D9 Visa (Portuguese Golden Visa)

Real Estate Investment

You can buy residential real estate in the country’s designated interior regions for at least €500,000. If you choose to invest in a renovation, you should be willing to invest at least €350,000. Purchasing Portuguese Golden Visa properties is arguably the most common method of obtaining Portuguese citizenship.

This is due to Portugal’s reputation as a top destination for real estate investors, who value the country’s thriving real estate market, strong rental yields, and thriving tourism sector. Many foreigners purchase real estate in Portugal for vacation homes, second homes, or retirement residences.

For the golden visa, you can acquire freshly constructed residential properties in Portugal’s interior starting at €500k or buy a used home. A 20% discount applies if the residential property is situated in a designated “low-density” region. Low-density regions are areas with less than 100 people per square kilometer or per capita GDPs less than 75% of the national average.

The purchase of real estate need not be limited to a single property. The arrangement may involve acquiring more than one property as long as the minimum total is achieved.

On the other hand, applicants may combine their assets if they buy a single home for a higher purchase price. This means that two siblings can pool their funds together to purchase a property worth €1 million which qualifies each of them to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa.

Note: The program’s investment requirements have been significantly altered by the Portugal Golden Visa modifications that went into effect in late 2021. As a result, several investment options have been changed or withdrawn.

For instance, investors no longer qualify for a Portuguese Golden Visa if they own residential properties in Lisbon, Porto, or other seaside towns on the mainland. However, you are still eligible if you purchase a commercial property in these areas.

Scientific Research Activities

You can contribute a minimum of €350,000 to the country’s scientific or technological research activities.

Capital Transfer

You can invest at least €1.5 million in Portugal as a capital transfer.

Fund Subscription

You can also contribute at least €500,000 to a qualified investment fund. A good method of obtaining residency in Portugal is investing in private equity or venture capital fund from Portugal. The CMVM, Portugal’s regulatory authority, has accredited investment fund managers who manage the investments.

Thanks to your dedicated fund manager, the Portuguese Golden Visa investment funds are properly handled in start-ups or medium-sized ventures with the greatest growth potential.

For the Portuguese Golden Visa Qualified Investment Funds, you can select from energy, technology, and real estate industries.

Overview

The initial Golden Visa residency permit has a minimum stay requirement of 14 days during a 2-year period. And a minimum period of twenty-one days throughout a three-year interval is the least length of stay required for the subsequent golden visa residency permit.

You must provide proof that you personally made the minimum investment amount required in order to obtain a residency visa in Portugal. For as long as you and your dependents are residents under the Golden Visa program, you, as the primary applicant, are required to keep up the investment.

When you become a Portuguese citizen or obtain a permanent residence visa, the investment is no longer required and can then be liquidated.

Documents Required

The golden visa applicants must provide the following paperwork for both the initial application and each renewal. Additionally, the Portuguese government reserves the right to alter the required documentation for the Portugal Golden Visa application.

• Application form for the Portuguese Golden Visa
• A copy of your travel documents and valid passport
• A signed promissory note with evidence of the deposit payment or a deed or contract for the purchased property
• A statement from your Portuguese bank attesting to the investment fund transfer
• Proof of health insurance coverage in Portugal (only required if the investor resides in Portugal). If outside of Portugal, from a health insurance company with global coverage
• A police clearance letter or a certified copy of your country of origin’s criminal record
• A signed form allowing SEF to obtain information from your criminal records in Portugal
• A statement from you attesting to your adherence to the investment criteria
• Documents attesting to good standing with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority & Social Security system. They can be granted 45 days before your online application
• Confirmation of payment for the application processing cost on a receipt
• Keep in mind that the police clearance letters or criminal history certificate must be issued no more than 90 days before your application is submitted. 180 days apply to all other certificate

Choose Your Investment Strategy

First, you must evaluate the list of possible investment types and choose which investment best suits you. Real estate investment has been chosen as the course of action by more than 90% of all Portugal Golden Visa applicants. However, in recent years, the investment fund alternative has also begun to gain popularity.

Assemble All Necessary Paperwork

You must gather all required documentation for yourself, the main applicant, and any dependents you may have. This process could get a little taxing with all the translations, notarisations, apostilles, and certifications. However, a qualified counsellor will assist in reducing the tedium.

Total Law is a group of specialist immigration lawyers based in the UK, and we are prepared to assist you with any immigration-related concerns.

Call +44 (0)333 305 9375 to speak with one of our immigration attorneys about your situation right away. You can contact us in person, over the phone, or online for assistance.

Get a NIF and Open a Portuguese Bank Account

Having a Portuguese bank account is necessary since the Portuguese government requires golden visa applicants to fund their investments from a bank account in Portugal. You also need a NIF, Portugal’s tax identification number, to open the account.

Opening a bank account and obtaining a NIF in Portugal can be accomplished in a single day. You can assign your lawyers to accomplish this task without being physically present in the country.

Getting Your NIF

You must obtain proof of address from your country of residence and visit a Finanças office in Portugal with your proof of address and government-issued identification. You will have your NIF number within the hour.

As mentioned above, you don’t need to be in Portugal if you give your lawyer power of attorney to accomplish this stage.

Opening a Portuguese Bank Account

In contrast to many other nations, Portuguese banks make it quite simple for foreigners and non-residents to open a bank account. The banking and maintenance expenses are relatively reasonable compared to the rest of Europe.

Only your passport or other official travel documents, a Portuguese phone number, your NIF number, proof of address from your residence country, and evidence of income are required. When you have all the required paperwork, visit your bank branch to open an account. In most cases, law firms have good relationships with one or more banks. It is best to ask them for guidance to speed the process up.

Make the Investment

Once you’ve decided on the investment plan to go with, you can then make the payment to secure your investment.

Submit Your Pre-Application

After you have made the qualifying investment and gathered all relevant paperwork, you can proceed to submit your pre-application online. Often, your lawyers will handle this on your behalf and let you know if there is anything you are missing out.

It typically takes two months from submitting your documents until the appointment date.

Attend Your SEF Appointment

After reviewing your pre-application, SEF will give you a list of dates for your biometrics appointment. On the scheduled appointment date, you and your dependents must be physically present at the relevant SEF office for your fingerprint capturing and to complete your application.

Get Your Golden Visa

When your golden visa applications are approved, you and your dependents will be given your residency cards which serve as your temporary residence permit. The cards will be gathered by your law office or your professional advisor and sent your way.

The card has a validity period of two years, after which you will be required to renew your Golden Visa card to get a new one. Typically, it takes four months or more from the time of your biometrics appointment to get your cards.