Portugal residence permit by investment 2021 – New way to get a golden visa and latest statistics

Immigration to Portugal has many advantages for Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians. One of which can safely be called the registration of a residence permit and the further possibility of obtaining Portuguese citizenship.

Obtaining a residence permit in Portugal in 2021 provides its holder with many rights. For example, the holder of a residence permit has the right to find employment in all countries that are part of the Schengen zone.

Upon receipt of a residence permit, a migrant receives the same rights as a resident of Portugal. The only difference is that a foreign national does not have the right to participate in elections .

Charming Portugal

How to get a residence permit

If a person decides to move to Portugal for permanent residence in 2021, then he must collect all the necessary documents in his home country. According to the current legislation of this state, in order to enter the state and obtain a residence permit, a migrant initially needs to apply for a resident visa to Portugal.

A residence visa must be issued in the country of actual residence. To do this, you will need to contact the Portuguese consulate and provide a package of documents. Also, one of the main requirements for obtaining a visa is an interview with a consul.

It is worth noting that even after applying for a resident visa and traveling to Portugal with it, the foreign representative is not granted a residence permit. A visa is only the basis for issuance, but you will have to deal with the registration of a residence permit yourself immediately upon arrival in Portugal.

Example of a visa to Portugal

To obtain a residence permit in 2021, a migrant will need to contact the Ministry of Justice. This organization will need to provide a visa and submit an application for a residence permit.

In addition to the visa and application, the foreign national must bring the following documents to the ministry:

1. A valid foreign passport.
2. Certificate of no criminal record in your home republic.
3. Medical insurance.
4. Certificate of financial solvency.
5. A document indicating the availability of your own or rented housing.

What are the types of resident visas?

1. Under an employment contract. There is a constant need for good specialists, and the contract itself can be preliminary or ongoing. You can find out which specialists are in demand at the diplomatic mission; the list is approved by the government and is constantly updated. Only after a preliminary agreement with the employer is the invitation itself sent. Without the right to work here it will be very difficult, so it is worth familiarizing yourself with the vacancies presented.

1. Entrepreneurship and investment. The second interesting option would be to create a state of emergency. If you plan to personally provide services to the public, then in addition to documents for the enterprise, you need to confirm your qualifications. However, this does not guarantee 100% receipt of resident status.

Visa C to Portugal (short-term).

To guarantee a positive response, you can use the Golden Visa. For this purpose, an enterprise with at least 30 employees is founded. Plus, the founder undertakes to employ indigenous people. Also, if funds allow, you can invest them in the economy (1,000,000), in real estate (500,000). Since the introduction of the Gold Visa, more than 1,000 individuals have already taken advantage of its capabilities.

By the way, the Law “On Preferential Taxation” of 2009 is another additional advantage for future investors, because it makes it possible to enjoy tax benefits for 10 years. To apply for your tax status, you need to stay at least six months in the country. The list of preferential professions can be found on the official website of the tax service or by contacting this institution. In addition to qualified specialists, it includes persons receiving income outside Portugal. There are also good conditions for pensioners - their pension is exempt from local taxes.

The following restrictions apply to the Golden Visa:

• when purchasing real estate, do not use bank loan programs;
• for 5 years it is prohibited to get rid of an enterprise or real estate;
• the property was purchased before the adoption of the Golden Visa law;
• minimum 7 days stay for the whole year.

1. Scientists. If there is an offer for scientific specialists, then it is necessary to ensure that this scientific center is recognized by the Ministry of Science of the republic.
2. For internship and training. You can get a higher education, graduate from a regular school, transfer from another university to finish your studies here. To obtain this visa, you must provide documents indicating that you meet all the criteria and are enrolled as a student for further study. You are allowed to continue your studies at a local educational institution if you have studied at another European university for at least 2 years and want to complete your studies here.
3. Family reunification. Anyone who is here legally can apply to have their family live with them. A residence visa will be issued to the spouse, children under 18 years of age and those who are over 18 years of age but are currently students.

Residence permit in Portugal.

Types of residence permits

A residence permit is not needed only for those foreigners who plan to stay in the state for less than 3 months. These people do not necessarily need to apply for a resident visa; even a tourist visa will do.

A resident visa is required for those foreign nationals who wish to settle in Portugal for permanent residence or stay in this country for more than 3 months.

Example of a residence permit in Portugal

If the expected period of stay is more than 3 months, but less than 1 year, then the foreign national submits an application for a temporary residence permit. And if the expected period of stay exceeds 12 months, then the migrant must obtain a permanent residence permit in this country.

A temporary residence permit allows you to stay in Portugal for 1 year. This document can be extended for another 2 years. You can extend it twice.

Permanent residence has no time restrictions. But it must be remembered that every 5 years it must be confirmed in the same department where the residence permit was issued.

An important aspect is that you will not be able to obtain permanent residence immediately. You must live in the country for more than 5 years. And only after this time can you submit an application for permanent residence. That is, a person initially receives a temporary residence permit and extends it twice, for a total of 4 years.

Portuguese passport

Obtaining permanent residence is a very complex process. The main aspect in this process is the migrant’s compliance with all necessary requirements:

1. Having a temporary residence permit for the last 5 years.
2. No criminal record in Portugal for the last 5 years.
3. Availability of funds for living.
4. Proficiency in Portuguese.

A residence permit is issued free of charge. For the “first” residence permit you will need to pay $500. To renew your residence permit you will need to pay 2,500 euros.

Ways to obtain residence rights in Portugal

Obtaining a residence permit in Portugal is regulated by Law No. 23/2007 of 07/04/2007 “Entry, stay, departure and forced eviction of foreigners from the territory of the country.” This normative act provides for the following methods of obtaining the right of residence:

• work under an employment contract;
• entrepreneurial activity;
• research activities;
• getting an education (school or higher education institution);
• family reunification;
• for pensioners and people with high incomes (financially independent persons);
• for services to Portugal;
• investing in the economy.

To obtain permits on the above grounds, a foreigner must first obtain a Portuguese visa valid for 4 months and then apply for a residence permit upon arrival.

In addition to the above-mentioned residence permits, there are also permits:

• for victims of human trafficking and illegal migration;
• for holders of long-term resident status of another EU member state;
• “EU Blue Card” - provided for the purpose of performing highly qualified activities in the country.

According to the employment contract

Employment rules in Portugal are very strict due to high unemployment rates. According to the laws of the country, vacancies must first be filled by local labor, and only in the absence of the necessary experience and qualifications can foreigners be hired to work.

However, if a job is found and the duration of the employment contract exceeds 3 months, the foreigner must obtain a temporary work permit. It is only provided:

• with documentary evidence of work in Portugal (employment contract). Valid for 1 year with the right to extend. After 3 years, it can already be exchanged for a residence permit;
• with mandatory registration with the social security service;
• subject to legal entry into the country.

The work permit is automatically canceled if you fail to pay income tax or terminate your employment contract. The validity period of a residence permit under an employment contract is extended every 3 years.

The cost of obtaining this type of residence permit consists only of a state fee of 84 EUR.

For entrepreneurs and self-employed people

It is possible to obtain a residence permit in Portugal using this method only if you have a business in the country or by documenting the availability of funds to start a business. To obtain a residence permit it is enough:

• purchase a ready-made company (in full or a share) or register a new company or work as an entrepreneur;
• move a business from another country to Portugal (redomiciliation).

The business must be official, it must have an office, personnel, and fixed assets necessary for work. From time to time you will need to provide declarations confirming your activities.

In this case, in order to obtain a residence permit in Portugal you will have to spend money on creating or buying a business. However, in this case, the investor organizes a source of income for himself in another country, which will allow him to feel more confident abroad.

The cost of obtaining a residence permit is the same as for an employment contract – 84 EUR.

Startup Visa

Starting from 2021, you can obtain a residence permit in Portugal by registering a startup or if you are employed by a Portuguese company working in the field of technology and innovation (an IAPMEI license is required). Basic conditions of the program:

• presence of a startup or opening a new one in Portugal;
• residence outside the Schengen countries;
• no criminal record;
• no outstanding fiscal obligations;
• availability of about 5,200 EUR per year per person in a Portuguese bank account;
• minimum monthly income within 2.5 IAS (in 2021 IAS is equal to 438.8 EUR, that is, a salary not lower than 1,097.02 EUR);
• age – over 18 years old;
• the startup is technology-oriented and has high potential for development (you need to prepare a good real business plan).

The advantage of this program is that there is no requirement to reside in Portugal (for startup founders). And the Tech Visa is renewed once every 3 years, and not once every 2 years like most other residence permits.

Student residence permit

It is received by students of public and private universities, as well as high schools in Portugal. A prerequisite for obtaining a student residence permit is documentary evidence of enrollment in an educational institution: an enrollment order, an agreement with the university or other documents of similar meaning.

You must also confirm that you have sufficient funds to live in Portugal. Tuition at public universities is free, but you must pay an annual fee. Its size depends on the institution - on average 600-700 EUR.

The validity period of this permit is 5 years with mandatory annual renewal.

Family reunion

You can use this option to obtain a residence permit in Portugal only if you have close family ties:

• spouse);
• children (minors or students);
• children over 18 years of age, if the applicant has permanent residence;
• minor brothers/sisters under the guardianship of a Portuguese resident;
• dependent parents of an adult child with a Portuguese permanent residence permit.

To obtain a residence permit on the basis of family reunification, you must have housing and sufficient income.

Relatives of a resident with a temporary permit receive a residence permit for a period of one year, with a permanent one - for 2 years with the right of extension.

Residence permit for pensioners and financially independent persons

The program is designed for people of any age, including pensioners. The main requirement is the presence of permanent passive income in a specific amount (in 2021 - 635 EUR per month). This could be a pension, interest on a deposit, dividends, royalties, etc. For each additional adult – monthly 300 EUR, per child – 180 EUR.

Figuratively speaking, for a family of 4 people (two adults and two children), a monthly income of 1,295 EUR (for the year 15,540 EUR) must be confirmed. The simplest option is to place funds on deposit in a Portuguese bank.

The second important condition is confirmation of permanent residence in Portugal - having your own home or long-term rent.

Initially, a temporary permit is issued for a period of one year, then it must be renewed every two years. After 5 years of residence, you already have the right to permanent residence or citizenship.

This method of obtaining a residence permit requires a mandatory stay in the country of at least 183 days a year in order not to lose Portuguese tax residency.

For merit

A residence permit in Portugal can also be obtained for services to the country. These could be athletes, actors, musicians, scientists who have achieved significant results in their fields of activity.

Portugal residence permit for investment

One of the most popular programs in Europe. It provides 3 investment options:

Buying a property

The required investment amount to obtain a Portuguese residence permit can be reduced by 20% if real estate is purchased in sparsely populated areas of the country. That is, the size of the minimum investment is reduced to 280,000 EUR in the case of purchasing buildings for reconstruction into a hotel or apart-hotel. However, it is necessary to calculate the economic feasibility of the transaction (costs of repairs and starting a business).

Investments in the economy

Direct investments in the economy to obtain a Golden Residence Permit must be from 1,000,000 EUR. This method of obtaining a residence permit is the second most popular among foreigners. To implement it, it is enough to buy shares or a share of a Portuguese company or place the specified amount on a bank deposit.

Business investments

You will also be able to obtain the right to reside in Portugal:

• by creating an enterprise employing at least 10 local workers; or
• having invested in a business with at least 5 new jobs, from EUR 350,000;
• investing in scientific research, or purchasing shares of venture or investment funds - from 350,000 EUR;
• investing in artistic production and cultural heritage - from 250,000 EUR.

The least popular way to obtain a residence permit. In 10 years it was used only 17 times.

Types of resident visas

Before leaving for Portugal in order to obtain a residence permit or permanent residence permit, you need to decide which visa will be used for departure. There are several types of resident visas.

The following can travel to Portugal with a resident visa:

• employees working under an employment contract in Portugal;
• entrepreneurs;
• wealthy pensioners;
• people involved in scientific activities;
• students;
• religious figures;

Depending on the type of visa, the consulate will need to provide a basic package of documents, supplemented by documents based on the reason for departure.

A residence visa is issued for a period of 4 months. Often this time is enough for foreigners to obtain a residence permit.

Documentation

The main package of documents for obtaining a resident visa in 2021:

• statement;

  Sample application form for a Schengen visa, 1 page.

  Sample application form for a Schengen visa, 2 pages.

• certificate of financial position;
• medical certificate;
• a valid foreign passport;
• passport of your home country;
• three photos;

For each situation, additional documents will need to be attached to the main package. Thus, for employees who travel to Portugal for the purpose of employment, it will be necessary to present an employment contract and an education diploma at the consulate. And for investors, it will be necessary to bring a declaration to the consular department confirming their willingness to invest money in the Portuguese economy.

"Golden Visa"

In 2021, a “golden visa” is a program that helps people go to Portugal for permanent residence. The main purpose of the Golden Visa is to attract foreign investment to Portugal. Investments can easily be called the opening of a business by foreign nationals in Portugal or the acquisition of real estate.

The Golden Visa program is available only to wealthy people. So, if there is an intention to obtain a residence permit by opening your own business, then you must remember that the open enterprise must provide at least 10 jobs for Portuguese citizens. If this requirement is met, the business owner will receive a residence permit.

When starting your own business, which is not able to provide jobs, it is necessary to take into account that the amount of investment in the business must be at least 500 thousand euros.

If a migrant buys real estate in Portugal worth more than 500 thousand euros, he automatically becomes the holder of a residence permit. But the main condition is that the property must be purchased in cash. Also, to automatically obtain a residence permit, the owner of the property must sign a document confirming his agreement that he will not sell the purchased property for 5 years.

If the value of the purchased property is less than the specified amount, then the foreigner has the right to obtain a residence permit. But in this case, he is obliged to prepare this document himself. Also, if the property is worth less than $500 thousand, its owner does not sign a document not allowing the property to be sold.

Residence permit in Portugal when purchasing real estate

Separately, it is worth considering a Portugal golden visa through the purchase of real estate. The fact is that a residence permit in Portugal when purchasing real estate is the most profitable option of all offered by the government. Let's talk about the advantages of a Portuguese residence permit when buying real estate:

• First of all, an investor who is going to buy real estate, but does not want to live in it, can rent out the property to those who wish. Every year the country is visited by a large number of tourists who, naturally, need an overnight stay. And since Portugal is a favorite destination for travelers, real estate will turn into an excellent source of passive income.
• In addition, there is a constant increase in property prices in Portugal. This means that when an investor wants to sell his building, he will be able to earn additional money on the margin. Buying real estate and reselling it is a very popular type of business in Portugal. Just don’t forget: to renew your residence permit for the first 5 years, you must always have real estate worth €500,000 or more. The initially purchased property can be resold before 5 years, but in return buy another one with the corresponding value.
• Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in the world. If an investor wants to create a wonderful future for himself and his family, then this country is perfect. In addition, a Portuguese residence permit for retirees is a good option, for example, for your parents.

Residence permit: benefits and registration

A residence permit for investment is a special residence permit, which is also called a “golden visa”. It has a number of advantages over a regular residence permit in the country.

Obtaining a residence permit for investment opens up the opportunity to apply for Portuguese citizenship within 5 years, while the application is processed quickly and refusals are minimal. In the case of a standard procedure, the consideration of an application can take years.

The minimum period of stay in Portugal with a “golden visa” is only 7 days a year. According to a regular residence permit, you need to live in the country for at least 183 days a year. However, if the investor plans to obtain permanent residence or citizenship in the future, he will have to live in the country permanently.

According to the investor program, you do not need to pass an exam on your knowledge of Portuguese, which is mandatory when applying for a regular residence permit. The Golden Visa also offers tax benefits and fewer refusals.

The holder of a residence permit in Portugal receives the same rights as local residents, with the exception of the right to take part in elections.

A residence permit for an investor is initially issued for one year, then renewed every two years. After five years of residence in the country, you can obtain permanent residence and then citizenship.

The state fee for obtaining a residence permit is 5,173 euros for each family member. The fee for extending a residence permit is 50% of this rate - 2,586 euros. The application processing and renewal fee is €520 for the main applicant and €80 for a family member.

Portugal residence permit for real estate investment

Buying real estate is the most popular option for obtaining a Portuguese residence permit for investment. In 2021, more than 93% of investors chose this option.

An investor receives a residence permit in Portugal when purchasing real estate from 500 thousand euros or purchasing a property for renovation from 350 thousand euros. The size of the minimum investment can be reduced by 20% to 400 thousand euros and 280 thousand euros, respectively, if the property is purchased in an area with low population density (less than 100 people per sq. km) or low GDP (below 75% of the national average) .

The cost of housing indicated in the program is paid without borrowing funds. However, a loan can be issued for an amount exceeding the minimum requirements of the program.

Real estate in Portugal is cheaper than the European average - for the same money you can buy a property of better quality and a larger area.

An investor can buy one or more properties on the primary or secondary market. The property can be rented out and you can expect a return of 3-5% per year.

These are returnable investments: investments can be returned in full. The mandatory period of ownership of real estate is 5 years. After this time, the property can be sold.

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500,000 € Two-room apartment overlooking the Tagus River in a new complex, Belem, Lisbon, Portugal Total area 70 m² 1 bedroom

Citizenship

In 2021, the Portuguese government changed the law on Portuguese citizenship and reduced the required period of residence from 6 to 5 years. Thus, after 5 years of residence in Portugal under permanent residence and residence permit, the investor can apply for citizenship.

A Portuguese passport allows you to visit 172 countries around the world without a visa. Dual citizenship is allowed in Portugal.

Requirements for an investor to apply for citizenship:

• Be over 18 years of age;
• Have resident status for 5 years;
• Stay in Portugal for at least 183 days a year for all 5 years;
• Pass the Portuguese language proficiency exam at level A2;
• Have strong connections with the local community;
• Have no charges of committing crimes that require imprisonment for a term of at least three years;
• Not be involved in illegal activities or be on a sanctions list.

The investor can include minor children in the citizenship application if they have also been residents of Portugal for 5 years.

Grounds for obtaining a residence permit

Russian citizens have the right to obtain a residence permit on the basis of:

• official employment with a local employer - availability of a properly drawn up letter of guarantee from the company;
• obtaining an education – the opportunity to prepare a certificate of enrollment in an educational institution + the presence of 2 thousand euros in a bank account;
• registering your own business – 700 euros for paperwork + 5 thousand must be in an open bank account;
• family reunification or marriage registration with a Portuguese citizen - availability of official documentary evidence of the degree of relationship;
• high achievements in the scientific field - confirmation by awards, certificates, etc.;
• high merits to the state - for example, providing assistance in capturing a dangerous criminal;
• investing in the economy - 300 thousand euros allows you to obtain a permit for a year, 500 thousand - for 5 years.

Portugal is constantly in need of labor, which is why migration under the official employment program is considered the best option for many migrants. Permission can also be obtained in case of purchasing real estate (minimum value of 500 thousand euros).

The migration program for pensioners deserves special attention. They can move to Portugal for the purpose of family reunification, in particular with their children.

It is mandatory to prepare:

1. pension certificate – additionally notarized translation into Portuguese;
2. an extract from a banking institution confirming the availability of personal savings for living;
3. a duly executed certificate from the Pension Fund to confirm the fact of receipt of pension payments.

Portuguese pensioners reserve the right to use specially designed preferential programs to provide assistance to foreign citizens, which provide for the withholding of reduced taxes.

In the case of scientists, there are also some peculiarities. The Portuguese government respects such citizens as long as they have an advanced degree. They are provided with the opportunity to migrate on preferential terms. To obtain a residence permit, you must provide the Consulate with a signed contract with a scientific center in Portugal. Before this, it requires confirmation of its registration with the Ministry of Scientific Activities in order to eliminate the possibility of a refusal.

Students have an excellent opportunity to obtain a Portuguese diploma of education, with which the road to all EU countries is open for subsequent employment. To obtain a residence permit, you must contact the migration service. The document is valid for 1 year. After the specified period, it becomes necessary to re-submit a certificate of continuation of studies, which is the reason for extending the residence permit for another 12 months.

A special feature of education in Portugal is its reasonable cost, regardless of the educational institution chosen, as well as the opportunity to undergo practical training on modern equipment using unique techniques.

The process of obtaining a residence permit

To obtain a residence permit in Portugal, you just need to follow the following algorithm:

1. Applying to the Portuguese Consulate in Russia to obtain a residence visa.
2. Passing customs control at the border.
3. Submitting a package of necessary documents for a residence permit to the Ministry of Justice of Portugal.

It is strongly recommended to collect the entire package of documents in Russia before flying to Portugal.

Required documents

Depending on the migration program, the complete package of documents differs. The basic list includes:

• international passport with a valid visa + copies of all pages;
• 2 color photos that meet international ICAO requirements;
• documentary evidence of the availability of residential property for living in Portugal - in the case of rented living space, it is necessary to prepare an appropriate agreement;
• medical certificate confirming the absence of serious diseases;
• issued medical insurance with a minimum insurance coverage of 30 thousand euros;
• receipt of payment of state duty;
• certificate of no criminal record.

All documents without exception must be provided in original + copy format. Additionally, a notarized translation into Portuguese is required.

In the case of minor children, a birth certificate must be provided. Additionally you need to prepare:

• notarized copies of passports of both parents;
• in case of leaving Russia with one of the parents - notarized consent from the second parent;
• when traveling independently or migrating with an authorized accompanying person - notarized consent from both parents;
• a properly drafted sponsorship letter. It must indicate guarantees in providing financial assistance to the child for the entire period of residence in Portugal.

The complete package of documents must be submitted to the authorized body by one of the parents or a legal representative (adoptive parent, guardian).

Terms and cost of registration

The cost of obtaining a residence permit in Portugal averages 450 euros. The state fee must be paid before the period of submitting documents for consideration to the Consulate. Additionally, you need to be prepared to incur additional costs for translation in accredited companies with subsequent notarization.

The period for consideration of a submitted application directly depends on the chosen migration program. The period can vary from several months to 1 year.

Why can they refuse?

Foreign citizens may be refused a residence permit in Portugal due to:

• providing an incomplete package of documents;
• providing falsified documentation or providing false personal information;
• committing illegal actions not only on the territory of Russia or Portugal, but also in any other country that is a member of the European Union;
• established fact of an immigrant’s involvement in international terrorist organizations or an attempt to hide an existing criminal record.

In the event of an unfounded refusal to grant a residence permit, migrants have the right to file an appeal within the first 2 months from the date of the negative decision.