Residency by Investment: Portugal
5 year path to EU Citizenship
Highly flexible: No requirement to live in Portugal full time
Cheapest country to live in Western Europe
Why Portugal?
Continental Europe’s westernmost tip, Portugal, extends its historical reach far beyond its land borders. Once a vast colonial empire encompassing territories in Africa, Brazil, Persia, Indochina, and the Malay Peninsula, Portugal today reflects its diverse past in its globalized and peaceful present. Renowned for its low crime rate and high safety rankings, Portugal offers a welcoming environment for travellers and residents alike. While Portuguese serves as the official language, English enjoys widespread fluency in tourist hotspots, facilitating communication for international visitors.
Portugal is proudly integrated into the Schengen area, ensuring seamless travel within the region, and adopted the Euro as its official currency in 2002. Moving forward, Portugal’s economic strategy increasingly focuses on developing and offering business-oriented services, positioning itself as a competitive player in the global market.
World famous Golden Visa program: Residency to Citizenship in 5 years
The Portugal Golden Visa Program is the most famous in the world and presents a compelling opportunity for non-EU/EEA citizens seeking permanent residency in a thriving European nation. Established in October 2012, the program aims to stimulate the Portuguese economy by attracting foreign investment and has successfully raised over €6 billion to date. Its popularity stems from its diverse investment options and the plethora of benefits it offers participants.
Through a range of qualifying investments, the program grants applicants a residence permit that empowers them to live, work, and study within Portugal. Renowned for its high quality of life and competitive cost of living, Portugal further entices residents with visa-free access to 188 countries, including the entire Schengen Area within the European Union.
The program’s allure extends beyond immediate residency benefits. After maintaining residency status for five years, participants gain the eligibility to apply for Portuguese citizenship, permanent residence, and even an EU passport. This pathway to EU citizenship by investment is increasingly sought-after, driven by Portugal’s exceptional quality of life and the numerous advantages associated with European citizenship.
Qualifying Investments
Private Equity or Venture Capital Funds
Investment of at least €500,000 for the acquisition of units in investment funds or venture capital funds for the capitalisation of companies whose maturity at the time of the investment is at least 5 years, and at least 60% of the value of investments will be realised in commercial companies based in Portugal.
Cultual, Artistic or R&D Contribution
€250,000 contribution to cultural heritage in Portugal or €500,000 to research carried out by Portuguese scientific research institutions
Job Creation via Business Startup
€500,000 constitution of a commercial entity with head office in Portugal and creation of 10 permanent working jobs.
Main Benefits of Portugal Golden Visa
Eligible for citizenship after only 5 years of residency in Portugal
No requirement to live in Portugal full time. Only required to be in the country for 2 weeks every 2 years
EU citizenship benefits: Live, work, and study anywhere in the EU
Visa-free travel to over 180 countries
Dependent children under the age of 18 or up age 21 if in full time education also receive citizenship
Dependent parents over the age of 65 can also be included on the same primary application