Prior to 2022 the rules for GV application were straightforward, buy a property in Portugal for EUR 500k cash down and then apply.  However, in 2022 the rules changed, and this article aims to explain those changes and explore the trends we’re seeing with clients making applications.

What is the Portugal Golden Visa?

The Portugal Golden Visa (GV) is the most popular residency by investment scheme in the World.  Since 2012 more than 10,000 investors and a further 17,000 qualifying family members of international investors have obtained residency through the GV programme.

As a result, they now have access to:

• The best Schools and Universities in Europe (often for free)
• Healthcare in all 26 Schengen Countries (also usually for free!)
• Visa free travel to 185 countries including USA, Canada and Japan
• Right of unlimited stay, travel and work in the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

The Portugal GV scheme has changed but remains one of the most popular schemes in the World.

What has Changed?

The primary changes relate to location, and amount of money required to invest.  Since the start of 2022 residential properties in coastal regions and major cities such as Lisbon and Porto no longer qualify.  Rural areas, Portugal’s interior and some outlying areas around the Algarve are still in qualifying areas.

However, for most international investors, the thought of investing in rural Portugal is unappealing, carries unnecessary risk and liquidity issues.  As such, most clients prefer a prime location with consistent capital appreciation, rentability and simplicity of sale and exit.

What’s the Solution?

Commercial Properties in Prime Locations still qualify, and the minimums for investment can be as low as EUR 280k. 

We focus on the best locations in Portugal’s prime investment growth locations, such as the Algarve, Porto and Lisbon by identifying touristic properties that qualify for the GV programme.  And, as we’re based in Portugal, we conduct due diligence on the ground (not from a distance):

1. Track record of developer
2. Clear route to exit
3. Attractive Income
4. Capital Appreciation

Contact us now to see what projects we’re working on, get images of completed or in-progress projects and walk-throughs of apartments, apart-hotels and qualifying properties all over Portugal.