For those looking to open a business in Europe, expand their business in Europe, or want to send their children to school in Europe then a second citizenship is the best option for you. A Portuguese citizenship is now easily available through the Portugal Golden Visa or Portugal citizenship by Investment Program.
A Portuguese passport allows the holder free movement meaning that one can live, work, and study in Portugal and anywhere else within the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland and the United Kingdom and can travel visa-free to 186 countries.
Portugal Golden Visa investment opportunities
The Portugal Golden Visa is an investor’s residence permit and is the most successful citizenship by investment program in Europe and in the world as the Portuguese government encourages varied investments in real estate, capital investments and business investments that will create employment opportunities.
Investment Opportunities in Real Estate
The Portugal Golden Visa real estate option is perhaps the most popular way to get residency in Portugal. This is because Portugal is seen as a prime destination among property investors, with a flourishing real estate market, high rental yields, and a booming tourism industry.
The Portuguese real estate market is diverse and cheaper in comparison to the other countries in Western Europe and has many low-density real estate options that are highly encouraged by the Portuguese government. For example, an investment of at least €400,000.00 in an urban regeneration area is highly feasible. The stable and dynamic Portuguese economy that is fueled by the continuous growth in the tourism sector has led to a rise in the profitability of short and long term rentals.
Capital Investments
Portuguese capital investments are regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission and promise a high return on investments. These include venture capital investments in real estate, start-up technology companies, energy and industry. A capital transfer of at least €1,000,000 to a Portuguese bank is the first step towards a Portuguese residency visa that may be invested in private equity funds or Portugal Golden Visa venture capital funds.
Other investment options are the investment of at least €350,000 for the creation of a commercial company or for research in science and technology in public or private scientific research institutes.
Capital transfers of at least €250,000 to support Portuguese arts or for the reconstruction of important national heritage are also possible.
Creating Employment Opportunities
Business investment options that the Portuguese government encourages is setting up a business that will provide at least ten Portuguese nationals with a full-time job like for example investing €1,000,000 in a Portuguese company or reinforcing the share capital of a company with at least a purchase €1,000,000 worth of shares that will create at least five full-time jobs for Portuguese nationals.
Portugal Golden Visa tax benefits
Portugal’s Golden Visa income tax benefits are a big draw for foreign investors looking to get the most out of their financial contribution. Visa holders don’t need to pay extra taxes on income produced outside of Portugal.
There’s also an option to register as a fiscal resident for tax purposes in Portugal. This is a fantastic option as it’ll allow you to then directly benefit from Portugal’s Non-Habitual Tax (NHR) Regime. NHR is a generous tax program with numerous benefits pertaining to your global income. It offers tax-free incentives on certain categories for a period of up to ten years.
Additionally, any Portuguese-sourced income would be taxed at a flat rate of 20% during the first ten years and there is also the option to pass on your wealth to a spouse or dependent without incurring inheritance or gift taxes.