Golden Visa
Signature Properties Solutions
Signature Properties Solutions
Established in 2012, the Golden Visa Program aims to attract foreign investors to reside and invest in Portugal. Once in possession of a GV, investors are allowed to travel within the Schengen area without the need of a visa. The investor can also then apply to extend the residency to their immediate family members. The Goldens visa Program is still valid for the Algarve.
Established in 2012, the Golden Visa Program aims to attract foreign investors to reside and invest in Portugal. Once in possession of a GV, investors are allowed to travel within the Schengen area without the need of a visa. The investor can also then apply to extend the residency to their immediate family members. The Goldens visa Program is still valid for the Algarve.
To qualify for a Golden Visa the applicant must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Capital transfer
- Capital transfers equal to or exceeding €500,000 in qualifying venture capital funds (with no real estate investments)
- Capital transfer equal to or more than €500,000 in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions
- Capital transfers of €250,000 or more in supporting artistic production, recovery, or maintenance of national cultural heritage
- Capital transfers of €500,000 or more for forming a commercial company based in the national territory with the creation of five permanent jobs
- Job creation
- Formation of at least 10 permanent job positions in Portugal.
- Formation of at least 10 permanent job positions in Portugal.
Once issued, the golden visa is valid for an initial 2 year period which should be renewed every subsequent 2 years. The investor will need to provide proof that they have remained in Portugal for an average of 7 days per year during each Golden Visa period. You must maintain the investment as long as you and your dependents hold Golden Visa residency status.
D7 Visa
D7 Visa
The D7 Visa, also known as the Retirement or Passive Income Visa, is a long-term resident visa that was created in 2007 and does not need investment, unlike the Portugal Golden Visa. This visa is for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens with a reasonable passive income who want to live in Portugal. This income can come from a retirement pension, a financial investment, real estate, or a salary, among other sources.
The main candidate must have a minimum passive income of (currently) €9,120 per year. You must add 50% to this (€4,560) for a spouse, and 30% to this (€2,736) for a dependent child. To be eligible for the D7 Visa, a couple with one child would need to earn roughly €16,416 per year.
In order to be eligible for a D7 Visa in Portugal, you must meet certain requirements. The following are the key requirements for obtaining a Portugal D7 Visa.
- Citizen of a country that is not a member of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or the Swiss Confederation
- A minimum annual passive income: see above
- No felony convictions
- Proof of a Portuguese residence address (rental or purchase)
- Proof of (private) health insurance
- During the first two years, you must spend at least 16 months in Portugal.
- In addition to that, you need to show that you have at least 12 months of savings on a Portuguese bank account.
The D7 Visa allows you to gain permanent residence in Portugal after a period of 5 years. The first visa has a validity of 2 years which can be renewed for another 3 years. You can seek permanent residency after five years of legal residency.
Holders of the D7 Visa can enjoy many benefits. These include:
- Visa-free movement around the Schengen area
- Pathway to permanent residency and later Portuguese citizenship
- The right to access national healthcare in Portugal
- The right to apply for family reunification
- Full protection under Portuguese law
- Access to tax benefits.
D8 Digital Nomad
D8 Digital Nomad
The D8 visa enables the respective holder to obtain a residence permit in Portugal for a period of one year, which can then be renewed for successive periods of 2 years and can be converted into a permanent residence permit after 5 years.
- Portugal offers a visa for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and it’s aimed at digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers. The D8 comes in 2 formats: a “temporary stay visa” and “a residence visa”. The temporary stay visa allows you to live in Portugal for up to 1 year. This is ideal for people who intend to stay in Portugal for a short period or for those who have not made up their mind yet.
- The residence visa option allows you to stay for up to 5 years, with the possibility of renewal or exchange for permanent residency after. After 5 years, you will also be able to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
- You would need to be able to prove an income of at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (around €3280 p/month in 2024), in the last 3 months.
- You would also need to prove a contract with clients or your employer
In case of the residence visa, you need a rental contract for at least 1 year.
Holders of the D8 Visa can enjoy many benefits. These include:
- Visa-free movement around the Schengen area
- Pathway to permanent residency and later Portuguese citizenship
- The right to access national healthcare in Portugal
- The right to apply for family reunification
- The right to have a professional activity in Portugal
- Certain tax advantages
