User:Filipe Durão Sales

The Portuguese Golden Visa Program
The Golden Visa Program launched by the Portuguese Government is a fast track for foreign investors from non-EU countries to obtain a fully valid residence permit in Portugal ("Golden Visa"). Under this programme, non-EU citizens simply need to make one of the qualifyings investments to obtain a residence permit in Portugal. This residence permit will allow the investor and his family members to enter and/or live in Portugal, travel and work freely within the vast majority of European countries (Schengen Space).

At the end of January 2018, 5.717 total global investors had participated in the Golden Visa Program and 9.559 family members have been approved. Now, the Portuguese Governament is woking hard to approve Golden Visa applications quickly, as many global investors are eager to get started.

Types of Investment
Investors are required to make investments prior to submitting their application for a Golden Visa and there are different types of investment. A potential investor must choose one of three ways to invest:

1. Property Investment

A potential investor can choose to purchase property in order to make their investment in Portugal. The investor can choose a property with a price of over €500,000, or they can choose a property starting at €350,000.

In order to qualify for the Golden Visa at the lower rate, the property must have been completed at least 30 years prior or be located in an area of urban regeneration. An investor must maintain their property through the 5 years prior to applying for residency, though they are under no obligation to reside there.

It is important for you to know that:

- All property types qualify (residential, commercial, or land). - An investor may choose to purchase multiple properties. - A bank loan is possible for the properties, as long as the property is purchased at the minimum amount. - There is the possibility of co-ownership.

2. Capital Investment

Another type of investment is through a capital investment. There are four different options here, but it’s important to note that although there are several alternatives, a majority of investors choose either purchasing property or the very first item below:

- Bank Deposit: An investor can transfer funds €1,000,000 or more into one of Portugal’s banks. This money can later be used to purchase property or other contributions to life in Portugal, but it must not be removed from Portugal during the 5 years it takes to establish residency. These funds ultimately remain in the control of the investor. - Transfer funds above €250,000 in investment or support to artistic production. - Transfer funds above €350,000 in research activities of public or private institutions. - Transfer funds above €500,000 as an investment in small and medium-sized companies. (Though not as common as the bank deposit, this is more common than investing in research activities or artistic production.)

3. Job Creation

This one seems a bit more difficult and isn’t quite as common as the bank deposit or purchasing the property. In order to use this form of investment to solidify your Golden Visa, you must either:

- have a successful business that you can move to Portugal (a solid investment with their tax programs) - or, you must have enough revenue and a solid business plan to demonstrate that you will be able to provide 10 full-time positions at your company for a duration of 6 years. Though not impossible is less feasible than relocating a company that already exists.

There is no minimum investment value regarding this type of investment and also, the area and activity of the employees are not limited. However, these newly created jobs will need to be in compliance with Social Security obligations. In cases of low-density population areas, the investment amount may be reduced by 20 percent (to a total of 8 employees). These are dependent on circumstances.

References

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