Golden Visa Program
Portugal is an associate member of the European Union and NATO. It lies along the coast of Iberian Peninsula in South-Western Europe and shares borders with Spain in the east and north sides; with the Atlantic Ocean dominating the coastline in the west and south sides. Portugal enjoys a temperate maritime climate with hot summers and wet winters, affected by the Atlantic, Continental and Mediterranean influences.
Portugal has a well-developed medical system with a high standard where free medication and service are provided by public hospitals with a relatively short queue time. Private hospitals are also available and charges a reasonable fee.
Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world. With the Portugal Golden Residence Permit, one can travel to other European and Schengen member countries freely. The capital of Portugal is Lisbon and the population is approximately 10.63 million. The climate range is 8-14 degrees Celsius in Spring and 17-28 degrees Celsius in Fall. The time zone of Portugal is 7 hours behind Hong Kong and drives on the right side of the road. The flight time from Hong Kong to Lisbon is around 19 hours with one stop-over.
The Program offers five investment options for potential investors:
- Invest 500,000 euros in a venture capital fund with a term of at least five years and at least 60% of the investment portfolio in companies registered in Portugal (real estate does not apply);
- Invest 500,000 euros in public or private research institutions within the national science or technology system research activities (only an investment of 400,000 euros in low population density areas);
- Invest 250,000 euros in support of artistic production or in the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage (In areas of low population density only an investment of 200,000 euros is required);
- Creation of a minimum of ten new jobs (only eight new jobs are needed in low population density areas);
- Invest 500,000 euros to establish a commercial company registered in Portugal and headquartered in Portugal, or to increase the share capital of an existing commercial organization with a head office in the national territory and create at least five permanent jobs within three years.
Advantages:
- Low investment requirement;
- Low physical presence requirement;
- Can include extensive family members as dependents: spouse; children under 18 years of age or unmarried children over 18 years of age who are studying; full-time and financially dependent on parents; parent(s) of the main applicant and spouse who are financially dependent on the main applicant (retirement certificate required); siblings who are financially dependent on the main applicant;
- Applicant and dependents can live, work and study in Portugal;
- Dual citizenship is allowed;
- Visa free travel to all Schengen member states;
- Once Portugal citizenship status is granted, the applicant and dependent(s) can enjoy the freedom of movement and establishment with the European Union – enjoy the same benefits in all EU states as a local citizen (education, employment, medical benefits, social security, etc.);
- Portugal passport holders enjoy 165 countries visa free travel worldwide.