Moving around the world used to be something only a few people did – at least, for a while. But for the past couple of decades, more people than ever have been moving to different countries, getting residency and citizenship in second countries, and putting down roots in new places. 

Some people move as workers, some marry a spouse that is from a different country, but a growing number are using so called “golden visa” programs to leverage their financial wealth to open immigration doors. 

The UAE is one of the places that offers a so called “golden visa” program, which is essentially immigration by investment. Here’s what that means, and how you can take advantage of this immigration option. 

UAE’s Golden Visa

Most countries look for what is called “foreign direct investment” to boost their GDP and increase the among of money in their economy. 

About a decade ago, many countries around the world realized that one of the best ways to get people to invest in their country was to offer them something in return, and that the opportunity to live and work as a resident or citizen of that country was a great way to entice them. 

Golden visa programs were born, and in Europe and many other places, they’ve been responsible for tens of thousands of successful immigrations – and billions of dollars of cash injected into each economy. 

The UAE wasn’t really at the head of the pack. 

In fact, the UAE golden visa program only came into being very recently – in 2019. However, it’s already allowed many high-net-worth individuals to start putting down roots in the UAE, including Dubai and other emirates. 

This has meant a big injection of cash for the country, and of course, the people who do move to Dubai and the UAE usually invest even more money to start a business of their own – so it’s a big win for everyone involved. 

The UAE golden visa program doesn’t waive all immigration requirements. You still have to be eligible for immigration based on criminal, security and health criteria. But it does move people who have the money to invest in the country to the front of the line, and that’s a very attractive proposition in the sometimes costly and long-winded immigration world! 

5-year UAE long-term residence visa

If you want to apply for a 5 year long term UAE visa under the UAE golden visa program, you need to:

• Invest at least 5 million AED in property that is not “on loan” and that you retain for at least 5 years after purchase
• Start or invest in a business from a minimum of 500,000 AED
• Be an “outstanding student” who scores at least 95 percent on their courses

If you qualify for a 5 year long term UAE golden visa long term residency permit, you can bring your family along with you when you move to the emirates. 

10-year UAE long-term residence visa

The criteria for the 10 year long term UAE golden visa residency permit are similar to the 5-year option, but you need to:

• Invest at least 10 million AED
• Invest in an investment fund in the country
• Partner with a new or existing business
• Start a new business
• Invest up to 60% of the 10 million minimum in property, with the rest spread over any of the other options on the list

If you choose the investment route to get your long-term residency in the UAE, none of the amount invested can be a loan. 

Another option for getting a UAE golden visa for ten years is to be an exceptional talent or academic, which includes people with PhDs, high level business executives, people involved in cultural pursuits that are also approved by the ministry of culture, or scientists. 

Whether you choose to apply based on investment or your skills and talents, you can bring your family along, and you still need to meet all other immigration criteria. 

What does UAE’s Golden Visa Offer?

There are other ways to get residency in the UAE (usually based on a job offer and being sponsored by your employer), but there are several benefits to choosing the UAE golden visa instead, including:

• The option to have long term residency in the UAE for 5 or ten years
• The ability to live, work and study in any field, business, or program you choose
• The ability to own your own business outright on the UAE mainland
• The security of knowing that you have a guaranteed extended stay in the UAE
• No requirement to have a sponsor for your application

Like any immigration process, there are many steps, and you will have to meet many criteria – but when you apply for a UAE golden visa, it does take some of the requirements and restrictions of other kinds of permits off the table. 

Who are eligible to apply for UAE’s Golden Visa?

The UAE golden visa for Dubai and the UAE is designed to attract high net worth people as well as people with extraordinary skills and abilities to the country, so the list of people who can apply reflect that. Some of the types of people who can apply for this type of residency permit are:

• Real estate investors and entrepreneurs
• Data experts, scientists, and PhD holders
• CEOs and other high-level executives
• Medical doctors with a variety of specialties
• University graduates who score exceptionally in their courses
• Financial investors

Most of these people can apply with their family (spouse and children), and most can apply for either five- or ten-year permits. 

Essentially, the UAE wants to bolster the number of exceptionally skilled, gifted and driven people who call their country home, and this program is a way to do just that. 

How much does the Golden Visa cost?

The cost to apply for a golden visa for the UAE is the same for both the five- and ten-year permit. In fact, you don’t choose which one to apply for – the government decides what they want to give you. 

As with most immigration programs, there is a fee to be paid when you apply, which in this case AED 4850, plus an AED 150 application fee. 

Once your application is approved, you will need to pay another AED 1000 to get the document issued so that you can travel to the UAE and enter the country as a long-term resident. 

How to apply for a UAE’s Golden Visa?

Like most immigration processes, the application for the UAE golden visa program is paperwork heavy and requires a lot of attention to detail. However, provided you meet minimum immigration requirements and the requirements of the golden visa program, there’s every chance that you will be accepted for the program. 

Here’s what the application process usually looks like:

• Decide which category you plan to apply under (investor, exceptional student, skills, and talents and so on)
• Gather the paperwork you will need for your application – you will need to prove who you are, provide criminal record checks, provide proof of meeting the immigration and golden visa criteria and so on – you can find a full list of what you need on the government website
• Go to the government website at https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visa/long-term-residence-visas-in-the-uae to start your application
• Request nomination for the program
• Your request will be reviewed and approved or declined within 30 days, and you will get an email
• If you are approved, you will be given an application link where you will fill in information and upload your documents
• The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, which is the UAE immigration authority, will review your application and decide if they will give you a long residency permit
• You will be issued the visa and be able to enter the UAE

It’s very important to remember that every immigration process is time sensitive. You will need to ensure that you submit all required paperwork within the timelines set by the government. If you miss a deadline or fail to provide the right documentation, your application may be denied. 

Application Routes of UAE’s Golden Visa

Like most golden visa programs, the UAE golden visa offers several different streams or application routes that you can use to apply for residency. They are all based on investments or skills that will be beneficial to the UAE, but they do also give you the opportunity to get sponsorship free, long-term residency in the UAE – so it’s a good trade off! 

Here are some of the ways you might be able to apply, depending on your skills, talents, and financial means:

Special Talent Route

The special talent route to a UAE golden visa is based on your skills, talents and certifications, and your options include: 

Doctors

If you are an internationally trained and licensed medical doctor (including doctors from Dubai), you can apply for the special talent route for a UAE golden visa, provided you do so before the deadline which is currently September 2022. 

You will need to provide detailed information about your training and license when you apply. You also need to have at least a PhD from one of the top 500 universities in the world, and at least 10 years of experience in your field. 

Artists

Artists, which includes everything from painters and writers to actors and other kinds of performance artists can also apply for a UAE golden visa. The criteria for this category are more fluid, but are based on your level of artistic achievement, and will be assessed on ca case by case basis. You also need to be accredited by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development.

Scientists

Scientists who want to get a UAE golden visa need to be accredited by the Emirates Scientists Council or holders of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence. 

In addition to accreditation, you need to have at least a PhD from one of the world’s top 500 universities, and at least 10 years of experience in your field. You also need to have had your work or research published in a recognized journal in your field. 

Innovators

Innovators are people who aren’t scientists or doctors but are considered leaders in their fields. 

You will either need to have graduated from one of the world’s top 500 universities or have received an award or certificate of appreciate in your field. You should also have extensive, demonstrable experience in your field and be considered a leader. 

Executive Directors

If you are the CEO of a company and meet the requirements for the UAE golden visa program, you are also eligible to apply. This means you have at least a bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant and related work experience. You will also have a contract with the company you work for, and you must earn at least AED 30,000 per year to qualify. 

Academics and Students

Academics and students who excel in their studies are also welcomed to apply for a UAE golden visa. 

To qualify for this option, you need to have at least 95% or a 3.8 GPA or higher in high school or university or be a student of one of the top 500 universities in the world or have received a certificate of appreciation or award in your field of study. 

 Athletes

Exceptional athletes are another type of person that the UAE would like to have apply for the golden visa program. In order to qualify for this option, you will have to be competing at the very top level of your sport and provide proof of your achievements. 

PhD Holders

Highly skilled PhD holders who have graduated from one of the world’s top 500 universities are another type of person that is in demand for the UAE golden visa program. You will need to provide information about your studies and your achievements in your field when you apply. 

Engineers

Engineers in a large variety of fields including computers, civil engineering, building and electrical (among others) are all welcome to apply for the UAE golden visa program. 

Like most other skills-based streams, you will need to provide information about your studies (and prove that you attended an approved university) and meet the minimum experience requirements for your field. 

Entrepreneur Route

The UAE golden visa is definitely geared towards entrepreneurs, and the country does want to attract this kind of immigrant to make their home in one of the emirates. However, you do need to prove that you are a seasoned, experienced entrepreneur, rather than just starting out, so there are some requirements that need to be met.

What are the conditions for Entrepreneurs?

If you want to apply for a UAE golden visa as an entrepreneur, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Have an approved project valued at AED 500,000 or above in process, or be starting one that has been approved by an accredited business incubator
• Be approved by a recognized and official start up centre
• Have health insurance for yourself and your family for the duration of your stay

Entrepreneurs are usually approved for a 5 year long term residency permit. You will also have a renewable 6-month multi entry visa, and you can bring your family with to the UAE for the duration of your stay. 

Real Estate Route

If you want to invest in real estate to support your UAE golden visa, you will need to invest at least AED 5 million in an approved project, and you are eligible for a five-year residency permit. 

Your investment will need to remain in place while you stay in the country – so you cannot resell the property while you are in the country. You also should not have to lend money in order to make the investment. 

Education Route

If you are an exceptional student who has scored 95% or have a 3.8 GPA or higher, and you want to continue your studies at an accredited university in the UAE, you can also qualify for a UAE golden visa while you continue your studies in the country. 

How to get an Investor Visa in Dubai?

If you want to get an “investor visa” in Dubai, which falls under the UAE golden visa program, you need to meet the minimum investment requirements for the type of investment you plan to make, and you need to keep the investment in place for at least as long as your visa is valid (or you are in the country.) 

You also need to invest your own funds – not money that you have lent elsewhere, and you need to meet all the other immigration requirements set by the government. 

FAQ

Which countries are part of the UAE?

There are seven emirates that make up the UAE: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. While the UAE golden visa program applies to all of them, most people who want to move to the UAE want to live in Dubai. 

What is live like for foreigners in the UAE?

The UAE and its emirates are considered Islamic countries, so the rules and customs are a little different to what you might expect in the west. That does not mean all of these countries enforce strict Islamic laws and customs, but you should definitely investigate the customs in the emirate that you are considering moving to. 

Is it safe to live in the UAE?

It is generally considered very safe to live in the UAE, and the emirates have very good infrastructure and security services. It is, however, in the middle east, and that region is sometimes considered volatile, so that might affect where you can travel in the region and other aspects of your stay. 

Again, as always, make sure you investigate the area you are planning to move to in detail so that you know what to expect. 

Is the UAE golden visa a permanent residency program?

No. Unlike some countries that offer permanent residence or even citizenship as part of their golden visa programs, the UAE golden visa program is a long-term residency program only. They are, however, renewed automatically, so as long as you still meet the residency and visa requirements, you will be able to continue living and working in the country. 

Can I be deported on a UAE golden visa?

Yes. Depending on what you do to warrant deportation, most countries around the world have some kind of mechanism to deport even long-term residents. In some cases, countries can even strip naturalized citizens of their country of citizenship and send them back to their home country. 

However, that is exceptionally rare, and you would need to commit a serious offence to have that happen to you. 

Is alcohol illegal in the UAE?

Not exactly. It is illegal to be drunk or under the influence of alcohol in public in the UAE, but non- residents can apply for a permit to drink alcohol in their homes or in private venues for non- guests. Dubai generally has the most tolerant attitude towards the use of alcohol though, so be sure to check the regulations for the area you are planning to move to.

Do women need to wear a hijab in the UAE?

No. Women are expected to dress modestly, and swimsuits and similar attire are only allowed at beaches and swimming pools. If you are visiting certain holy sites, however, you will be expected to wear the customary garb as a sign of respect. 

Can I bring a common law spouse with to the UAE?

No. Sexual relationships outside of marriage are illegal in the UAE, and there are strict penalties. So, if you want to move to the UAE with a partner, you are not legally married to, you should plan a wedding before you move! 

Can I move to the UAE with a same sex partner?

No. Strictly speaking, same sex relationships are illegal in the UAE – although this is not enforced very often. However, whether you are legally married elsewhere or not, you will not be able to bring a same sex partner with on a UAE golden visa. 

Contact Us

Smart Citizenship has been helping people to move to new countries around the world for many years. We specialize in golden visa and immigration by investment programs, and we can help with information, advice, and assistance if you want to move to the UAE under the UAE golden visa program. 

Whether you’re ready to start the process, or you just want to know more about the requirements, the process and whether you qualify, our team is always happy to help. 

Contact us to discuss your immigration needs and goals and let us help you to find a new place to call home. 

There are many people who are looking for a new place to call home. While some move for the climate, others for the lifestyle and some for the financial benefits, there are also some that want it all. 

Why not choose a new country that is a paradise in it’s own right, but also offers business benefits? Why not choose somewhere that has very fast processing times? Why not find a place where you can bring your family along, or that opens doors to establishing a presence in the U.S.?

If you’re one of those people, you might very well find that Grenada, and the Grenada citizenship by investment program is the answer you’ve been looking for. Here’s what you need to know. 

What is Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program

Like many countries, Grenada has created a “golden visa” or citizenship by investment program, which is designed to attract high net worth individuals that want to make a new life on a tropical island paradise. 

Unlike some golden visa programs, Grenada does not first require you to get permanent residence. Instead, people who successfully apply for the Grenada citizenship by investment program can get citizenship – and a brand new passport – immediately.

This allows people who successfully apply to either replace their primary citizenship altogether or add another passport to their collection – if their country allows dual citizenship. 

Why Grenada?

Grenada is an island nation state in the eastern Caribbean. It has an amazing climate, a laid back lifestyle and is a tourist hub in the area. 

The people of Grenada are friendly, the island is reasonably well developed, and it is safe and secure to live and work there. Grenada also has some very favorable tax laws, that many wealthier nomads find very attractive to protect their investments and net worth. 

There are several reasons why the citizenship by investment option to become a citizen of Grenada might be more attractive than other countries, including:

• Short processing times, usually within about 4 months, which is remarkably fast by immigration standards
• Able to bring dependent children up to the age of 30 (or beyond if disabled) with primary applicant, and pay lower application fees for additional applicants
• Can bring dependent siblings under 18 if not bringing children, provided you pay the additional fees
• Can bring dependent parents, again, with additional fees
• There is no requirement to be physically resident in Grenada – so you can take advantage of the tax system while you travel the world
• No requirement to visit Grenada during the application – although a trip to a tropical island is never really a hardship
• There is no immigration interview, and you don’t need to meet education or career experience requirements – so as long as you meet immigration requirements and have the investment ready to make, you will almost certainly qualify
• E-2 Visa program allows Grenadine citizens to own and operate businesses in the US and to live there – which makes this a popular option for people who want to work and do business in the U.S. but can’t navigate their complex immigration system
• No taxes on global income – and very low local taxes 

All of which means Grenada is not only a paradise island state, but it is also easier to apply for citizenship by immigration, and there are many benefits to the process and beyond. 

Investment Options

Like most countries that have citizenship by investment programs, Grenada offers different immigration by investment streams, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Different options have different minimum investment amounts, and there are different amounts to be paid for single or family applications. 

Donation Route

If you prefer, there’s a quick and easy donation option, which requires a nonrefundable donation of $150,000 to the National Transformation Fund. This fund is used by the government to fund projects on the island. 

It’s worth noting that this amount is only for a single applicant. Should additional family members accompany the applicant, the amount will increase proportionately, so be sure to check what the current donation amount is before you start doing your calculations. 

Real Estate Investment

If you prefer to invest than donate, you can choose to invest $350,000 or more (based on a family of up to four applicants) into an approved real estate investment. You need to leave that investment in place for four years, but it can be withdrawn after that time. 

There are additional costs to add siblings or parents to the application, so again, you should check what the cost will be based on your specific family requirements. 

While you do have to commit more money with this option, you do have the opportunity to get it back after four years, which makes it a very attractive option. 

What are the advantages of having Grenada passport

There are several general advantages to having a Grenadine passport, and to the process, including:

• Visa free travel to China and Russia – which is not possible for the vast majority of other countries!
• You only need to pay for your donation or investment when you are approved by the government, so it’s low risk, and there’s no risk that you will lose your investment (this does not include fees, which must be paid when you apply)
• One of the fastest processing times in the Caribbean, and you can have a new passport in a matter of months
• Visa free travel to over 135 countries

The U.S E-2 Work Visa

Many people who are from the US decide to move to Grenada too – but there is also a special Visa program called the U.S. E-2 Work Visa that allows people with Grenadian citizenship to live and work in the U.S. 

This is, of course a big benefit for people who apply for citizenship in Grenada by investment and could be a big factor in your decision making process.

Application Process – Step by step

Even when you apply for citizenship by immigration in Grenada, there are still several steps in the process. Fortunately, Grenada has one of the fastest processing times, and even with all of these steps, the whole process takes about four months from start to finish. 

When you apply for citizenship by immigration in Grenada, you will have the following steps:

Pre – check of your application

Naturally, when you are applying for immigration, there are a lot of documents you need to collect, certify or notarize and submit correctly. 

Incorrectly prepared documents can take longer to process, or they could derail the process completely. If your application is rejected on a technicality, you would have to redo it before you can resubmit it, which adds time and potentially costs to the process. 

Generally, when you submit an immigration application, the government will want to confirm:

• That you are of good character
• That you don’t have a criminal record
• That you have the financial means to support yourself
• That you are in good health

In order to prove all of those things, you will usually have to get police clearances, bank statements and proof of investments, and possibly a medical checkup. Make sure that you read the application documents carefully, and that you provide all documents in the correct format. Some must be originals, while you can provide certified copies of others. 

Submitting the Application

Once you have completed your application and double checked that you have everything filled in and attached correctly, the next step is to submit your application and pay the fees. These will be:

• $1500 per applicant for the application fee
• $5000 per person for the due diligence fee (not including minor children)
• $1500 per person over 18 and $500 per person under 18 for the processing fee

It’s important to remember that these fees do not include any legal fees, should you decide to use an attorney or immigration specialist. Immigration fees are also not refundable. 

Usually, you will be asked for these fees as they become due. You do not have to make any investments until your application is approved though, however that does need to happen before you can take up residency in Grenada. 

Processing and Decision

Once the government of Grenada receive your application, they will spend time ensuring that everything that is required is included in the application. If your application is incomplete, you might be asked for specific information, or your application may be returned to you. 

After the application has been confirmed as complete, government officials will check to make sure that you are eligible for residency and citizenship, by examining and verifying your documents. 

If the government officials reviewing your application need any additional information from you, they will contact you to ask questions. There is usually a time limit on responding to immigration questions, so make sure that you stay on top of all correspondence and respond swiftly when you are asked for any information. 

Once the application is approved, you will be informed, and you will be given the paperwork you need to land in Grenada as citizens. 

Completing the Payment

After your application is approved, you still need to complete the payment to the investment or make your donation to the government. You will need to provide proof of this payment before you are able to settle in Grenada – or get your new passport. 

Acquire your Passport

After all the processing is done, and your investment or donation has been made, the next step is to acquire your passport. 

It’s important to note that Grenada allows dual citizenship, which means you don’t have to give up your citizenship to assume citizenship of Grenada. 

However, it’s worth noting that some countries (like China) do not allow dual citizenship. It’s also important to consider your own country’s tax situation. Citizens of the U.S., for instance, might choose to renounce their U.S. citizenship before they take up citizenship in their new country, so that they can avoid the long arm of the U.S. IRS. 

Pros and Cons of having Grenada Passport

Getting citizenship in another country is about more than just being able to live there. There are strategic advantages too. In this section, let’s look at all the possible advantages of getting citizenship by investment in Grenada. 

Tax advantages

Grenada is considered a tax haven, which means it has very low taxes on it’s citizens and residents, and it does not tax residents on international income. Many of these benefits apply to both individuals and companies, so many people choose to base their international corporation in Grenada to take advantage of these very lenient regulations. 

There are some taxes that apply to salaries that are earned in Grenada and these are usually used to fund government education, medical and other programs. If you earn a salary in Grenada, you will pay 10% on everything up to 24,000, and anything above that is taxed at 30%. 

If you are not a resident in Grenada, you pay a flat rate of 15% on everything you earn in Grenada. 

This is to be expected in any country – but it’s the exception in international tax and capital gains tax that really sets this country apart from others. 

Family applications

Grenada makes it very easy to apply for citizenship with your family. In fact, the cost for a couple is very similar to the cost to apply with a family of four, comprised of two adults and two children. 

Lower fees also apply for any additional children, and there are options to bring your parents and siblings along too. 

There are also options to apply for citizenship for a spouse that you marry after becoming a citizen – although these usually take longer, and your spouse will need a temporary resident permit to stay in the country while processing is completed. 

Free education

Education is free for children between the ages of 5 and 16 in Grenada, and it is compulsory for that age group. The school system is generally good, but it is better to live in more developed parts of the island if you want to access better schools (and more choice!)

Free primary healthcare

Being a tax haven, Grenada does not have a large, publicly funded health system. However, they do offer citizens a good and comprehensive primary health care system, so you can access doctors, dentists and other services quite easily and affordably. 

U.S. Visa

The U.S. Visa option for Grenadine citizens is one of the most popular reasons for acquiring Grenadine citizenship. The U.S. immigration system is notoriously difficult to navigate, and very few people qualify through traditional means. However, it’s easy to get a work visa for the U.S. if you carry a Grenadine passport. 

The Lifestyle

There’s a reason why Grenada is a Caribbean island hotspot. The people are friendly, the weather is fantastic, and the food, activities and amenities (particularly in major centers) are world class. This is a relaxed and relaxing place to make your home, which is another reason why stressed out, high net worth individuals are flocking to this island paradise. 

FAQ

Is Grenada safe? 

As an island nation, Grenada is very safe. There are only about 112,500 people who call the island home, and there are well developed public and safety services. While you might find some petty crime happening, it’s very rare that anything serious happens on the island. 

Why is Grenada called “the island of spice?”

Grenada has long been well known for growing, processing and exporting spices, in particular nutmeg. It’s still one of the major industries on the island. 

What is Grenada’s capital city?

Grenada’s capital city is St. Georges and has been since the island was first colonized by the British. The island was also occupied by French colonists during it’s time as a colony of Europe. 

How far is Grenada from the U.S.?

Grenada is about 2000 miles from the United States, to the southwest of Puerto Rico. You can reach the island by air from the Unites States within about 4 ¾ hours. 

Who can apply for citizenship by investment in Grenada?

Anyone who meets the immigration requirements and has the money available to invest or donate can apply for citizenship in Grenada. Remember that you and everyone you apply with will be reviewed by immigration teams, and everyone will need to meet the requirements. 

Contact Us

Smart Citizenship has been helping people to make their home in new countries around the world for several years. Our team is up to date on the latest immigration processes and requirements for Grenada, and we’re always happy to help with information and advice if you need it. 

Contact us to discuss how you can take advantage of the citizenship by investment program in Grenada and take advantage of the tax benefits of an island paradise. 

The immigration process can be complex, and while Grenada definitely has one of the more user friendly experiences, there are still some issues that may arise along the way. 

Portugal is a popular tourist destination, and very quickly becoming a favorite destination for expats. But what you might not think of when you think of Portugal is skiing. 

However, if you want to avoid the crowded slopes of northern Europe, and you prefer to be warmer while you try out your skis, this might be the perfect place to do it! We listed top ski resorts in Portugal for you !

Ski in Portugal

Portugal is mostly a sunny country. Most people know the fantastic beaches and sunny skies, and the climate is fairly warm (at least by European standards) for most of the year. But there are also mountains in Portugal, and in the winter, they are a great place to ski! Many are even close to some of the more popular cities and attractions, so you can see more of the country between your ski runs. 

Since Portugal does not get as much snow as other parts of Europe, there’s only one true snow ski resort in the country – but there are also dry slope options that are just as much fun, and don’t require any snow to try! 

Top Ski Resorts in Portugal

Ski Resort Serra da Estrela

Ski resort Serra da Estrela is located in the parish of Loriga, about 20 kilometers from the city of Covilhã. It is a small resort with 4 ski lifts and about 7.7 kilometers of slopes and pistes. This is the only true snowy ski resort in Portugal, and well worth a visit if you’re in Portugal for a vacation in the wintertime. 

http://www.skiserradaestrela.com/

Skiparque Serra da Estrela (dry slopes) 

Skiparque Serra da Estrela (dry slopes) is more than just a ski resort. There are rivers and hikes to explore, camping facilities and more. A great getaway for your whole family – even those who don’t ski! As a “dry slope” resort, you don’t have to wait for winter to try your “hand” on this slope! 

https://skiparque.pt/wp/en/home-en/

Ski Skate Amedore Parque (dry slopes) 

Ski Skate Amadora Parque (dry slopes) is another dry slope ski facility where you can ski, skate and more. It might not be what you would normally expect from a ski resort, but it’s certainly something different! The dry slopes at this resort are perfect for all season skiing, and there are also skate parks and other attractions to try. 

https://www.facebook.com/SkiSkateAmadoraParque/?ref=page_internal 

What is the average cost for skiing in Portugal?

Ski resort Serra da Estrela is the only traditional ski resort in Portugal, so these prices are based on what you would pay there. Dry ski resorts are often cheaper, and because they are located in or near cities, there are fewer travel and accommodation costs to account for. 

FAQIt is worth noting that these rates may vary based on the age of the person and the time of year you visit the ski resort. Additional costs including deposits on rentals may apply, and of course, accommodation and meals also need to be factored in. 

What is the cost of lifts?

Ski lifts at Ski resort Serra da Estrela will cost 25 Euros for an adult and 20 Euros for a child. 

What ski lessons are available?

There are ski lessons available at Ski resort Serra da Estrela, and they will usually cost you 40 Euros per person, per lesson. There are various slopes to test your skills on though, and most people will start to master skiing and snowboarding after a few runs – although it will be some time until you are an accomplished skier! 

How much snow is there in Portugal?

Because of the mild climate in Portugal, it only snows in the mountains. In those mountains, you can expect to see about 4.5 inches or 11 cms of snow in an average year. That’s not a lot by most ski resort standards, but it’s enough to let you glide down the slopes when you’re there! 

The lack of excessive snow builds up on the Portuguese mountains also means there’s virtually no risk of avalanches – which is a good thing if you’re safety conscious! 

It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you head out to ski in Portugal. Some days will be more suited to time on the slopes than others. 

When is the best time for skiing in Portugal?

Portugal’s winter starts a lot later than northern Europe, and it’s usually considered to start on the 11^th of November, which is known as St. Martin’s day. 

You will still have to head inland to the mountains to see the snow and hit the slopes, and the ski season is pretty short, so you will probably need to book a ski trip over the holiday season. 

Tips for booking your ski trip in Portugal

The ski resorts in Portugal are not what you would expect in countries like Switzerland and Austria, where there are on site resorts and hotels. 

When you book a ski trip in Portugal, you will need to book accommodation in one of the nearby cities or towns instead of on site. This does give you the opportunity to explore nearby areas too though, and since the weather can be fairly mild for a European winter, there are many other activities on offer.