Portugal has always been all time favourite and unbeatable and award winning golden visa program in Europe. Not long ago, we crowned Portugal as the No.1 golden visa program in our Best golden visa rankings. Many investors dont realize the significance of why Portugal is particularly popular stands out amongst others.
Below are solid reasons why Portugal is a premium GV program…
1.Sun and Sea – Portugal is in the spotlight for many tourists for sun and sea. The country excels at amazing food, rich culture, friendly people, and sunny weather throughout the year. Portugal’s stunning beaches along the Atlantic coast, in the Algarve region, famous for blue waters and golden sand making a prime destination for sun and sea lovers
2.Geographic proximity – Portugal is at the crossroads of Americas, Africa and Asia ideal transit point and gateway to Europe, with best flight connections all over the world.
3. Stable rating – S&P rated at A- with positive outlook. Moody’s credit rating for Portugal was last set at A3 with stable outlook. Your money and assets are safe in Portugal.
4. Immigrant friendly – Portugal is considered a very immigrant friendly country in Europe tolerant to migrants presenting various opportunities for work, study, and retirement, making it an attractive destination for international migrants. Portugal has the second most-favourable citizenship regime in the EU in terms of naturalisation rates, and is consistently advancing in terms of immigrant integration.
5. High quality of Life – Portugal has scored top ratings for safest country in the world, with high quality of life, education and healthcare system.
6. High Yield Real estate – Portugal has thriving real estate market reaching explosive growth thanks to foreign investment boosted by tourism producing stable 4-6% rental income. The demand for coastal properties is very high among foreigners snapping up new homes.
7. Refundable Investment – The money you invest for Portugal golden visa is redeemable after 5 years plus you get to receive a surplus returns. This way you dont waste your money. Put your money to work. We offer a top notch 500,000 euro, low risk investment fund produces superior 10% investment returns investing in hotel hospitality projects (instead of real estate). Investment fully redeemable after 5 years at the time of receiving citizenship. (You wont waste any money)
8. Schengen Visa Free – Access visa free movement in Schengen area (90 days out 180 days) with residence permit issued by Portugal.
9. Minimal residence – Portugal allows relaxed approach requiring minimal residency. GV investors are required to visit territory of Portugal for just 7 days first year and 14 days from second year onwards until citizenship.
10. EU education – Children becoming EU citizens can study anywhere in EU institutions, receive free or subsidised education costs at par with EU citizens. Free higher education in Portugal is offered to EU citizens Public education in Portugal is free for children until 18 considered superior to private schools. Portuguese universities charge minimal fee.
11. Work permit – Portugal for investor and family members automatically comes with residence permit issued to Golden visa investors. This can be useful, if you want to work yourself for self employed business or employment of family members.
12. Expedited GV Processing – GV Waiting times now counted by AIMA towards 5 year residency period at the time filing citizenship application. Portugal government is currently speeding up all pending golden visa applications clearing all backlogs by June 30 2025. AIMA has announced from Jan 15, 2025, an expedited processing the GV decision process for investment fund applications within 90 days. The entire process done digitally up to the biometrics stage, which appointment will be scheduled immediately upon resubmission of the online application. The payment of the card issuance fee will also be made on the date of collection of the biometrics.
13. EU Passport – The Portuguese passport is one of the most powerful in the world, allowing travel to 190 countries or territories without a visa, ranking fifth on the Henley & Partners 2024 index. Portugal is the only EU country to grant fastest EU citizenship after just 5 years without living continuously in Portugal ( just visiting 7 days first year and 14 days for four years). This is an important and key distinction with other EU countries. All other EU countries enforce continuous living of 7+ years for citizenship. The Waiting times for residence permit now counted by AIMA towards citizenship time of 5 years.
14. Low Tax Regime – Access to beneficial tax regime like the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status, which offers significant tax breaks for new residents. Besides non-resident are exempt from many taxes.
15. Family Friendly – Portugal has amended GV regulations to make it friendly for family members. Spouse, children, parents and siblings under 17 are allowed to apply under family unification permit.
16. Retirement – Portugal takes #2 for best country for retirees due to its warm climate, low cost of living, and pension benefits with excellent healthcare system. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and major cities
17. Crypto friendly – Portugal is often known as crypto tax haven due to its attractiveness for crypto investors. The Cryptocurrency law in Portugal freely permits buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies without incurring significant capital gains tax, making it a popular destination for crypto investors and traders.
18. High American Interest – American interest in Portugal’s Golden Visa Program has spiked, driven by the recent U.S. presidential election and various social, economic and political factors. Already US citizens top the table as leading investors in Portugal GV scheme in monthly statistics, despite popular real estate investment route was recently removed to address Portugal’s housing crisis.
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