The Portugal Golden Visa provides a unique opportunity to gain Portuguese citizenship after five years of residency. With a minimal physical presence requirement of just 7 days per year in Portugal, you can apply for citizenship and receive a Portuguese passport, allowing you to live, work, study, and travel freely within the European Union. This makes the Portugal Golden Visa one of the easiest routes to acquiring EU citizenship, offering unlimited mobility across Europe.
Portugal offers one of the most attractive tax regimes in Europe. Unlike Canada or the United States, where global income is taxed, Portugal does not tax global income for non-residents. The Golden Visa program offers an additional advantage through Portugal’s Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) program, providing tax exemptions on foreign income for up to 10 years. Moreover, any capital gains from investments made under the Golden Visa, such as funds, are tax-free.
Real Estate Investment Abolished for Golden Visa
Historically, the Golden Visa allowed residency through investments in real estate. However, in October 2023, the Portuguese government abolished the real estate investment route due to rising property prices and concerns about housing affordability.
As a result, the focus has shifted to alternative investments, particularly in funds, which are now the preferred route to obtaining a Portugal Golden Visa.
With real estate investment becoming more restrictive, investment funds have become the most attractive and secure way to obtain a Portugal Golden Visa. Here’s why:
At Bluewater Immigration, we have leveraged our extensive network in Portugal to become a one-stop shop for clients seeking to navigate the Golden Visa program. We offer access to top-performing funds that guarantee a high return on investment, while also ensuring excellent legal support throughout the process. With our deep connections in Portugal, we’ve done the hard work for you—creating relationships with trusted partners so you don’t have to waste time or effort finding the right investment opportunities.
By working with us, you benefit from a smooth, hassle-free experience. We assist you from investment identification to obtaining EU citizenship, ensuring that you can focus on your goals while we handle the details.
Minimum €500,000 into an eligible investment fund.
Average of 7 days per year in Portugal.
No serious criminal convictions.
Prove sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in Portugal.
After maintaining your Golden Visa for five years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship, granting you the right to live, work, study, and travel throughout the European Union.
To qualify for Portuguese citizenship, one of the requirements is demonstrating a basic level of proficiency in the Portuguese language. Investors must take a language test at the A2 level to meet this requirement.
However, if you are unable to take the A2 language test, there is an alternative option. You can complete a 150-hour Portuguese language course through NIALP (National Institute for Administration and Language Programs). Upon completion, you will receive a certificate from NIALP, which is sufficient to fulfill the language requirement for Portuguese citizenship.
This makes the language requirement relatively straightforward and accessible, even for those who may not be able to take the traditional language test.
As with any residency or citizenship program, when a program is as straightforward and attractive as the Portugal Golden Visa, it is important to act quickly. Such opportunities don’t last forever, and changes to the program could be implemented soon due to the high volume of applications.
By acting now, you not only gain the opportunity to invest €500,000 and eventually receive it back with returns but also secure a powerful Portuguese passport and access to the entire EU. Combine this with the low physical presence requirement, tax efficiency, and the thriving Portuguese economy, and it’s easy to see why Portugal is a prime destination for investors looking to settle in Europe.
The program is simple, efficient, and offers tremendous potential for long-term growth. Grab your opportunity now before the window closes!
Ready to get started? Contact Bluewater Immigration today to strategize your journey toward obtaining the Portugal Golden Visa and securing your future as an EU citizen. Let us guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the right investment to achieving your goal of obtaining Portuguese citizenship.