Portugal’s Golden Visa program is one of the most attractive residency-byinvestment schemes in Europe. It offers non-EU citizens a pathway to obtaining Portuguese residency and eventually citizenship through qualifying investments. Since its inception, the program has gathered significant interest due to its flexible requirements and numerous benefits. For individuals seeking to enhance their global mobility, secure a stable and high-quality lifestyle, or diversify their investment portfolio, the Portuguese Golden Visa stands out as an excellent choice. And despite what you may have heard, it has not ended, though some criteria have changed. Let’s take a deep dive into Portugal’s Golden Visa scheme and learn all there is to know about it, shall we?
To qualify for the Portuguese Golden Visa, investors must make a minimum investment of €500,000. The investment options include:
1. Capital transfers: investors can acquire shares in non-real estate collective investment undertakings. These must be set up under Portuguese law, have a minimum maturity of five years, and at least 60% of the investment value must be made in Portuguese-based commercial companies.
2. Real estate investments: though there are restrictions on direct real estate investments, the program still allows for investments in hospitality and serviced-apartments through funds like the Ando Europe Fund managed by Optylon Krea.
Optylon Krea offers the Ando Europe Fund as a Golden Visa-eligible investment option. The fund focuses on:
Up until now, we’ve seen all the benefits, requirements and options of Portugal’s Golden Visa, but where does it stand when compared with other similar programs
1. Greece: Greece offers a more affordable Golden Visa with a minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate (to be bumped to € 400,000 to 800,000 from September 2024). However, it does not provide a direct route to citizenship as easily as Portugal’s Golden Visa does.
2. Spain: Spain's Golden Visa also has a €500,000 real estate investment requirement. While it offers residency, the path to citizenship is longer, requiring ten years of residency instead of Portugal’s five years requirement and 7-days minimum stay/per year.
3. Cyprus: the Cypriot program demands an investment of €300,000 (excluding VAT) in real estate, but contrary to Portugal's scheme, offers no direct route to citizenship, as this requires a continuous physical stay in the country of at least seven years.
In conclusion, the Portuguese Golden Visa program, as facilitated by Optylon Krea, presents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking residency and citizenship in Europe. With its minimal stay requirements, family inclusion, and strong economic and safety profile, it is more than an attractive proposition, it’s the ultimate solution for global non-EU citizens. When compared to other European residency programs, Portugal's Golden Visa stands out for its balance of affordability, benefits, and a clear pathway to citizenship. And by investing in the Ando Europe Fund, applicants not only secure their Portuguese Golden Visa, but also gain exposure to a diversified and potentially lucrative investment in the country's thriving hospitality sector.
Contact us today and start to unlock the benefits of European citizenship through this Portuguese golden opportunity!