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English-Speaking Portugal Golden Visa Lawyer
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How can a lawyer help with the Golden Visa in Portugal?
Our lawyers can speed up the procedure for non-EU citizens who want a Golden Visa or residence authorization in Portugal.
We have vast experience and knowledge about Portugal’s Immigration Officials handling the application process and how they assess applications. We also understand Golden Visas programs in other countries and can recommend the best program for your needs.
Our team of Portuguese Immigration lawyers will complete the necessary forms on your behalf. They will also review the paperwork to check if it’s correct to make the process is as fast as possible.
Lexidy’s immigration experts work closely with health insurance companies, sworn translators and international schools to help your relocation to Portugal.
We offer full assistance in English, Portuguese and others.
What is a Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa, formally known as the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI), is a premium residency-by-investment option tailored for non-EU citizens.
Renowned for its substantial benefits and streamlined application process, the program is a gateway to immediate residency for you and your family, allowing you to live and work in Portugal right from the start.
Key Advantages:
- Immediate Residency: Start your new life in Portugal as soon as your visa is granted.
- Visa-Free Travel: Enjoy the freedom of movement within Europe’s Schengen Area, opening doors to travel across numerous countries visa-free.
- Pathway to citizenship: Five-years until you can apply for a European Passport.
Our FAQ can help you if you have any questions.
What are the Portugal Golden Visa Requirements?
Embarking on the journey to secure a Golden Visa in Portugal involves meeting specific requirements designed to ensure a smooth and legitimate process. Here are the key criteria you must satisfy:
1. Clean Criminal Record
Ensure you have a clear background, free from any legal encumbrances or history that might impede your application
2. Nationality
The program is exclusively available to non-EU, non-Swiss, and non-EEA nationals, opening a pathway to residency in Europe.
3. Investment Commitment:
Make a minimum investment of €250,000. This investment can take various forms, offering flexibility in how you choose to invest in Portugal’s future.
4. Residency Requirement:
Maintain a connection with Portugal by spending an average of 7 days per year in the country, totaling at least 15 days over the span of each two-year validity period of the residence card.
Portugal Golden Visa Application Process
1. Make an Investment
The first step to Portuguese residency is to identify and plan to make the investment.
2. Gather the documentation
Next, you need to obtain all the necessary documents, like a bank or criminal record certificate. All public documents must be legalised and those not in Portuguese must be translated by a certified, sworn translator. The Immigration lawyers at Lexidy regularly work with qualified and verified translators and will recommend someone convenient for you.
3. Golden Visa application
After making the investment and gathering the necessary documentation, the applicant submits the application online. Once the authorities approve the residence permit, the applicant must then schedule an in-person meeting with the Portuguese immigration authorities.
The applicant will receive the residence permit at this appointment. It will be valid for two years and can be renewed by simply maintaining the investment.
What Investment Options are Available for the Portugal Golden Visa?
Portugal has a diverse range of investment routes. Opt for one of the following options to qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa:
1. Fund Subscription:
Invest a minimum of €500,000 in qualified investment funds, such as private equity or venture capital funds, contributing to Portugal’s economic growth.
2. Cultural Heritage & Arts:
Support the arts or the reconstruction of national cultural heritage with a donation of at least €250,000, aiding in the preservation of Portugal’s rich history and culture.
3. Scientific Research:
Contribute a minimum of €500,000 to science or technology research, bolstering Portugal’s position as an innovator in these fields.
4. Job Creation:
Create and maintain at least ten jobs in Portugal, directly contributing to the local employment and economy.
5. Share Capital and Job Creation:
Invest €500,000 in incorporating a commercial company with its head office in Portugal, or in reinforcing an existing company’s share capital, coupled with creating five new or maintaining ten existing jobs.
Investment Optimization in Low-Density Areas:
For Cultural Heritage & Arts and Scientific Research investments, a 20% reduction in minimum investment is possible when made in qualified low-density areas. Our lawyers can guide you to strategically select the right region, maximizing the benefits of your investment for your Portugal Golden Visa.
How I do renew the Golden Visa in Portugal?
It’s relatively easy to renew a Portuguese Golden Visa. For most, it’s no more challenging than simply keeping the original investment and showing proof to the AIMA (Agência para a Integração Migrações e Asilo).
You need to spend at least seven days a year in the country to qualify. This is less demanding than in other European countries. You must also show that you can support your and, if applicable, your family’s lifestyle while in Portugal.
The initial residency permit is issued for a two-year period and can easily be renewed every two years. After five years of living in Portugal, Golden Visa holders can get Permanent Residency or Portuguese Citizenship. These statuses have additional rights.
Our lawyers will explain if you’re eligible to apply. They will also help you understand the other residency by investment programs.
Get a valid healthcare insurance policy in Portugal.
Portugal asks for a clean criminal record and proof of a local address. Sometimes, you may need to provide other paperwork like marriage certificates, so we recommend working with an immigration expert.
Other options for a Portuguese Golden Visa
- Capital transfer:
- €500,000 in an investment fund or venture capital fund unit committed to investing in Portuguese companies. They must have a maturity of at least five years. Also, at least 60% of the investment portfolio must be in Portuguese companies.
- €500,000 in public or private research as part of a national scientific and technological project.
- €250,000 in supporting an artistic production or in the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage
- Business:
- Creating at least ten new jobs. This falls to eight new jobs if it’s in an area with a low population density.
- A €500,000 investment in creating or increasing the share capital of a Portuguese company. This investment must create or support at least five permanent jobs for three years.
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Your Options For a Golden Visa in Portugal
€500,000
Investment in a qualified investment fund
€250,000
Investment or donation in the arts or reconstruction of national cultural heritage
€500,000
Investment in scientific or technology research
🇵🇹 Portugal is calling you…
A Golden Visa in Portugal grants you residency in one of the most beautiful and safe countries in Europe. With this visa, you can travel throughout the EU without any additional visa requirements. You can also enjoy a high standard of living, including access to high-quality healthcare, education, and cultural experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Golden Visa comes with a work permit for you and your family members.
Your partner or children can apply with you if you can support their lifestyle. You will need to provide extra paperwork such as marriage or birth certificates.
Unmarried partners who can prove a long-term relationship can also apply as dependants.
It is mandatory to spend at least seven days per year in Portugal. The Temporary Residency Permit is issued for two years and can be renewed every two years.
However, in the fifth year, the applicant can apply for Permanent Residency or Citizenship. They must meet the legal requirements, one of which is to pass a Portuguese test at A2 standard.
Speak to a lawyer to better understand your options as a resident in Portugal.
In short, no. However, the Portugal Golden Visa Program has gone through some updates.
Recent changes to the Portugal Golden Visa program have eliminated the real estate investment route and the capital transfer option. These adjustments are part of ongoing efforts to refine and improve the program’s alignment with national development goals.
There are other exciting investment routes to Portuguese residency. Contact us to speak with a lawyer and discover your options!
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