When investing, the question arises about the best way to invest the money. Among the countless possibilities, the real estate market is a good alternative for those looking to obtain a stable income. And, with the heating up of the economy, investing in apartments, commercial rooms and lots appears as a financial return option.
Golden Visa Program - What is it?
Golden Visa is an investment-based residency program through which more than 25,000 non-EU citizens have already received a Portuguese residence permit. The investor and family are allowed to travel instantly to Portugal and between the 27 countries in the EU / Schengen area. The investment gives access for Portuguese Passport and EU residency.
What are its benefits?
PORTUGUESE RESIDENCY
It conveys the right to live, work, study and access healthcare anywhere in the EU.
PATH TO EU CITIZENSHIP
Temporary residency after 6 to 12 months and path to permanent citizenship after 5 years.
NO REALOCATION REQUIREMENT
The Portuguese Golden Visa renewal only requires a 1 week visit per annum.
SCHENGEN SPACE INSTANT TRAVEL
Instant free travel across the 27 EU Schengen zone countries for the investor and family.
FULL FAMILY RESIDENCY
The Portuguese legislation allows for the direct family to apply for the residency visa.
LOW INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS
The programme has the lowest investment requirements in Europe, starting from €350.000.
Why Portugal?
Portugal is an European stable country with a long history and global outlook. It has a favorable tax regime, with a low effective tax burden, free remittance of funds, no inheritance and gift tax and no wealth tax, beneficial tax treatment for pensions and other life insurance products, and more than 60 double taxation treaties.
It offers a dreamy landscape, a wide coastline, a climate full of sunshine, hospitable people, and delicious cuisine. Better yet, it provides this high quality of life at a very affordable cost of living. These features make Portugal a very attractive destination for international investors to invest in and obtain the right to live, work, and study in the country.
Requirements for application
Any foreign resident with no criminal record can apply to this programme.
The application to the Golden Visa programme requires the realisation of some type of investment in Portugal. The simplest and most cost-efficient solution is using an investment fund, or a Real Estate Acquisition, with the minimum investment being 350.000€. This has many advantages:
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It is a much more diversified investment than, for example, purchasing a property.
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It is a much more diversified investment than, for example, purchasing a property.
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You do not need to spend any time managing your investment.
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You also don’t need to submit any Portuguese tax returns (nor is there any withholding tax).
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No time spent scouting property investments and dealing with the extensive paperwork of acquiring property for Golden Visa.
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You can save up to 20% on fees and taxes in relation to a normal real estate investment.
Besides the investment in the Fund, the Beneficiary is only required to spend a minimum of 1 week per annum in Portugal. For 5 years, Investors and their families hold the resident permit visa. After 5 years, the Golden Visa beneficiary can apply for Portuguese and, consequently, EU citizenship.
Fund Requirements
In order to be eligible for the Golden Visa application, the investment fund needs to follow certain requirements:
Fingeste offers 2 alternative funds
That meet these requirements and can therefore support Golden Visa applications from its non-EU investors.