The Portuguese golden visa allows investors to freely access all Schengen countries, and a country that offers not just exciting business prospects, but a place you’ll want to call home: Portugal
Portugal has a long history of bringing the world closer together. The country’s global maritime exploration in the 15th century, mapping the coasts of Africa, Canada, Asia and Brazil, linked continents and cultures as never before. Five hundred years since early explorers set off across the Atlantic, diversity remains a central part of our welcoming culture and unique hospitality. In 2021, the world is closer than it has ever been – and, if the coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it is the viability of remote, global living. Portugal’s rich history has made it one of Europe’s top tourist destinations.
The delicious food, amazing beaches, golf courses and enviable Mediterranean climate attracted almost 28 million visitors to Portugal in 2019 alone. Colourful, thriving cities such as Porto and Lisbon – one of the oldest capital cities in Europe, second only to Athens – complement the rolling green hills of the rural inland, and, of course, the paradise of golden sand and blue sea along our Atlantic coast. So, it’s no surprise that Portugal is home to the World Travel Awards’ best island destination (Madeira), city break destination (Lisbon) and beach destination (the Algarve). The Iberian Peninsula truly has it all.
Despite the pandemic, the Portuguese economy actually grew by around two percent in 2020. Currency stability, high returns on real estate and local investment funds, and the opportunity to diversify portfolios make Portugal a very attractive market for foreign investors. The country has a very affordable cost of living, thought to be almost 30 percent lower than the UK, and between five and 10 percent lower than Spain, and English is widely spoken – around 60 percent of the population is proficient – making for smooth international communication.
Portugal’s golden visa programme
The Portuguese residence permit programme, also known as the golden visa, is a scheme that grants investors access to Portuguese residency and citizenship. It is the only scheme that allows foreign investors to claim citizenship for themselves, and their families, without relocation: only 14 days every two years must be spent in Portugal. After five years, investors are eligible to apply for citizenship. Not only does the scheme provide good returns on investment, it also allows investors to secure the future of their families for generations to come.
The Portuguese passport consistently ranks among the most powerful and travel-friendly, granting visa-free access to more than 170 countries. As Portugal is part of the Schengen area, a Portuguese residence permit grants investors freedom of movement from day one, as well as the opportunity to start businesses in 25 other European countries.
In addition, investors when approved on the residency permit programme immediately gain the use of Portugal’s public hospitals at no charge, as well as access to European universities and job markets. Applying for a Portuguese golden visa brings a wealth of opportunity – from exciting business prospects to long-term plans for retirement and the education and career of the next generation – to high-net-worth individuals currently facing the obstacles that come with a weak passport or political instability in their home countries.
Portugal has one of the most accessible residence permit schemes in Europe. The Portuguese golden visa programme invites investors to claim citizenship in fewer years than comparable schemes in Spain (10 years) and Greece (seven years), and without relocation to Portugal. The Portuguese golden visa is fast, flexible – and affordable.
To find out more about the Portuguese or any of our world-wide residency programs, contact me, I will be happy to help with whatever questions you may have.
Rob
E:robert.gourlay@holbornassets.com T:(+6)01151565649 W:www.rgwealthsolutions.com
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