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SJF
PORTUGAL

Golden Visa

This six-year residence by investment scheme for non-EU nationals is a fast-track program for obtaining a residence permit and ultimately citizenship through investment and has attracted investors the world over.

TABLE OF CONTENT

GV Part 1

00.00 – 03.01 Introduction - What is the Golden visa? Who is it for ? What does it entail?
03.02 – 05.04 Could you give more details about the types of investment in the GV and Golden visa as a plan B
05.06 – 07.50 Could you explain how the investment visa related to residency and the path it follows?
07.51-08.50 Does the investment include only the cost of the property, or the rehabilitation works as well?
08.51-10.21 Funds
10.22 – 11.22 Is the information about funds available to the public?

GV Part 2

00.00-02.25 How does the process work to obtain a Golden Visa once I have the required investment ?
02.26-03.19 Is there any other avenue besides real estate and fund?
03.19-04.58 What are the other requirements to move ahead with the golden visa? ( Changes to the Immigration law)
04.59-09.56 Once the investment is made, what are the benefits and over what time period? (PR/Citizenship)
09.57 -11.24 More about Family reunification

GV Part 3

00.00 – 01.34 Sandra talks about her US trip and the popularity of the GV program –
01.35-04.15 Could you speak about the tax residency with the GV?
04.16-08.51 How about the perspective of a GV applicant who wishes to reside in Europe?
08.52-11.27 Can I split my investments in 2 countries? ( Advantages of GV in Portugal as compared to other countries)
11.28-19.15 How does SJF Immigration & Investments help with in the GV program? (Purpose/Aim/ Focus)
About Portugal etc..

What is the Portugal Residence by Investment Program?

The Portugal Residence by Investment program launched by the government in 2012 is also known as the Golden Visa. This six-year residency by investment scheme for non-EU nationals is a fast-track program for obtaining a residence permit and ultimately citizenship through investment and has attracted investors the world over. The most popular investments are in Funds and the Art and Cultural Heritage options.
Portugal is one of the oldest nations in Europe renowned not only for its history and heritage but also boasts stunning landscapes, dreamy beaches, a wide coastline, year-round sunshine, and a peaceful countryside.

The high quality of life and affordable cost of living has bewitched international investors to invest and obtain the right to live, work and study in the country. 

Portugal is ranked as the 3rd safest country in the world, as well as the 12th best healthcare system according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

What are the advantages of the program?

  • You do not really need to be a "resident" to maintain the  residency permit!
  • Portugal's Residence by Investment Visa Program only requires 14 days in each two-year period.
  • This program applies to the entire family. Since day one the whole family can live, work and study in Portugal and travel and live for several months in  any of the other 25 European countries.  
  • After only 5 years, the investor and his/her entire family can apply for permanent residency and for dual citizenship which is one of the quickest in Europe! This means total freedom of living, working, and studying not only in Portugal but in the entire EU and visa free access to 188 countries.
  • Affordable investment options - The investment in Funds is €500k and Art and Cultural Heritage, €200k in low density area projects.
  • The Residence by Investment Program is also a viable alternative for people who are looking to have a Plan B. 
  • It's an opportunity to have a safety net for the whole family in case of uncertainties or crisis within their country of origin (civil unrest, political instability etc). It offers access to a very safe and secure environment to live in, a high quality of life, stability and a rich culture, as well as access to an international standard of education and health care facilities. 

​​What are the common reasons to choose Portugal's Residence by Investment Immigration program?

  • Fear of the future of American society and political turmoil.
  • People want to be prepared for any eventuality in this fragile world and be able to travel no matter the circumstances.  Having a residence permit in a European country gives that freedom to travel at any time.
  • Provide a legacy plan for their children and grandchildren.
  • More than 90% of Americans invest in Funds. Besides having an opportunity to diversify what they already invest in the US; the Residence by Investment program is more tax efficient and simple. 

What is the process of obtaining the Residence by Invesmtent program?

  • Be a non-EU/EEA or a non-Swiss national
  • Open a personal bank account and NIF in Portugal
  • Compile personal documents for the main applicant and his/her dependents
  • Have a clean criminal record
  • Choose the investment and make the payment (ensure the funds for the investment arrive from outside of Portugal)
  • Submission of all documents for validation
  • Attend the appointment scheduled by the Immigration office (AIMA) in Portugal for the biometrics to be taken and for submission of the original documents
  • Receive a temporary resident card valid for two years which will be renewed thereafter twice, for another two years
  • On completion of the 5th year, apply for permanent residence and / or Portuguese citizenship

What  Investment options qualify for the program?

Transfer of Capital: This is a great option if applicants do not plan to live in Portugal full-time.

 

1.  €500,000 in funds, which then invests this money into Portuguese companies, or the stock market.

a.  Investors must keep their investment in the fund for at least 5 years.

b.  The investment is usually returned together with the earned profits which are split among investors.

 

2.  € 500,000 for research activities of public or private entities that are part of the national scientific and technological system. 

a.  € 400,000.00 in a low density area*

 

3.  € 250,000 in support of artistic production or in the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage.

a.  € 200,000.00 in a low density area.*

Job Creation: If entrepreneurship is of interest to you, then this opportunity is a worthwhile venture. The total amount invested can be as low as €100,000.

1.  Creation of a minimum of ten new jobs.

a.  Eight new jobs in a low population density area.


2.  Invest a minimum of €500,000 in a new or existing Portuguese business.  

a.  This must create a minimum of five new jobs for a minimum of three years.


*A low density area is defined as less than 100 inhabitants per sq.km. or with a GDP per capita below 75% of the national average.

​​Why choose SjF Immigration & Investments to assist you in your Residence by Investment program Application?

Sandra Jardim Fernandes is the recognized authority in the field of immigration within the Portuguese Republic.  Intricately involved in the country’s Residence by Investment program initiative since its inception in 2012, she has been the sole representative of Portugal at the International Bar Association (IBA) immigration conference since 2015.  Ms. Fernandes has been the keynote speaker and subject matter expert for several conferences as well as given numerous interviews to media outlets around the world. 


In addition to her 30-plus year legal experience, she has had extensive experience over the past decade successfully assisting hundreds of clients from every corner of the world.  Given her legal specialties in not only immigration, but real estate and tax as well, Ms. Fernandes quickly gravitated to this unique residency program and even provides counsel to local government agencies. Her long-term relationships with several leading real estate developers and fund managers throughout the country make Sandra an ideal person to match clients with prospective business partners.


Lastly, SjF offers a high touch concierge service that considers each individual situation by tailoring a unique plan for the client and their family. 

​How can SjF Immigration & Investments assist you in choosing your investment? 

SjF, together with its partners, combines immigration, fund investment and tax expertise with business acumen to deliver end-to-end assistance. We recognize that this is a major life decision and therefore take special care with each one of our clients and their families. 

 

Whether by investing in eligible Residence by Investment funds or through donating to art and cultural heritage in Portugal, you will find that SjF is able to clarify all questions.  By providing you with the pertinent information, guiding you through different options based on your preferences and needs, SjF will enable you to make an informed family decision. 

 

Contact us

Are you interested in knowing more about Portugal's Residence by Investment program?
Contact us to make your dream of living in Portugal a reality and we will be happy to assist you with choosing the right investment based on you and your family’s requirements and needs.