Portugal Citizenship By Investment For UAE Citizens

For UAE citizens interested in applying for Portuguese citizenship through the investment program, the qualifying requirements are:

• Clean criminal record.
• Valid health insurance policy from an approved provider.
• Meeting residency requirements
• Financial means to make the necessary investment
• Compliance with the program’s rules and regulations

To apply for a Portuguese Golden Visa through the investment program if you’re a UAE citizen, it is crucial to gather the correct documents. These include:

• Valid passport
• Certified copy of birth certificate
• Police clearance certificate confirming no criminal convictions.
• Comprehensive health insurance policy
• Depending on the chosen investment path, documents to verify your financial commitment and demonstrate business ownership
• Marriage certificate ( if applicable)
• Children’s documents, such as birth certificate (if applicable)
• Detailed business plan (if applicable)

Total Law immigration lawyers can guide you on the tax implications of acquiring Portuguese citizenship and help you structure your finances in a tax-efficient manner.

For UAE citizens, understanding and choosing the right investment route is the first step towards obtaining Portuguese citizenship by investment.

Once you have correlated the correct paperwork you should send your visa application to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF). You will be required to attend an appointment at the Portuguese embassy in UAE to provide biometric data.

If approved, you can travel to Portugal and apply for an initial residence permit. This permit is usually issued for 2 years but can be renewed at the local SEF office.

Overseas investors can qualify for a Residence Permit or Portuguese citizenship if they meet the necessary residency of at least five years, as well as other requirements such as language proficiency and cultural ties to the country.

Our immigration professionals offer advice on the investment that’s best for you and help you understand how a Golden Visa program works. We can help you understand and meet the mandatory requirements for Portugal citizenship or a Residence Permit, ensuring that you maintain your eligibility for citizenship throughout the process.

The duration to process a Portuguese citizenship application may extend to a maximum of one year.

Several factors can influence the processing time to get your citizenship by investment in Portugal for UAE citizens. These include:

• A high volume of applications to process
• Verifying documents submitted with your application.
• If further background checks or criminal record checks are needed
• Failure to meet the Portugal citizenship program requirements
• If you relocate or have multiple residences.

Seeking advice and assistance from professionals who specialize in the Golden Visa program can streamline the process and potentially reduce processing time.

The application fee for the Golden Visa in Portugal is €533.00 for the main applicant and €84 for each dependent family member applying. This fee must be paid before submitting the Portugal Golden Visa application.

However, as fees and requirements for visa applications can change over time, it’s essential to verify the most up-to-date information through our immigration experts before proceeding with your application.

The main applicant from the UAE should also budget for ongoing costs associated with renewing their residency. The cost to renew the residence permit is about €2,663 for every family member with each renewal.

While Portugal’s Golden Visa program offers an opportunity for UAE citizens, there are instances where applications may face rejection. Common causes for refusal include:

• Missing or inaccurate documents
• Financial documents not meeting the program’s requirements
• Mandatory residency requirements not met
• Changes in your circumstances, such as criminal records or other legal issues
• Updates in the criteria requirements of the visa itself

In case your application is rejected, our legal experts can guide you through the appeals process, helping you address the reasons for rejection and prepare a strong appeal.

We can ensure that your application complies with the latest immigration laws and regulations, safeguarding you from any legal complications that may arise due to changing policies.

The Portuguese Citizenship by Investment program allows for an appeals process. Upon receiving a rejection, you’ll be provided with a formal notice outlining the reasons for the denial.

It is advisable to examine carefully the reasons why your application was refused as in some cases providing additional documents could rectify the issues cited in the rejection notice.

Any appeals must be submitted to the SEF within a specific timeframe (typically 30 days). Your appeal should address the reasons for the rejection and include any new documents.

The SEF will then review your appeal and the newly provided documents. They will consider whether your case now meets the program’s requirements. A decision will be made to either approve your Portugal Golden Visa appeal or confirm the rejection.

You should consider seeking advice from an immigration specialist if you are considering an appeal as it can be a challenging process.

If you are a UAE citizen with a Golden Visa Resident Permit, you can apply for a Portuguese passport once you have gained Portuguese citizenship.

A passport will confirm that you are entitled to the benefits of being a Portuguese citizen and allow you to work, live and study across the EU.

You will need to submit a passport application alongside proof of citizenship and you will need to show you have passed the integration test. This exam evaluates your knowledge of the Portuguese language, history and culture.

Processing of a passport takes around five working days and is issued for a period of five years. The cost ranges from 175 euros to 250 euros, depending on the category applied for.

There are similar costs associated with renewing the passport even if the document is lost or stolen.

UAE citizens can have dual citizenship in Portugal. It means you can become a Portuguese citizen without forfeiting your original citizenship although you may have to ask permission from UAE authorities before submitting your application.

Our immigration lawyers provide expert guidance and clear explanations of the Portugal Golden Visa application process, keeping you informed at every stage and helping you make well-informed decisions.