Changes to Portugal’s Golden Visa residence permit will come into effect of the 1st of January 2022.
The Portuguese government has approved new regulations concerning the real estate and capital transfer investment requirements, which will take effect next year. The main changes concern the following:
- Geographical restrictions for residential properties – Properties purchased in Lisbon, Porto, or anywhere on the coast of the mainland will not be eligible.
- Increased minimum investment requirements.
Such increases to the investment requirements are listed below.
Changes to Investment Requirements
| Investment Option | Until 31st December 2021 | From the 1st January 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer of capital | €1,000,000 | €1,500,000 |
| Purchase of shares in venture capital fund | €350,000 | €500,000 |
| Investment in shares in a new or existing business | €350,000 + creation 5 new jobs | €500,000 + creation 5 new jobs |
| Investment in scientific research | €350,000 | €500,000 |
| Investment in cultural/heritage projects | €250,000 | €250,000 |
| To open a new company in Portugal | Creation of 10 jobs | Creation of 10 jobs |
The aim of these amendments is to promote investment by foreigners in low-density regions, particularly in urban regeneration, cultural heritage, activities of high environmental or social value, productive investment, and job creation. Applications based on the current regime, will remain in force until 31 December 2021, and the respective family reunification applications are safeguarded.
Since 2012, Portugal has allowed non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA citizens, to enter and remain in Portugal if they are going to engage in investment activities in the country, through the Portuguese Golden Visa (ARI) scheme.
The scheme offers several attractive investment routes such as purchasing real estate, investing in venture capital, research, or an existing business.
For more information, please contact us at Vertex Alliance to request our fact sheet or consultation.
