Golden visa to the most peaceful country
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.
The people of Portugal are surrounded by a rich history, classical architecture and culture. In addition, more than 300 million people around the world speak Portuguese, offering limitless opportunities for communication and socialisation.
Golden Visa Programme
The hugely successful Portuguese Golden Visa programme is an economic naturalisation programme, legislated in 2012, which invites foreign investors from non-EU countries to obtain a residence permit with subsequent claim to citizenship in Portugal.
Although various forms of investment are accepted, including job creation and mutual funds, the most popular form of investment in Portugal today is the purchase of property. The programme provides three different levels of property investment with thresholds of €280,000, €350,000 and €500,000.
It takes from 4 to 6 months to obtain a residence card under the investment programme, after which the holder of a residence card is immediately entitled to visa-free access to 26 EU countries, and upon obtaining citizenship in 5 years - the possibility of visa-free access to more than 170 countries.
The programme does not require applicants or their family members to live or become tax residents of Portugal.
The programme does not require applicants or their family members to live or become tax residents of Portugal. The programme only requires physical residence for 7 days per year (or 35 days over 5 years). If these conditions are met, you are eligible to apply for a Portuguese passport after 5 years.
When moving to Portugal, you are also entitled to benefit from the special favourable Non-Habitual Residence Tax Regime, which allows qualified individuals to become tax residents of a white-listed EU jurisdiction and still legally pay no tax on most foreign-source income.
Dual citizenship is also allowed in Portugal and there is no mandatory requirement to renounce your original citizenship, nor any obligation to transfer information from Portugal to your previous country of residence or citizenship.
As a small country of around 11 million people, Portugal boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, exceptional cuisine, mild climate, stunning beaches and idyllic countryside, making it the perfect country to live in!
