10 October 2019

Emigration opportunity for South Africans: Golden Visa for Portugal

Submitted by: Leon

The Golden Visa Program launched by the Portuguese Authorities in October 2012 is a fast track for foreign investors from non-EU countries to obtain a fully valid residency permit in Portugal ("Golden Visa").

Under the Golden Visa program, non-EU citizens simply need to carry out one of the investments set out in the law to qualify to obtain a residency permit in Portugal. This residency permit will allow the investor to enter and/or live in Portugal and to travel freely within the vast majority of European countries (Schengen area).Aimed at attracting foreign investment to Portugal, the Golden Visa is a very straightforward and flexible program, with simple and clear legal requirements. With extremely reduced minimum stay requirements, the Golden Visa is clearly one of the most attractive residency programs for investors in the world.Requirement:

For the main applicant:Not being an EU or EEA citizen ;Not having been convicted of a crime punishable by more than 1 year imprisonment;Investment Requirement:Investment of at least €280,000 in Portuguese real estate;Or an investment leading to the creation of at least 10 permanent new jobs in Portugal;Or an investment of at least €1M in financial products or company shares;the investment must be kept for at least 5 years.Residency Requirement :Under the "Golden Visa" program there are no maximum stay requirements, but you are required to spend at least 7 days in Portugal, not necessarily consecutive, each year for 5 years;Residency must be renewed after year 1, year 3 and year 5. The Portuguese border agency may require to see evidence that you complied with minimum stay requirements for renewal of visa and to issue permanent residency;The investment (real estate or bank deposit) must remain in place to maintain residency status.

Benefits of Golden Visa Program:Free entry to Portugal,Visa free travel to Schengen countries.Free to Live, work and study in Portugal;No tax on worldwide income;No maximum age limit;Option to obtain permanent residency after 5 years;Option to acquire Portuguese citizenship after 6 years;Residency extended to dependent adult children up to 25 years old;Citizenship Requirement:Upon maintaining Portuguese residency for 6 years citizenship can be applied. 

This one of the few schemes which allows for residence and then FULL Citizenship of Portugal and an EU passport. 

For more information on process please contact  Leon Isaacson of Global Migration SA on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website is www.globalimsa.com