Citizenship by Investment in Portugal
Are you eager to explore the fast-track route to becoming a European citizen? Learn more about citizenship by investment in Portugal!
27 04 2024
Portuguese Nationality, Visas & Permits
Article By Viv Europe - Official Legal and Relocation Partner to KipperTree
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Portugal’s popularity doesn’t seem to end, all for the right reasons, of course. Citizenship by investment in Portugal is one of the most rewarding ways for you and your family to obtain permanent residency. It’s a scheme that keeps giving back and also puts your money to work while you enjoy the long list of benefits that come with living in Portugal!
So, what are the criteria for making this dream come true? Is there a minimum investment, and what’s the most financially feasible option? Are there any other ways for your family to receive Portuguese nationality?
Learn about all this and more through our complete guide on obtaining Citizenship by investment in Portugal! Let’s explore why people make this investment for their family, a secure future, and a better quality of life!
How To Obtain Portuguese Citizenship
There are a few ways to go about this, including through descent and without it.
With the right help and resources, obtaining Portuguese Citizenship is a relatively easy process. If you desire to be a Portuguese national, you can consider Citizenship by investment, after which you’re eligible to request nationality after 5 years for you and your family.
Like all other types of nationality, Portuguese nationality is either granted from birth if the individual has always been Portuguese (known as the attribution of nationality) or from the date they formally attain nationality (known as the acquisition of nationality).
Portugal Citizenship by Investment
This is the next best alternative for those seeking European nationality without family lineage. Citizenship by investment is a popular option for anyone who has significant wealth available for investment.
The question is: what kinds of investments can you make, and why are they forecasted to be fruitful?
Over the next few years, experts foresee robust job growth and heightened economic activity in the Portuguese economy, with GDP expected to surge. This promising outlook signals an ideal time to consider investing in Portugal and pursuing Citizenship through investment. It’s a win-win scenario for most people: capitalize on a flourishing economy while securing Citizenship.
Under the Citizenship by Investment scheme, applicants must invest in the country through one of the approved investment routes under the Golden Visa program, which includes areas like scientific research, investment funds, companies, or art and culture. Additionally, you must maintain the investment for a minimum of five years.
Each route provides a pathway to Citizenship by investment in Portugal while contributing to the country’s economy and societal development. Additionally, the applicant is only required to stay in Portugal for at least 7 to 14 days within a two-year period.
This works out for individuals and families who are already well-settled in other countries and do not wish to relocate to Portugal. It’s especially favourable for affluent individuals with established businesses in a specific country.
Most Golden Visa holders hail from China, Brazil, and the United States. As reported by Reuters, the program, which grants non-EU citizens the opportunity to obtain Portuguese Citizenship by investment, has garnered 7.3 billion euros ($8 billion) in funds since its inception in 2012.
Family Lineage
You’d be surprised to hear that at least six million people worldwide are eligible to obtain Portuguese Citizenship through their grandparents. You might be one of them, too. In most countries, you can claim Citizenship if your parents are citizens of that country.
However, countries like Portugal extend this privilege to familial lineage that spans two or even three generations.
Portuguese Citizenship by descent offers a pathway to Citizenship for individuals whose parents or grandparents are Portuguese citizens. Instead of having to trace your ancestry directly to Portuguese roots, you can become a Portuguese national if you have a parent or grandparents who hold Portuguese Citizenship.
However, this is only possible if your parents or grandparents still hold valid Citizenship. You don’t need both your parents and/or grandparents to be citizens; one is enough. A valid proof of easily traceable Portuguese lineage is important.
Marriage to a Portuguese National
This is not as straightforward as you may think it would be. It is also not the easiest and most realistic to achieve.
A marriage to a Portuguese citizen may help you qualify for Portuguese nationality as well. Given that the marriage was registered in Portugal and can be proven to be at least 3 years old.
While this isn’t an unusual way to obtain nationality worldwide, it’s definitely not easy or simple.
Portugal’s Golden Visa Program
Coming onto the best part of this entire guide: The Portugal Golden Visa Program, as of 2024!
Certain countries grant residency rights in return for a minimum investment. The exact investment threshold varies from one country to another.
Introduced in 2012, the Portugal Golden Visa, also known as ARI (Autorização de Residência para Investimento), has become synonymous with Portugal’s immigration landscape.
The Portuguese Golden Visa program is widely recognized as one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe and globally. This five-year residence option for non-EU nationals grants the privilege to reside, work, and study in Portugal and unrestricted travel within Europe’s Schengen Area, contingent upon making a qualifying investment in Portugal.
Benefits for Portugal Golden Visa holders
The best aspect of a Portugal Golden Visa is that it enables you to maintain your residency or apply for Citizenship without necessarily relocating or becoming a tax resident; only seven to fourteen days spent in the country per year would suffice!
This means you can become a resident without compromising your business, lifestyle, and personal commitments. To summarize, there is minimal administrative hassle and maximum flexibility.
Moreover, as a Golden Visa holder in Portugal, you gain visa-free access to the Schengen area of the European Union, enhancing your travel freedom within Europe.
Let’s list the benefits for your ease. Here are some of the most rewarding benefits of the Portuguese Golden Visa Program:
Portuguese Nationality and Portuguese Passport after only 5 years;
Access to European-standard healthcare and education;
Portugal is the 7th safest country worldwide;
Visa-free travel to Schengen states and visa privileges for 150+ countries after nationality.
All benefits are extendable to family members;
No need to relocate if you don’t want to – only spend the minimum amount of days to maintain compliance;
Right to live, study, work, and invest anywhere in Portugal.
To read all about Investment Options click here
