The Portugal golden visa program allows foreigners to obtain Portuguese residency by making an investment in Portugal. The most popular options are to invest €350,000 in real estate or €350,000 in investment funds. This provides a secure overseas investment opportunity. As a holder of the Portugal golden visa, one has visa-free access to the Schengen area as well as the right to apply for full Portuguese, and thereby EU, citizenship after 5 years.
Portugal golden visa fund option as profitable golden investment
The Portugal golden visa fund option requires an investment of €350,000 into a dedicated Portuguese investment fund that invests in Portuguese companies. Applicants can choose from a selection of CMVM-approved funds that provide steady returns, making this a profitable golden investment. An advantage over real estate is that funds provide greater liquidity – the investor can more easily cash out their investment after the 5 year minimum holding period. Funds also save the visa holder from issues like property taxes and maintenance.
Portugal golden visa eligibility and application process
The eligibility criteria for the Portugal golden visa is relatively straightforward – applicants must be 18+, make the required investment, prove a clean criminal record, and commit to spending 7 days in Portugal the first year followed by 14 days every two subsequent years. Dependents such as a spouse and children under 18 can be included in a single application. The application involves submitting documents to prove eligibility, getting a health check, having biometrics taken at a consulate and then formal approval. Using a reputable agent can streamline the preparation of an application.
Long term prospects as EU citizen through golden visa
After holding the Portugal golden visa for 5 years, the investor and dependents are eligible to apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship. This provides them EU citizenship rights, including being able to work, study and live anywhere in the EU long term. It also gives them the lifelong right to visa-free travel within the Schengen area. With uncertainty around many traditional immigration visas, the Portugal golden visa stands out as a flexible and secure route to eventual EU citizenship.
In conclusion, the Portugal golden visa fund option offers investors looking to secure EU residency and citizenship through a €350,000 overseas investment a profitable and convenient path to this goal. It provides much more flexibility than real estate investment in terms of liquidity and tax obligations.