds coming from abroad (not sourced within Portugal). Applicants are required to provide personal documentation such as passports, national IDs, birth and marriage certificates as well as proof of investment.
Investment Options
Real
Estate
- 280,000 Euro in a low populated density area, over 30 years old and subject to approved renovation works
- 350,000 Euro in real estate over 30 years old
- 400,000 or Euro in real estate in a low populated density area
- 500K Euro in real estate
Capital
Transfer
- 250,000 Euro in the restoration and maintenance of national and cultural heritage projects
- 350,000 Euro acquisition of units of investment funds
- 350,000 Euro for investing in research & development activities
- 1 million Euros into a Portuguese bank account or approved investment options
Job
Creation
- Own company incorporated under Portuguese law with the creation of at least 10 full-time job positions
- Own company incorporated under Portuguese law with the capital transfer of USD 350 Euro and with the creation of at least 5 full-time job positions
Important notices:
Starting January 1st, 2022, the capital transfer of 1 million into a Portuguese bank account will be increased to 1.5 million. If applicants choose one of the other capital transfer options, the minimum of USD 350K Euro will be increased to USD 500K starting in 2022.
Real estate options will remain at the same prices however certain areas will be restricted to qualify for the residency program including properties in:
- Lisbon
- Porto
- Algarve
- Silver Coast
- Sintra
- Other high-density coastal towns
Addtional Fees
Process
1. Speak with one of our advisors to determine the best solution for you and your family. We will discuss the various residency options along with the process and investment options of each program. We offer tailored solutions to assist and meet your goals.
2. We will conduct our initial due diligence check to ensure that you do not currently hold any criminal charges and are eligible to proceed with the Portugal Golden Visa program. To process the initial due diligence check, a copy of passports for all applicants over 16 and a copy of proof of address (such as a utility bill) is required.
3. Offshore Circle will assist in obtaining a NIF (tax ID number) and Portuguese bank account, as required to proceed with the investment. Once obtained the applicant can then proceed with the preferred investment. Offshore Circle will also provide a customized and itemized list of requirements to ensure you meet and comply with all requirements set by SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service’s).
4. Offshore Circle requires a non-refundable retainer to supply application forms and work on your application file.
5. Offshore Circle will assist in submitting the pre-application with electronic copies online through the ARI Portal which is SEF´s online portal.
6. Upon pre-approval, an appointment to submit the client´s biometrics will be scheduled at one of SEF´s local branches, in Portugal. The typical timeframe is 2-4 months from the date of application.
7. Applicants are required to attend the biometrics appointment in person at the designated branch at the designated date and time. Applicants will submit their biometrics as well as the hard copies of the required documentation
8. Applicants will receive the residency permit within 4 months from the date of the biometrics appointment. The residency permit is valid for 1 year and is renewable for 2 years. Applicants can choose to renew the residency permit indefinitely every 2 years if requirements are still maintained, or apply for permanent residency or citizenship after maintaining residency for a minimum of 5 years.
Speak with one of our Citizenship Advisors
Speak with one of our advisors to determine the best solution for you and your family. We will discuss the various residency options along with the process and investment options of each program. We offer tailored solutions to assist and meet your goals.
Initial due diligence check
We will conduct our initial due diligence check to ensure that you do not currently hold any criminal charges and are eligible to proceed with the Portugal Golden Visa program. To process the initial due diligence check, a copy of passports for all applicants over 16 and a copy of proof of address (such as a utility bill) is required.
Investment & Documentation
Offshore Circle will assist in obtaining a NIF (tax ID number) and Portuguese bank account, as required to proceed with the investment. Once obtained the applicant can then proceed with the preferred investment. Offshore Circle will also provide a customized and itemized list of requirements to ensure you meet and comply with all requirements set by SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service’s).
Initiate Offshore Circle´s Services
Offshore Circle requires a non-refundable retainer to supply application forms and work on your application file.
Submit your Application
Offshore Circle will assist in submitting the pre-application with electronic copies online through the ARI Portal which is SEF´s online portal.
Processing Time
Upon pre-approval, an appointment to submit the client´s biometrics will be scheduled at one of SEF´s local branches, in Portugal. The typical timeframe is 2-4 months from the date of application.
Biometric Appointment
Applicants are required to attend the biometrics appointment in person at the designated branch at the designated date and time. Applicants will submit their biometrics as well as the hard copies of the required documentation
Issuance of Residency Permit
Applicants will receive the residency permit within 4 months from the date of the biometrics appointment. The residency permit is valid for 1 year and is renewable for 2 years. Applicants can choose to renew the residency permit indefinitely every 2 years if requirements are still maintained, or apply for permanent residency or citizenship after maintaining residency for a minimum of 5 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
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