What changes on the Golden Visa in 2022

Portugal is known as a country to invest in, and why is that? That’s because through investment you will be able to live in this top-notch place and also get your European Passport in time.

But financially, are the investment returns worth the decision? Well, that depends on your priorities.

Each year the investing requirements to be eligible for the Golden Visa have been changing and getting stricter.

So, should you decide to start the process of the Golden Visa in 2022? Are the Golden Visa requirements still advantageous?

In this article, we will answer these (and other) questions.

Before we proceed, make sure that you understand the basics related to the Portuguese Golden Visa by reading our article: Complete Guide to Golden Visa in Portugal.

So, without further ado, just jump straight to the article.

The requirements to apply for the Golden Visa in 2021

In 2021 you can apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa by complying with one of many requirements, some of which are:

Acquisition of a property in Portugal that worth more than €500,000

The acquisition of a property in Portugal over 30 years old or located in urban rehabilitation areas, worth more than 350,000€

Acquisition of a property in Portugal over 30 years old or located in urban rehabilitation areas, with a low population rate, worth more than 280,000€

Capital transfer of, at least, 1 million euros to a Portuguese bank account

Create at least 10 jobs in Portugal

Create a company and transfer an amount of 350,000€ along with the creation of 5 jobs

Transfer of, at least, €350,000 to investment or equity funds

Invest in small and medium-sized Portuguese companies at an amount of, at least, 350,000€

The changes to the requirements in place in 2022

In 2022 some changes will come into place in relation to the requirements to apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa.

Let’s check what will be the most relevant ones:

Real Estate Investment rules

Acquiring a property in some regions that comprise, for example, Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve in order to apply for the Golden Visa won’t be an option anymore.

Considering the government’s desire to develop smaller Portuguese cities through this program and to reduce the side-effects from this investment in big cities (such as the increase of the properties’ price in these regions), Portugal decided to exclude Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve from the Golden Visa program.

The same rules from 2021 will still be applicable for properties located in the remaining cities, such as:

Acquisition of property worth more than €500,000;

The acquisition of property over 30 years old or located in areas of urban rehabilitation, worth more than €350,000;

Acquisition of property over 30 years old or located in areas of urban rehabilitation with low population rate, worth more than €280,000.

Just a small tip: The construction expenses (for properties in need of refurbishment) also comprise the Golden Visa price target.

Money Transferring

Applying for the Golden Visa by transferring capital to Portugal will still be possible, but the minimum investment changed from 1,000,000€ to 1,500,000€.

This is certainly the most straightforward Golden Visa investment scenario, as this process is restricted to a bank transfer, but, on the other hand, the investment capital amount is the highest among the other processes.

Incorporation of a company, investment and create 5 jobs

In this case, we’re talking about the minimum transfer of €350,000 for the incorporation of a company or for investment in an already incorporated company, along with the creation or maintenance of at least 5 jobs in each case, for a minimum period of three years.

According to the new rules, the new capital investment is €500,000, maintaining the 5 jobs creation requirement.

Investment in research activities

With the 2022 changes, a minimum investment of €500,000 (and not €350,000 anymore) will be required for research activities carried out by public or private research institutions, integrated into the national scientific and technological system.

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Article posted by VIV Europe - Official Legal partner to KipperTree