The increasing political and social division in the United States is driving a surge of interest in "golden visas"-residency-by-investment programs that provide a pathway to citizenship or residency in other countries. According to a recent CNN report by Hanna Ziady, the prospect of another Donald Trump presidency has motivated many Americans to explore relocation options abroad.
Across the U.S., people are increasingly considering life abroad. Amid a tense political climate and concerns around social stability, gun violence, healthcare, and civil rights, many Americans are seeking a new beginning in a country that offers peace of mind and quality of life. That's where Portugal's Golden Visa program comes in-a simple, secure, and accessible way to start anew in a nation known for its hospitality, progressive values, and high standard of living.
On 16 February 2023, the Government presented the general conditions of the proposed housing reforms, which include, inter alia, amendments to the Immigration Act, known as the Act on the Entry, Stay, Departure and Removal of Foreigners from the National Territory (Law 23/2007, of 4 July).
A great deal of uncertainty has always surrounded the question of whether participants in the Golden Visa programme will eventually, after receiving a temporary golden visa for 5 years, be able to apply for a) permanent residence and b) citizenship.
But the first golden visa holders to complete their five-year residency period in Portugal have emerged, and they confirm that participants in the Golden Visa programme are granted citizenship after physically residing in the country for just 35 days.
Under a republican government, modern Portugal is one of the most developed and most peaceful countries in the world. The official language is Portuguese, but English is also widely spoken among the younger generation, in tourist regions and major cities.
