Golden Visa Zones in Central Portugal
Changes in the law which came into force at the beginning of 2022 significantly reduced the geographical scope of “Golden Visas” in respect of residential property.
Commercial investments remain eligible across the country (subject to meeting relevant investment thresholds), but residential investments now only count in designated areas – typically, away from the coast and the major cities.
Whilst this leaves a lot of wonderful locations open to you – many easily accessible from the cities and the coast – it’s not always easy to find out where you should be looking. Broad-brush designations of “the interior” aren’t always enough to avoid you wasting time and setting your sights on the perfect property in the wrong place.
Let’s take an example. Santarém is the name of a district (with 21 municipalities, 11 wholly or partly eligible for residential investment under the scheme), and of a municipality within that district (with 18 freguesias, or parishes, only 1 of which is eligible).
The map above colour-codes the situation at municipality level – with green indicating “entirely eligible”, pale amber “partly eligible”, and red “entirely ineligible”. The table below lists out eligible municipalities explicitly – and where only part of a municipality is eligible, it indicates eligible freguesias.
Aside from being “Golden Visa” eligible, many of these locations offer fantastic architectural, cultural, and environmental heritage; dynamic local communities with regular events across a wide range of themes; local produce, crafts and cuisine; and great transport links.
In the Tagus valley, Abrantes is an ancient city, home to recently rejuvenated museums of national importance, and a charming old quarter radiating out down the hillside from its dramatically-set castle, towards the popular riverside recreation areas. It’s minutes from a major motorway, and on a train line with connections to Lisbon; Castelo Branco, Guarda and Badajoz in Spain.
Not far away, riverside municipalities such as Constância (one-time home of national poet Luís de Camões) and Vila Nova da Barquinha balance tranquillity with a strong sense of place and share Abrantes’s accessibility.
Further south, under an hour from Lisbon by road, Coruche has been attracting attention for its beautiful river beach, reducing the need to seek out coastal attractions – and the charming town rises above it, embracing the hillside. It’s in the heart of Portugal’s cork-producing area and houses active artisans producing a range of traditional household goods, as well as more decorative items.
Changing pace, the schist villages in the Lousã and Goís municipalities offer a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the municipal centres. However, they spring into life at regular intervals with events which keep mountain traditions alive, and they’re networked by good roads and walking routes. Not far away, in Oliveira do Hospital municipality, the village of Bobadela has one of the Iberian peninsula’s largest Roman amphitheatres, in a bucolic setting.
These are but a few of the lesser-known charms of Central Portugal – but as the list shows, you can also live close to the better-known sites of Coimbra, Tomar or Santarém. Why not explore, broaden your search, and consider including more of “Golden Visa” eligible Portugal in your scope?
For more detailed, specific advice about the property you are researching, buying or restoring – including arranging surveys/inspections; to find out more about its characteristics and how to conserve and enhance them; or to discuss your plans for it, including potential changes, in the light of planning legislation and regulation – talk to Reabilitejo.
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Article by Reabilitejo – Official Surveying, Heritage and Planning Partner to KipperTree