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GOLDEN VISA GOLDEN VISA

PORTUGAL S GOLDEN VISA PROGRAMME -

Portugal s Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment programme which offers citizens of non-European Union countries who invest in Portugal the opportunity to obtain a residence permit for the country.

„ ADVANTAGES OF THE GOLDEN VISA

After 5 years of temporary residence the applicant may apply for permanent residency. After 5 years of legal residence, the applicant may also apply for Portuguese citizenship, by naturalization, provided all requirements set out by the Nationality Act are fulfilled.

A golden visa holder may also obtain residency permits for family members (i.e. spouse, minors, dependent children, dependent parents and siblings who are under the care of the applicant). Subject to compliance with certain requirements, the visa holder may also apply for the granting of a non- permanent residence special taxation condition, which offers a reduced income tax rate.

„ REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

In general, the applicant will need to submit the following documentation:

1. Passport which is valid for at least three months, and valid Schengen or short-term visa;

2. Evidence of health insurance;

3. Signed authorization for consultation of criminal record;

4. Affidavit sworn by the applicant confirming that he/she will comply with the minimum requirements;

5. Certificate of non-debt issued by the Tax Authorities and Social Security in Portugal;

6. Criminal record from the country of origin, and of the country where the applicant has resided for more than one year;

7. Proof of the investment (the documentation required will vary according to the type of investment made).

„ THE PROCESS

According to the scheme, golden visa holders who elect to use route 3 shall maintain the investment for 5 years and comply with the minimum residency periods of 7 days in the first year, and 14 days in the subsequent 2-year periods.

„ HOW TO APPLY

To qualify, one needs to be a citizen of a third-party country (i.e. Portuguese, EU and EEE nationals are not eligible for the Golden Visa programme).

There are three main investment routes available to applicants, with different levels of investment required within each:

Capital Transfer (equal to or above EUR1 million)

Job Creation (at least 10 jobs)

Purchase of Real Estate

The purchase of property with a value equal to or above EUR500,000

or The purchase of a property older than 30 years or in an urban regeneration area for refurbishment, with a value equal to or

above EUR350,000

5 YEAR RESIDENCY PERIOD REQUIREMENTS

Route 1 Route 2

Route 3