The Portuguese Residency Programme Offers Security and a Vibrant European Lifestyle
THE PORTUGAL GOLDEN VISA PROGRAMME
The Golden Residency Permit or Portugal Golden Visa was launched by the Portuguese government in order to attract foreign investment into Portugal and in exchange, offer permanent residency to investors and their families.
Investors have the option of a business or capital investment options in Portugal to qualify for the Golden Residence Visa. The programme is relatively straightforward and ultimately allows the family to apply for permanent residency in Portugal.
ACQUIRING RESIDENCY IN PORTUGAL
The Portugal Golden Residence Permit or Golden Residence Visa, as it is commonly referred to, was launched by the Portuguese government in October 2012. The aim is to generate foreign investment through capital and real estate investments and in exchange offer investors the freedom and access that a Portuguese residency offers.
Permanent residency in Portugal not only allows the investor and his family to live, work and study in Portugal, but also visa-free travel to the Schengen countries. Portugal is an attractive country, not only due to its geographic location and as a popular tourist destination, but also for quality of life and easy access for investors and their families.
Please contact us to speak to a private client advisor: info@lio-global.com
INTERESTING INFORMATION
Portugal was one of the first countries to introduce the Euro.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
Portuguese, English widely spoken
MEMBERSHIP
NATO, EU, UN, Eurozone, OECD, WTO, Schengen Area, Community of Portuguese Language Countries
CURRENCY
Euro
POPULATION
10.4 million (2014 est.)
TOTAL AREA
91 470 km2
INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS & OPTIONS
The Portugal Golden Visa Programme requires investors to make an economic contribution to the country as well as meet certain other requirements. Investors must choose between one of the following investment options:
€ 500 000 units/Shares non-real estate collective investment fund
A capital transfer of at least €500,000 is required for acquiring units or shares in non-real estate collective investment funds incorporated under Portuguese law. These funds must have a maturity of at least five years at the time of investment, with at least 60% of their investment value in commercial companies based in Portugal.
€500 000 Non-Refudable Contribution to research
A capital transfer of at least €500,000 allocated to research activities, as a non-refundable donation or contribution to a public or private institution engaged in scientific research, integrated within the national scientific and technological system.
€250 000 Non-refundable Contribution to arts & Culture
A capital transfer of at least €250,000 designated for investment in or support of artistic production, restoration, or preservation of national cultural heritage, as a non-refundable donation or contribution to a project approved by both GEPAC and the Ministry of Culture.
REQUIREMENTS FOR GOLDEN RESIDENCY PERMIT
In order to renew the Golden Residence Permit, the following requirements must be adhered to:
Year 1: Initial permit – Visit for 7 days during the first year
Year 3: First Renewal – Visit for 14 days during the subsequent 2 years
Year 5: Second Renewal – Visit for 14 days during the subsequent 2 years
Requirements include physical stay of an average of 7 days per year as well as a language test. The initial permit is valid for 1 year after which it can be renewed for another 2 years, and again in year 3 for another 2 years. In order to renew the residency applicants must adhere to the minimum stay requirements. At the end of year 5 the applicant can apply for permanent residency and in year 6 each family member can apply for citizenship provided the requirements are met.
CITIZENSHIP
There are several ways in which to attain Portuguese Citizenship; the simplest being for those who are descended from Portuguese parents or grandparents. Other ways include after six years of legal residency in Portugal, by birth in Portuguese territory, through marriage or civil union.
The Portugal Golden Residence Visa is a residency programme and whilst one may apply for citizenship after 6 years there are no guarantees. As the programme was launched in 2012, there is still a waiting period before the initial applicants will be able to complete the full programme. At that stage there will also be more clarity on whether citizenship is achievable via this route.
Portugal allows dual citizenship.
TRAVEL AND BENEFITS
The Golden Residence Visa offers the investor and his/her family the right to live, study and work in Portugal.
In addition, it allows the investor to spend a maximum of 90 out of every 180 days in any of the Schengen zone countries allowing freedom of travel and mobility in most of the EU. With both the Golden Residence Visa and PR, the applicant and his family can immediately travel visa free to all the Schengen countries.
Please note that Portuguese residency does not give the right to live and work in Europe, only a Portuguese citizenship will give this freedom and access. With a Portuguese citizenship, the investor and his/her family can travel visa free to over 160 countries.
FAMILY REGROUPING
The Portuguese culture has very strong family ties. In accordance with current legal provisions, investors in the Golden Residence Permit have the right to what is referred to as family regrouping. This means the main applicant can include his spouse, dependent children as well as dependent parents.
This means the following are included:
– Spouse
– Minor children (including adult children who are dependents)
– Parents
TAX
The tax system in Portugal typically separates people who are residents and those who are classified as Non-Habitual Residents (NHR). Non-residents are taxed at 25% on Portuguese source based income (employment or self-employment).
Rental income, capital gains and other forms of investment income is taxed at around 28%. Residents of Portugal are taxed at a progressive rate of up to 48% which is dependent on income levels. The NHR scheme is available to people who do not qualify as tax residents in Portugal based on certain conditions.
VAT is 23% and the standard rate of corporate income tax is 25%. There is a 10-year tax incentive to investors.
We are not tax advisors and highly encourage clients to meet with a professional tax consultant.
FEES
Passport issuance fee (per passport) EUR 500
Bank Charges EUR 200
Fees vary depending on the size of the family and the investment option:
Government application fee
PRIP Permit Fee
Government renewal fees
Notary, Transfer, Stamp Duty, Tax, Fiscal/Financial requirements
In addition, professional fees will also be due. This will depend on the size of family and number of applicants as well as which lawyers you choose. Typically these range from EUR 16 000 – EUR 40 000 for the full 5 year period depending on the service provider.
Please contact us for a personalised proposal: info@lio-global.com
PROCESS AND TIMELINES
MONTH 1 and 2
File preparation, signing of documents, and investment transfer. Investment certificate and file is submitted.
MONTH 3
File approval (usually within 30 days) and Golden Residence Permit is issued.
YEAR 1
Initial renewal of Golden Residence Permit (7 days stay required during first year in order to renew – see above ‘Requirements’).
YEAR 3
First renewal of Golden Residence Permit.
YEAR 5
Second renewal, make application for Permanent Residency.
PORTUGAL - COUNTRY INFORMATION
Portugal, officially the Republic of Portugal, is a sovereign nation state in Europe that lies on the Iberian Peninsular. It is the most western country of mainland Europe and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on its west side and Spain on its North and East. The Portuguese Republic holds Sovereignty over the Atlantic Archipelagos of Azores and Madeira, autonomous regions of Portugal.
The Portuguese Empire was the longest lived of the Modern Colonial empires and its existence spanned almost 600 years. Shortly after the Portuguese Colonial War, democracy was restored following which independence was granted to Angola, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, East Timor, Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau.
Portugal, despite the recession in 2008, has an advanced economy, high living standards, high quality infrastructure, ranked 2nd for quality of roads and 11th overall (Global Competitiveness Report). Portugal is a friendly country and welcomes visitors from all around the world.
RESOURCES
Government of Portugal: https://www.portugal.gov.pt/en/gc21
Portugal Tourism Board: https://www.visitportugal.com/en
Please contact us to meet with one of our team: info@lio-global.com or complete the form: Here
