Portugal’s government launched the Portugal Golden Visa program in 2012. One of the main reasons why it’s so popular and preferred by those who want to invest in a residency by investment program is that it leads to citizenship. The main criteria are that you make a qualified investment in Portugal and visit the country on average seven days a year.
The Portuguese citizenship law at the time of the program’s inception limited residents’ ability to petition for citizenship to six years. The law was changed in 2018 to reduce the six-year minimum to five years. Those who have applied for a Portugal Golden Visa can get their passports once they’ve met the 35-day stay requirements within five years.
Advantages of Portugal Citizenship by Investment
Portugal permits foreign investors to become citizens without having to reside there. One of the many advantages of acquiring Portuguese citizenship through investment is this. Let’s look at the benefits of the scheme closely.
You Don’t Have To Relocate to Portugal
Many European residency and citizenship schemes demand that the investor spend most of the year in the country to get citizenship. Portugal, on the other hand, simply demands that recipients of Golden Visas stay there for an average of seven days per year for a period of five years. In other words, those who have a Golden Visa Portugal can seek citizenship after just 35 days throughout the course of five years.
Various Investment Techniques
For those looking to invest in Portugal, there are various ways to do so. These include, among others, capital transfers, property purchases, and fund investments. You are free to select the path that best matches your needs. Later on in this guide, we will briefly go through the investment options.
Portugal Offers Advantageous Tax Programs
The Non-Habitual Tax Regime (NHR) in Portugal enables investors to benefit from sizable tax breaks and reductions. These tax benefits are available to investors for 10 years if they decide to move to Portugal and establish themselves as tax residents there.
Investment Opportunities with High Returns
For the last few years, Portugal’s economy has been thriving. It has long been a popular tourist and expat destination. As a result, investing in Portugal is a wise financial decision. It allows you to participate in one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies.
Access to Health Care and Social Security
When you become a citizen of Portugal, you gain access to all of the benefits that this European country has to offer. These include things like social security and health care. Employees and self-employed people are covered by Portugal’s social security system. The public health care system is effective and covers the majority of situations.
How To Invest in a Portuguese Passport
Portugal Golden Visa holders become eligible to receive Portuguese citizenship within five years of applying. You can find the prerequisites and steps below.
Requirements
For a period of five years, you must spend an average of seven days in Portugal before you can apply for citizenship. There are a few requirements that must be met before applying for citizenship, including:
- You have a clean criminal record
- You have no unpaid taxes in Portugal
- You pass the Portuguese language test
Documents
- Application form
- A birth certificate from your country of origin, a passport, or an ID
- Certificate of no criminal history
- The Portuguese language exam results (CIPLE)
- A SEF document demonstrating your residency in Portugal for at least five years
Language Requirements
Portuguese citizenship requires passing the CIPLE basic language test at the A2 level.
Children under the age of 10 can take the test with modifications. If a declaration of proficiency can be provided or the child is enrolled in a Portuguese school, they can be exempt from the test for students between the ages of 10 and 18.
Who May Apply for Portuguese Residency Through Investment?
Anyone over the age of 18 who is not an EU citizen and has a clean criminal record may apply for residency in Portugal through a qualifying investment.
How Long Does It Take To Obtain Portuguese Citizenship by Investment?
It takes five years from the time you make your qualifying investment and receive your Golden Visa from Portugal to be eligible to apply for citizenship. The Portuguese language test can be taken at any time prior to submitting an application. Naturalization in Portugal takes about six months after you apply for citizenship.
Portuguese Dual Citizenship
Portugal permits dual nationality. This means that you do not have to give up your citizenship elsewhere in order to obtain Portuguese nationality. However, you should confirm with your country of origin to see if it also permits dual citizenship.
The Bottom Line
We recommend that you seek professional assistance to help you with your Portugal Golden Visa application. Please contact us if you would like to be introduced to independent advisors who can guide you through the process.
