Golden Visa Lawyers in Portugal

1. Choose your option 

The first step to Portuguese residency is to identify and plan which path do you want to take in order to get the Golden Visa, if the Capital Transfer or the Business path. Remember, you will have the following options: 

• Capital transfer: 
  1. €1.5 million minimum capital transfer into a Portuguese bank account or approved investment.
  2. €500,000 in an investment fund or venture capital fund unit committed to investing in Portuguese companies. They must have a maturity of at least five years. Also, at least 60% of the investment portfolio must be in Portuguese companies.
  3. €500,000 in public or private research as part of a national scientific and technological project.
  4. €250,000 in supporting an artistic production or in the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage

• Business: 

1. 1. Creating at least ten new jobs. This falls to eight new jobs if it’s in an area with a low population density.
   2. A €500,000 investment in creating or increasing the share capital of a Portuguese company. This investment must create or support at least five permanent jobs for three years.

2. Gather the documentation 

Next, you need to obtain all the necessary documents, like a bank or criminal record certificate. All public documents must be legalised and those not in Portuguese must be translated by a certified, sworn translator. The Immigration lawyers at Lexidy regularly work with qualified and verified translators and will recommend someone convenient for you.

3. Golden Visa application

After completing the transaction and gathering the necessary documentation, the applicant submits the application online. Once the authorities approve the residence permit, the applicant must then schedule an in-person meeting with the Portuguese immigration authorities.

The applicant will receive the residence permit at this appointment. It will be valid for two years and can be renewed by simply maintaining the investment.

Bank deposit investment:

You will need a certificate issued by the financial institution which brokered the deal. It must state that you are the only holder of this investment.

Company shares:

There must be a certificate from the company that received the investment, and it has to show your name clearly. It should also include how much money you invested and when it was purchased.

It’s relatively easy to renew a Portuguese Golden Visa. For most, it’s no more challenging than simply keeping the original investment and showing proof to the Immigration officials. They are known as SEF.

You need to spend at least seven days a year in the country to qualify. This is less demanding than in other European countries. You must also show that you can support your and, if applicable, your family’s lifestyle while in Portugal. You should also have a valid medical insurance policy. 

The initial residency permit is issued for a two-year period and can easily be renewed every two years. After five years of living in Portugal, Golden Visa holders can get Permanent Residency or Portuguese Citizenship. These statuses have additional rights.

Our lawyers will explain if you’re eligible to apply. They will also help you understand the other residency by investment programs.

Portugal asks for a clean criminal record and proof of a local address. Sometimes, you may need to provide other paperwork like marriage certificates, so we recommend working with an immigration expert.