If moving to a new country in 2022 is on your to-do list, Portugal might well be one of the options. While there have been some recent golden visa Portugal changes, as Portugal golden visa consultants, we’ve stayed up to date on the new process and options.

Here’s what you need to know about Portugal golden visa new rules and Portugal golden visa routes in 2022, so you can decide if this is the right destination for you.

Portugal Golden Visa

Like many other countries, Portugal created immigration by investment option to allow people with the financial means an easier path to residency.

The program started in 2012 and has brought thousands of new residents and billions of Euros to Portugal, so it’s been a big success. Portugal is also a very desirable country to live in, so if you’re considering a big move, it might well be on your shortlist.

Portugal Golden Visa Routes

As the term “citizenship by investment” suggests, a Portuguese golden visa is given to people who invest in various kinds of funds and other investment vehicles. The process is very much an economic immigration process and is designed to benefit the Portuguese economy.

The good news is that there are several golden visa Portugal investment funds and other options, so you have several choices for your process.

Capital Transfer

The capital transfer option to support your Portuguese golden visa is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. You need to transfer at least 1.5 million Euros to a Portuguese business or the government for this option.

Investment Funds

Another option for your Portuguese golden visa application is one of the golden visa Portugal investment fund options.

This option requires applicants to invest at least 500,000 Euros in a government approved investment fund. You will need to leave your money in the fund for the length of time stipulated by the government, but you can recoup the investment when that period is over.

Real Estate

Real estate is by far the most popular option for a Portuguese golden visa, even with the recent golden visa Portugal changes. There is more than one option to use a property purchase to support your application, which are:

• Investing at least 500,000 Euros in residential or commercial real estate
• Investing at least 350,000 Euros in real estate that is at least 30 years old and in an urban rehabilitation area – in this case, the 350,000 is the value of the property and the renovation costs
• Investing either 400,000 Euros in property in a low-density area or 280,000 Euros in a renovation property under in a low-density area under the first two programs – the government allows a 20% reduction in value because of the location of these properties

It is important to note that under the January 2022 golden visa Portugal changes, in most cases, the property you purchase under this golden visa option cannot be in Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve. The only exception to that is if you choose to invest in commercial property.

Job Creation

Potentially the cheapest option for a golden visa in Portugal after the Portugal golden visa new rules came into force is the option to apply by creating jobs.

This option does not have a minimum investment amount like the other options, but it does require you to create a limited company with a single owner, and that company must create ten or more permanent jobs for local people. This option allows the founder of the company and their immediate family to apply for residence under the golden visa program.

This is a great option if you are already thinking of launching a start-up or similar, since Portugal is so entrepreneur and tech friendly.

Science and Research Activities

If you want to make a meaningful contribution to science or the arts, there are some options for that kind of investment under the Portugal golden visa new rules.

One option is to invest 500,000 Euros in a recognized scientific research institution in Portugal.

Another is to invest 250,000 Euros into the conservation of the arts, history, or culture in Portugal.

 FAQ

Do these amounts include application fees?

No. None of the amounts stated here include any of the fees or costs associated with filing your golden visa application. You will still need to pay the government fee and any costs associated with preparing your application. There may also be fees and commissions associated with investments or property purchases.

How long does it take to get a golden visa in Portugal?

That depends a lot on the type of application you are making and how long it takes to get all your paperwork together for the application. Usually, however, you can expect to wait a few months from when your completed application is filed with the government.

Can I take my family along?

Yes. You can take your family with you when you successfully apply for a golden visa. You will need to pay additional fees for their applications, and they will need to meet all the immigration requirements.

What kind of legal status will I have in Portugal?

If you succeed in applying for a golden visa in Portugal, you will be a temporary resident for the first five years that you live in Portugal. After that, you can apply for permanent residence or citizenship, provided you meet the residency and other requirements.

Why can I not buy property in Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve?

The Portuguese government wants to stimulate investment in other parts of Portugal, which is why they have limited the purchase of property in those cities and areas. The good news is that there are many other cities and areas you could consider in Portugal, and you can still buy commercial properties in those areas if you choose to.

What other changes were made to the Golden Visa rules in 2022?

The other major change that was made to the golden visa program in Portugal in January 2022 was to increase some of the investment amounts.