Why is Portugal a popular investment location?
Why is Portugal a popular investment location?The westernmost nation in Europe is Portugal. Its colonies spread throughout Africa, Brazil, Persia, Indochina, and the Malay Peninsula, forming one of the most peaceful and globally integrated countries in the world. Portugal has a low crime rate and is regarded as being extremely safe. In tourist areas, English is widely spoken despite Portuguese being the official language.
Portugal started using the Euro as its currency in 2002 and is a part of the Schengen area. Portugal is nevertheless firmly anchored in its historic industries and rich cultural legacy, even as it moves toward providing business-oriented services. Along with its seafood cuisine and lively festivals, the nation is widely known for its wine production.
Portugal residency by investment program, also known as the Portugal Golden Visa program is one of the most popular residency by investment programs in Europe and in the world. The program offers residency in Portugal after the investor makes a significant investment in the Portuguese economy. In five years, investors may be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship by keeping their Portugal Golden Visa and meeting requirements.
Portugal Golden Visa Program Benefits
1. Visa-Free Travel
Take advantage of the Schengen Area’s visa-free travel policy, which permits entry into 27 European nations. This makes traveling throughout Europe for business, pleasure, or to see friends and family easier and more flexible.
2. Residency and Work Authorization
The Portuguese Golden Visa gives the applicant the freedom to live, work, and study in the nation, unlike other visas. This makes it easier to pursue educational or professional objectives.
3. Enjoy Residence Welfares
Public healthcare and education are free for Golden Visa Portugal holders.
4. Higher Freedom of Movement
The Portugal Golden Visa has an extremely low stay requirement as compared to other residence programs: seven days in the first year and fourteen days in the next two years.
5. Acquiring Portuguese Citizenship and EU Passport
Golden Visa investors are eligible to apply for permanent residency and, eventually, Portuguese citizenship after five years of retaining the Portuguese Golden Visa and meeting stay criteria. In addition to the advantages of a local residency, such as access to public healthcare and education in the EU nations where one resides, this confers the Portugal residency Permit benefits, which include the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU.
6. Applicants can exit their investment after 5 years
Most Golden Visa are tied to your investment, meaning you will no longer be able to renew your residency if you sell your investment. But for Portugal Golden Visa, after 5 years, you can apply for citizenship and sell your investment freely.
7. High Quality of Life
The Portugal Gold Visa offers a high quality of life with pleasant climate, rich culture, and strong healthcare system. This can be a significant advantage for those seeking a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle. Read here on why Portugal maybe the ideal country for your second passport.
8. Favorable Tax Environment
Portugal offers a Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax scheme that can deliver substantial tax advantages for up to ten years. Through the NHR program, foreign-sourced income, such as pensions, dividends, and royalties, may be exempt from taxation.
Eligibility: Who Is Eligible for a Golden Visa in Portugal?
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can apply for the Portugal Golden Visa.
Applicants required to be at least 18 years old and hold a clean criminal record from their home country, as well as from Portugal. The funds for the investment should arrive from outside of Portugal.
In order to qualify for Portugal’s Golden Visa, a qualifying investment must to be made. Investment categories include venture capital fund, company formation / employer responsibilities, and donation. Later on in this guide, you can find a list of qualifying investments.
Under family reunification, applicants may extend the Golden Visa to the rest of the family members. A comprehensive list of eligible dependents is listed in the previous section.