Visa Gold

On 2 September 2015, new changes to the procedures were published that allow, through investment, the obtaining of a visa called Golden Visa or Gold Visa.

Thus and from this date it is possible to purchase the gold visa through one of the following investment options:

• Transfer of capital in the amount equal to or greater than 1,000,000 Euros;
• Creation of at least 10 jobs;
• Acquisition of real estate in the amount of 500,000 Euros or more;
• Acquisition of properties over 30 years old or located in urban rehabilitation areas with rehabilitation works in the global value equal to or greater than 350,000 Euros;
• Transfer of capital in the amount of EUR 350,000 or more to national public or private scientific research institutions;
• Transfer of capital in the amount of 250,000 Euros or more for investment or support for artistic production, recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage;
• Transfer of capital in the amount of EUR 500,000 or more applied in the acquisition of units in investment funds or venture capital for the capitalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Real estate investment covers:

• Acquisition of one or more properties of total value equal to or greater than 500,000 Euros, or;
• Acquisition of one or more properties completed more than 30 years ago or located in urban rehabilitation areas, with urban rehabilitation works according to the respective law, in the overall amount equal to or greater than 350,000 Euros.

This type of investment includes:

• Commercial or residential real estate;
• Properties acquired in co-ownership, provided that the investor's share is at the minimum value indicated;
• Properties acquired individually or through single-person companies by shares of which the investor is a partner;
• Leased properties;
• inthe part that exceeds the minimum amount of the investment.

The legislator establishes the possibility of reducing the values concerned by 20% if real estate is located in areas of low population density.

According to current law, it is considered territory of low population density, if it has less than 100 inhabitants per km2 or if the GDP of that same region is below 75% of the national average.

The residence permit is granted for a period of one year, renewable for two successive periods of two years and presupposes the maintenance of the investment for a minimum period of 5 years and the stay in Portuguese territory, of 7 days (followed or interpolated), in the first year, and 14 days (followed or interpolated), in subsequent periods of two years.

The authorisation may be extended to the investor's family members and after the initial period of 5 years, the residence permit may be granted on a permanent basis. Portuguese nationality by naturalization can be requested after 6 years.