Frequently Asked Questions

GOLDEN VISA PROGRAM LATEST UPDATE

What are latest updates on the Portuguese Golden Visa program?
Can I and should I still apply?

Programs Qualifying Investment Options

Property acquisition
Private Equity funds
Capital transfer
Business

Real Estate Investment Options

The Golden Visa program has evolved significantly since it was first introduced in 2012. There are now several different real estate investment categories to choose from in addition to the original legislation, with some options starting at Euro 280,000.

Below is a breakdown of the criteria surrounding each investment category and the reduced options.

Golden Visa Category 65A-C
Golden Visa Category 65A-D

NEW RULES GOVERNING REAL ESTATE FROM JANUARY 2022

Summary of key changes effected by the new legislation
The Portuguese government is looking to promote investment in the following areas
Cost structure for different investment scenarios
Commercial Real Estate
Commercial Rehabilitation Projects (i.e.Tourism/Hotel Projects)
What is 350k Golden Visa?
What is a Portuguese urban regeneration area?
Capital transfers changes

Property Purchase and Taxation

What is the standard property purchase procedure?
What are the tax costs associated with property purchase?
How is rental income taxed?
Real estate investment costs at a glance

INVESTMENT IN FUNDS

As with real estate, the rule governing the Golden Visa investment stipulates that the funds have to be remitted from overseas. The investment of €500,000 can be split across several diversified fund options. Investing in equity funds is attractive mainly due the relative simplicity of the process and tax saving benefits. Funds require less management than the traditional real estate investment route and they are highly tax efficient as well; non-resident investors pay 0% tax in Portugal on their gains.


The three key elements to consider while investing in funds are – Eligibility, Credibility & Profitability


Issues to consider while choosing a fund option

OTHER INVESTMENT OPTIONS

Capital transfer
Business

Residency and Citizenship

What is a Golden Visa?
What is a D7 Visa?
Has the Portuguese Golden Visa been a success?
How long is the Golden Visa valid for?
Will the investor need a legal representative to request and maintain the residency permit?
What services are provided typically by the legal counsel?
What are the main advantages of the Golden Visa?
Which requirements do visa applicants have to comply with?
What are the Government related costs?
What countries are included in the Schengen Area?
How long does it take to obtain the Visa permit?
May I work in Portugal?
Can I obtain the Golden Visa for my family as well?
How is a dependent qualified?
How is the permanent residency granted after five years?
What are my rights and duties with permanent residency?
Can you provide more information on the language test?
How is citizenship granted?
What is the fiscal number?
What documents are required at the time of application for the Golden Visa?
Document Legalization and Translation
What are investment requirements and options?
Who may apply?
Can I transfer or sell the investment after 5 years?
Does the investor need to live in / use the property he / she is purchasing, or can it be rented out?
Can I make the investment through a limited company?
What are the grounds for refusal of the Golden Visa?

General Tax Inquiries

Does the investor pay taxes in Portugal for income originating abroad?
What taxes apply to income generated in Portugal?

NON-HABITUAL RESIDENT REGIME

Who can benefit from the NHR tax regime?
What are the taxation rules under this regime?
How much time must one spend in Portugal?
What are eligibility requirements?