Portugal Golden Visa, A Pathway to Permanent Residency, Portuguese Citizenship and 4th Best Passport

Technology turned planet earth into a global village however you still need permission to travel to other countries. In this scenario, travel mobility has emerged as a necessity rather than a privilege in the modern world. Among all European residency by investment programs, Portugal Golden Visa is one of the best options due to its benefits. Apart from 5-year Portugal PR, investors get the right to do jobs, do business, access to the best healthcare and world class education for children. Further, investors qualify for Portuguese citizenship upon meeting certain criteria.

Portugal Golden Visa Statistics

Portugal Golden Visa is a residency by investment programs for non-EU citizens that offer 5-year residency to investors and their family members. As per statistics by AIMA until 2012, Government of Portugal granted Portugal PR to over 12,718 main applicants. Portugal generated €7.5 billion FDI through its RBI program. Until 2012, investment in properties was the top choice for investors as 11181 investors chose real estate acquisition as an investment route. However, it created a housing crisis in the country for locals and thus the Portuguese government ended this investment option.

Benefits of Portugal PR for Golden Visa Investors

Portugal PR is a dream immigration option for investors due to the perks of Golden Visa program. The country bestows a modern lifestyle, rich and historical culture, best conditions for business growth, low cost of living, highest return on investment and a secure living to thrive. Here are the top benefits of Portugal Golden Visa that attracts investors from all across the world:

Visa Free Travel with Portugal Golden Visa

Visa free travel to Europe is a dream that can come true for Portugal Golden Visa investors by getting a residence permit. You can visit any Schengen state without need for a visa and live there for 90 days during the 180 days period. That means, you can attend important business meetings in any Schengen state, travel for leisure, for medical treatment or for any other reasons. There is no need for a visa to visit any European country as Portugal PR holder grants Schengen access without borders.

Residency, Work, Business and Education in Portugal

Portugal residency by investment program is your gateway to Europe dream where you can live, work and study in the country. If you choose to be a Portuguese resident, you will have privilege to all public services including state-of-the-art healthcare and best education. You also get the right to work for any Portuguese employer or do your own business.

Low Cost of Living in Europe

Though the cost of living in Portugal varies from city to city, it is lower than many European countries. The cost of living expenses in Portugal for a couple could be around €2,000 to €2,500 in Lisbon metropolitan city. The health consultation is also quite affordable with around €20 for emergency medical checkups and €5 for normal medical consultation.

Family Reunification with Portugal Residency by Investment

Portugal PR holders via residency by investment program can include their dependent family members to Golden Visa application. Main applicants can include spouses, children under the age of 18 and dependent parents above 65.

Minimum Stay Requirements

Portugal PR via Golden Visa has minimum stay requirements of just 7 days a year. That is suitable especially for entrepreneurs doing international business. So you can either meet the minimum stay requirement or become a full time resident.

Portuguese Citizenship for Golden Visa Investors

The best reward to Golden Visa investors is Portuguese citizenship after meeting the requirements, i.e., 5-year Portugal residency followed by passing the language test and others.

Portugal Passport

The Golden Visa of Portugal is your way to own the 4th strongest passport of the world that grants visa free travel access to 185+ destinations out of 228. Portugal passport offers travel mobility to Schengen states, the UK, UAE, USA, Singapore, Japan, Canada, and others.

Portugal Golden Visa Process

The Portugal Golden Visa process starts from initial assessment by an approved Golden Visa consultant. Here is the step wise process to get Portugal residency by investment:

Initial Assessment at Home Country

Your Golden Visa consultant will prepare your documents relating to Portugal immigration and give you investment options that suit your profile.

Portugal NIF Number and Bank Account

Portugal NIF number relates to personal identification required for doing financial transactions in the country. Your consultant will get you a NIF number for tax purposes and will assist you to open a Portuguese bank account.

Golden Visa Investment

The next processing step for Golden Visa of Portugal is to make investment in an approved Golden Visa Fund in the relevant stream. The minimum investment requirement is €250,000.

Pre-Approval and AIMA visit for Biometrics

After making an investment, authorities will issue a pre-approval and you will visit AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum) for biometrics.

Portugal Golden Visa Approval

You will get approval for your Portugal Golden Visa along with all family members. Golden Visa investors get a 3-year Portugal residency permit initially and a 2-year residence card upon renewal.

Portuguese Citizenship

Upon completion of 5-year Portugal residency, investors can either apply for Portugal permanent residency, continue Golden Visa with temporary residency or Portugal TRC, or apply for Portuguese citizenship.

Portugal Citizenship Requirements for Golden Visa Investors

Portugal citizenship requirements for Golden Visa investors includes the following:

• Clearance of all tax payments in Portugal
• No involvement in any criminal activity and from home country
• Meet the Portuguese language requirement by getting the A2 level language certification in Portuguese

Conclusion

Portugal Golden Visa is a pathway to travel mobility, business expansion, access to best living facilities and to meet your Europe dream. With investment starting from €250,000, non-EU citizens can get a 5-year Portugal residency followed by Portugal PR or citizenship. The Portugal RBI program is famous among investors seeking to improve their travel mobility and to earn Roi on their investments.