Portugal
Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean has influenced many aspects of its culture: salt cod and grilled sardines are national dishes, the Algarve’s beaches are major destinations and tourists’ attraction spots and much of the nation’s architecture dates back to the 1500s–1800s, when Portugal had been a powerful maritime empire. Portugal is a member country of the European Union, the Schengen area and is one of Europe’s oldest countries, which boasts a rich historical and architectural heritage.
legal Bases
- Order number 11820-A/2012 & Order n. 1661-A/2013 Act n. 29/2012 of August 9, amending Act n. 23/2007 of July 4, lays down the regulations for non-EU Citizens to receive a temporary EU Residence Permit for up to 5 years in for the conduct of investment activities in the country.
- This amendment allows for shortened residency requirements of 7 days per year for 5 years at the end of which the applicant and family can apply for Citizenship.
Benefits
- Protected by the government residence and citizenship law.
- Travel liberty within the Schengen area.
- Eligibility to apply for citizenship after six years as a legal resident.
- The possibility of investment in Fixed Deposit, Real Estate or a Business.
- Dual citizenship permitted.
- Prestigious international and Portuguese schools and universities.
- International quality health care clinics and hospitals.
- High quality of life and low crime rate.
- Option to obtain permanent resident status after 5 years of having made the initial investment.
- Option to acquire Portuguese citizenship after 6 years of having made the initial investment.
RESIDENCE INVESTMENT OPTIONS
Property Investments
- There is also the possibility of requesting the residency permit just with the signature of Promissory Contract of Purchase and Sale with a payment of a deposit of 500,000 Euro.
- Joint acquisition of properties provided that each of the joint owners invest €500,000 or more (for example: 3 investors could make a joint investment of € 1.5M).
- Possibility of financing above €500,000 which should be maintained for minimum of 5 years.
- Total freedom to rent or lease the properties.
- A real estate purchase with a minimum value of EUR 350,000 for the refurbishment of properties older than 30 years or in an area of urban regeneration, including the cost of renovations.
- EUR 280,000 in a low population density area*
- The threshold will be reduced by 20% should the funds be committed to a low population density area, defined as less than 100 inhabitants per km² or with a GDP per capita below 75% of the national average.
Capital Investments
- Capital transfer of a minimum of EUR 1.5 million into a Portuguese bank account or specifically approved investment options.
- EUR 500,000 for research activities of public or private entities that are part of the national scientific and technological system.
▪ A low population density area is defined as less than 100 inhabitants per km² or with a GDP per capita below 75% of the national average. - EUR 250,000 in support of artistic production or in the recovery or maintenance of the national cultural heritage.
- EUR 500,000 for the acquisition of units of investment funds or venture capital funds committed to the capitalization of companies incorporated under the Portuguese law, with a maturity of at least five years and with at least 60% of the investment portfolio in companies with a head office in the national territory.
Business Investments
- Creation of a minimum of 10 new jobs.
- EUR 500,000 for the incorporation or increase of the share capital of a company registered in Portugal, creating or maintaining a minimum of five permanent jobs, for a period of three years.
PORTUAL GOLDEN VISA QUALIFICATIONS
Portugal’s Golden Resident Permit Program is offered in accordance with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Department of Consular Affairs and the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency (AICEP).
Aimed at attracting foreign direct investments to the country, Portugal Golden Visa Qualifications are as below;
- Legal Proof for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
- Clean criminal record.
- The main applicant’s property is not frozen within the boundaries of the EU.
- Payment of full application and processing fees.
- Entry to Portugal on a valid Schengen visa.
- The Golden Residence Permit is valid for a period of one year after the issuance and renewable for two subsequent periods of two years.
- The GRP program requires at least four trips to Portugal during the five-year period: twice at the initial application (to choose the qualifying investment and start the legal process, and then to provide the biometric data), and at each renewal (year one and year three).
- Family reunification is possible at any stage of the GRP program.
- Tax Benefits for Ultra HNW Individuals and Businessmen
- Passport/travel ID
- Details of current residence permit
- Details of date and place of birth, occupation, current residence, and list of countries previously resided in
- Criminal record certificate
GOLDEN VISA REQUIREMENTS
Portuguese Golden Visa programme is designed to attract foreign investment into Portugal. The Portuguese Golden Visa programme speeds up the process for foreign investors from non-EU/EFTA countries to obtain a Portuguese residence permit and claim Portuguese citizenship by investment.
- The Government grants Portuguese nationality, by naturalization, to foreigners who satisfy each of the following requirements:
- Be of age or emancipated under Portuguese Law;
- Have resided lawfully in Portuguese territory for a minimum of six years;
- Have ample knowledge of the Portuguese language;
- Have not been convicted of a crime punishable under Portuguese Law with imprisonment up to a maximum equal to three years or more.
2. In 2012, the Portuguese government implemented its Golden Visa investment-based immigration program. Under the program, citizens of countries that are outside of the European Economic Area may invest in the country and in return can apply for an investor residence permit and ultimately the citizenship.
PORTUGAL GOLDEN VISA APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Step 1
Application Pre-Screening
Step 2
Preparation of documents & translation to Portuguese and legalization of the documents at the Portuguese Consulate.
Step 3
Investor visit to Portugal to make the necessary investment in real estate, fixed deposit or a business development & submission of Biometrics to Immigration Office.
Step 4
Transfer of Funds to Portugal as per respective Investment option.
Step 5
Application submission for Residency
Step 6
Application Approval & Issuance of Residence Card.
WHY ACQUISITIONS LLC
Acquisitions LLC is specialized in providing an all-inclusive legal service with full support to the foreign investor covering the property acquisition and maintenance along with the application for investor residency permit.
Property Acquisition:
- Full legal due diligence on property.
- Preparation and assistance on property acquisition, including client representation.
- Receipt and holding of funds in a Lawyers client/escrow account (if required).
- Property registration procedures and document services.
- Comprehensive property management after purchase
Application for Golden Residency Permit:
- Preparation and submission of initial application and required documentation
- Representation before the Portuguese Authorities.
- Accompanying client to the Portuguese Authorities (when required).
- Full assistance with renewals.