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Invest in Portugal’s golden visa and unlock visa-free access to Europe
Across the globe, interest in Portugal as a residence and investment destination is growing, and Indonesian investors are no exception.
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cross the globe, interest in Portugal as a residence and investment destination is growing, and Indonesian investors are no exception. Even investors from developed nations with strong economies and powerful passports, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, are choosing Portugal. Here are a few reasons why:
- Portugal has an excellent reputation and a high quality of life.
- It is one of Europe’s safest, most prosperous nations, ranked sixth on the Global Peace Index 2022.
- World-class education, health care and financial incentives are available in Portugal.
- The country’s economy is one of the most stable in Europe.
- Compared with other European Union countries, Portugal boasts a low cost (yet high quality) of living.
- Foreign visitors and investors are welcome in this multicultural country.
- The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program has a relatively low minimum investment requirement, with real estate options starting from 280,000 euros (US$290,410).
- The country’s strong real estate market means golden visa investors are likely to see excellent returns on their property investment.
- You can enjoy visa-free travel to all 26 countries in Europe’s Schengen Area as a Portuguese resident.
A range of investment routes available
There are several options for acquiring a Portugal Golden Residence Permit:
- Capital transfer: Four options, with the lowest being 200,000 euros in support of artistic production or national cultural heritage in a low population density area
- Business development: Two pathways, with the minimum requirement to create at least eight jobs or invest EUR 500,000 in a Portugal-registered company
- Real estate: Two options, with a starting point of just 280,000 euros invested in real estate in a low population density area
Stay in the country for as short or as long as you would like
One of the main appeals of the program is the optionality it affords its diverse investors. Once you have successfully acquired your golden visa, during the five years of the program, the minimum stay requirement to maintain your residence status is only 35 days – seven days in the first year of residence and 14 days in the two subsequent years. If you opt for the real estate investment route, you have the right to rent out your property, so you could add a revenue stream for most of the year and use your new premium abode as a seasonal vacation home.
After five years of holding the Portugal Golden Residence Permit, you can choose to either:
- Renew your golden visa. The residence permit card itself is valid for two years, so you can renew it for subsequent periods of two years.
- Apply for permanent residence if your children would like to attend one of Portugal’s top institutions or if your family wishes to relocate.
- Apply for Portuguese citizenship and live, work and study anywhere in the EU. Portuguese citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 187 destinations worldwide.
Portugal, a prime location in Europe
With so many benefits, it is no surprise that Portugal takes the top position on Henley & Partners’ Global Residence Program Index in 2022.
It is no secret among high-net-worth individuals that investment migration is an excellent way to improve global mobility, secure wealth and increase options in terms of where they can live and conduct business. Global volatility is the new normal so having greater optionality is crucial. With a wide range of residence and citizenship by investment programs to choose from, it may be difficult to decide which is best, but the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program has emerged as a clear favorite in Europe.
To find out how to become a Portuguese resident and citizen, reach out to Ian Horsburgh, Director and Country Head of Indonesia at Henley & Partners – the global leader in residence and citizenship by investment.
This article was published in collaboration with Henley & Partners.
