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April 7, 2025
April 7, 2025

A Comprehensive Guide to the Portugal Golden Visa via Investment Funds

Author By Prashant Ajmera Categories Europe, Europe Golden Visa, European Citizenship, Portugal, Portugal Golden Visa, Portugal Investor Visa, Second Passport

A Comprehensive Guide to the Portugal Golden Visa via Investment Funds

Portugal’s Golden Visa program is one of the most sought-after residency-by-investment options in Europe. Designed to attract international investors, this program allows non-EU citizens to secure residency in Portugal by making qualifying investments. Among the various investment options, investing in a Portuguese investment fund is gaining significant popularity due to its flexibility and potential financial returns. Here, we outline the basic requirements, advantages, application process, and associated costs for securing a Portugal Golden Visa through fund investment.

Basic Requirements for Portugal Golden Visa via Fund Investment

To qualify for a Portugal Golden Visa through investment funds, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Minimum Investment:
    • Invest at least €500,000 in a qualifying Portuguese investment fund.
  2. Fund Eligibility:
    • The fund must be registered with the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM).
    • It should primarily focus on Portuguese companies, often in real estate, technology, or other high-growth sectors.
  3. Hold Period:
    • Maintain the investment for a minimum of five years.
  4. Documentation:
    • Valid passport and proof of legal residence.
    • Proof of investment in the qualifying fund.
    • Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or residence.
    • Proof of health insurance valid in Portugal.

Advantages of Investing in Funds for the Golden Visa

  1. Lower Involvement in Real Estate:
    • Unlike property purchases, fund investments require less direct management, making it ideal for remote investors.
  2. Diversification:
    • Funds offer diversified portfolios across various industries, potentially lowering investment risks.
  3. Higher Liquidity:
    • Funds are often more liquid compared to real estate, allowing for easier exit strategies after the required holding period.
  4. Potential Returns:
    • Investment funds are professionally managed, often providing attractive financial returns.
  5. Ease of Compliance:
    • No need for additional costs such as property maintenance or taxes related to ownership.

Application Process for Portugal Golden Visa

  1. Choose a Qualifying Fund:
    • Research and select a CMVM-approved fund that aligns with your investment goals.
  2. Obtain a Tax Identification Number (NIF):
    • Secure an NIF, which is essential for conducting financial transactions in Portugal.
  3. Open a Portuguese Bank Account:
    • Transfer the investment amount into a local account.
  4. Make the Investment:
    • Complete the €500,000 investment in the selected fund.
  5. Prepare Documentation:
    • Gather and notarize all required documents, including proof of investment and criminal record certificates.
  6. Submit the Application:
    • Apply online through the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).
  7. Biometric Appointment:
    • Attend a biometric data collection appointment at a SEF office.
  8. Approval and Residency Permit Issuance:
    • Upon approval, receive a renewable residency permit valid for two years.

Costs and Government Fees Involved

  1. Investment Amount:
    • Minimum of €500,000 in a qualifying fund.
  2. Government Fees:
    • Application Processing Fee: Approximately €605 per applicant.
    • Residence Permit Issuance Fee: Around €6,045 per applicant.
  3. Legal and Administrative Costs:
    • Legal Assistance: Fees range from €5,000 to €8,000 for a single applicant.
    • Translation and Notarization: Costs vary depending on the complexity of the documents.
  4. Fund-Related Fees:
    • Subscription Fee: Up to 7.5% of the investment amount.
    • Annual Management Fee: Typically 0.5% to 3% of the invested capital.
  5. Additional Costs:
    • Health Insurance: Premiums starting at approximately €400 per person annually.
    • Miscellaneous Fees: These include costs for obtaining the NIF and opening a bank account.

Summary of Costs

Expense Approximate Cost Notes
Investment Amount €500,000 Direct investment in a qualifying fund.
Application Fee €605 per applicant One-time fee for initial processing.
Permit Issuance Fee €6,045 per applicant Paid upon approval of the residency permit.
Legal Assistance €5,000 to €8,000 Varies based on the law firm’s services.
Fund Subscription Fee Up to 7.5% of investment Charged by the fund.
Annual Fund Fee 0.5% to 3% of investment Ongoing fund management cost.
Health Insurance €400+ per person annually Required for all applicants.
Translation/Notarization Varies Document preparation costs.

Conclusion

Investing in Portuguese funds under the Golden Visa program offers a streamlined and efficient pathway to residency in Portugal. With professional fund management, potential financial returns, and fewer obligations compared to real estate, this option is increasingly favored by global investors. However, it’s essential to understand the associated costs and comply with all legal requirements to ensure a smooth application process.

If you’re considering applying for the Portugal Golden Visa via investment funds, we can provide expert guidance to help you navigate the complexities. Contact us for tailored advice and assistance on your journey to Portuguese residency.

 

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The author of this article is Mr. Prashant Ajmera, an Indian immigration lawyer and Canadian citizen. He is the founder of Ajmera Law Group and the author of two books, “Millionaires On The Book” and “How to Plan for Your Child’s Foreign Education.” Over the past 30 years, he has assisted and advised over 30,000 students and families on planning their foreign education and settlement. He regularly speaks at various forums on this subject.

October 14, 2023
October 14, 2023

Portugal Golden Visa Investment in Private and Public Funds

Author By ajmeralawim Categories Business Visa, Portugal, Portugal Golden Visa, Portugal Investor Visa

Portugal Golden Visa: Investing in Private and Publick Funds Under the New 2023 Rules

Introduction

As of October 2023, Portugal has made significant changes to its Golden Visa program, making it no longer possible to obtain this prestigious status through real estate investments. This shift marks a remarkable transformation in the Portuguese real estate market, which has evolved from being one of the weakest markets, especially after the Lehman Brothers’ collapse, to a booming industry in 2023.

This transformation can be largely attributed to the introduction of the Golden Visa program in 2012. However, the rapid rise in real estate demand prompted the Portuguese government to discontinue real estate investments as a means of acquiring a Golden Visa.

But fear not, as there are still alternative avenues to pursue this coveted visa.

Despite the closure of the real estate investment route, there are six different investment options available for those aspiring to secure a Portugal Golden Visa:

  1. Capital Investment Options:
    • A financial investment or capital transfer of more than €1 million into any business or company, alongside the creation of at least 10 permanent jobs.
    • A financial investment of €1 million in government securities and bonds.
    • A transfer of funds exceeding €350,000 for research activities.
    • A transfer of funds exceeding €350,000 for the acquisition of units of investment funds or venture capital funds.
    • A transfer of funds exceeding €250,000 for artistic or cultural activities.
    • A transfer of funds exceeding €500,000 for the capitalization of small and medium-sized companies.

Ajmera Law Group strongly believes that investing in funds will become the most popular investment choice for obtaining a Portugal Golden Visa in the coming years.

Advantages of Fund-Based Investments

Investing in funds for a Golden Visa has several distinct advantages over real estate:

  1. Cost-Efficiency: Fund investments typically incur lower costs than real estate, as there are no property taxes or maintenance fees to worry about.
  2. No Property Management: With funds, there is no need to concern yourself with property management, tenants, or rental issues.
  3. Potential for Higher Returns: Well-selected funds can provide more favorable returns compared to real estate investments.
  4. Ease of Liquidation: Selling a fund investment is generally more straightforward than selling real estate.
  5. No Property Management Fees: Funds don’t come with the ongoing management fees associated with real estate properties.

Selecting the Right Fund

When considering fund-based investments for a Portugal Golden Visa, it’s crucial to exercise due diligence:

  1. Avoid Real Estate Exposure: Ensure that the fund is not invested in real estate, in compliance with the new regulations.
  2. Regulatory Compliance: Confirm that the fund is registered with the Portugal Securities Market Commission (CMVM) for transparency and regulatory adherence.
  3. Portuguese Company Investment: Verify that the fund allocates a significant portion (at least 60%) of its assets to Portuguese companies.
  4. Investment Diversity: Assess the fund’s diversification strategy to minimize risk.
  5. Exit Strategy: Consider the ease of selling the fund at the end of the mandatory investment period required for the Golden Visa.

Conclusion

With the closure of the real estate investment option for Portugal Golden Visas, investors are now presented with a compelling opportunity to explore fund-based investments.

These investments offer various advantages, such as cost-efficiency, hassle-free management, potential for higher returns, and easier liquidation.

However, it’s crucial to choose funds wisely, ensuring compliance with the new rules and focusing on factors like diversification and an effective exit strategy.

As Portugal’s Golden Visa program evolves, these fund-based investments may well become the preferred pathway for investors seeking this prestigious status.

8 Different Options to Invest in Portugal for a Golden Visa
November 15, 2022
November 15, 2022

8 Different Options to Invest in Portugal for a Golden Visa and Expand Your Business in Europe

Author By ajmeralawim Categories Portugal, Portugal Golden Visa, Portugal Investor Visa

With open and unbiased policies, any country can attract people from other countries, especially when the host country is embarking on new milestones and progressing rapidly. Portugal tops the list of countries where the standard of living is high; hence, the government is attracting large amounts of investment from across the globe.

The reason for Portugal’s economic growth is its soft policy for foreign investors as well as the security and benefits it offers. Recently, the Portuguese regime introduced the golden visa program for non-EU investors that grants them residence permits for as minimum as five years in return for their investment.

Most sectors of Portugal see new heights through modernization and digitalization. However, as a reputable Portugal investor visa consultant in India, we outlined eight investment options for you to win a golden visa and, obviously, return too.

#1 Direct Investment in the company or business

If you were born with a business mind, you already know what business can bring back. Immersive opportunities are present in Portugal to expand the company as it is one of the European countries. It means business investment can directly give easy access to 26 Schengen countries.

Under the golden visa investment policy, you must invest more than €1 million in any company or business. Also, this business should be capable of generating employment for at least ten people.

#2 Government bonds and securities

In the last few decades, the economic growth of Portugal has increased. Government bonds and securities are another best way to invest in officially issued debt obligations. You can earn a yield on a specific interval in return for these bonds and securities.

It requires as minimum as €1 million investment in government securities and bonds.

#3 Investment funds or venture capital fund

Investment and venture capital funds are very famous options to capitalize on growing startups, businesses, or companies. Apart from its long-term profits, you can acquire a certain percentage of equity of the particular company. Your capital invested in the right business in Portugal has outstanding potential to bring you enormous profit back.

According to Portugal golden visa Investment, you must invest above €350,000 in a business funding round.

#4 Research activities

Portuguese have been involved in astronomical, marine, medical, technological, and other research for a long time because of their presence near the Atlantic Ocean. The Portuguese government’s research and development wing provide all needed support for innovations and research across the country. If you are a researcher or involved in R&D, there is no place like Portugal.

For the golden visa, you must make over €350,000 in any research activity located in Portugal to be a part of it.

#5 Artistic & cultural activities

Are you fond of creativity? If yes, then Portugal lets you embrace its roman legacy with the touch of other cultures like Celtic, Lusitanian, Phoenician, Germanic, Visigoth, Viking, Sephardic Jewish, and Moorish. Thousand-year-old art and painting are kept in museums that narrate their glorious history.

Golden visa guidelines state that you have to make an investment of above €250,000 in artistic production or any cultural revival activity.

#6 Investment in SMEs

According to the golden visa program, you can acquire or back any small and medium size company, though the investment should be more significant than €500,000. SMEs are holding up a significant proportion in Portugal’s companies. It is a win-win situation for both investors as well as SMEs.

#7 Residential real estate property

After acquiring residential real estate property, you can also become liable for a golden visa. To buy a residential property in a highly dense and particular interior area, you have to invest €500,000.

However, you can also buy residential real estate property with a lower budget at €350,000. However, this property must be a part of the rehabilitation project.

Also, if you buy the property in a low-populated area, then you can get a 20% discount on the maximum investment limit. This allows you to make investment of € 280,000 and receive Portugal golden visa with family.

#8 Commercial real estate property

The same rule applies to acquiring commercial real estate property as residential real estate. You can make property investments as low as €500,000 in the interior area and €350,000 in the low-density area.

Conclusion 

The golden visa program is undoubtedly a golden opportunity for investors planning to expand their businesses. Apart from permanent residency, the Portuguese regime also ensures the security of investors and their families. Top of this, capital investment under the Portuguese citizenship golden visa program opens the door to the entire Europe. So, you must consider Portugal and have it on the list while investing your money abroad. However, looking to the popularity of the program and recent statement made by president of Portugal, Golden visa may not remain open for long time.

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