Political unrest, compounded with the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon has led to a surge of Lebanon Golden Visa Portugal investors seeking enhanced freedoms. It so happens that Portugal's Golden Visa program allows investors to obtain legal residency in the country so long as they fulfill the program criteria. Since the implementation of the program in 2012, the majority of Golden Visa investors have come from China. However, recently there has been an increase in interest from the Middle East, as documented by official Golden Visa statistics. In fact, 11 Lebanese were granted Portugal Golden Visa permits in 2020 by SEF, while as a whole in the UAE, interest in second citizenship has reportedly risen by 30%. This goes to show just how much value there is in second residency and citizenship solutions, especially during periods of instability.

What is the Portugal Golden Visa?

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency by investment program in which investors can obtain residence permits if they make an investment of at least €280,000 and maintain it over a five-year period. Eventually, a Portuguese passport can be granted, provided that the investment is held for five years at least. The scheme was first introduced in 2012 and has since brought over €5.6bn in investments to Portugal. It has resulted in residence permits for around 9,000 investors, as well as around 16,000 for family members. Traditionally, investors opt to purchase property worth €500K in Portugal's cities like Lisbon, Porto, and the coastal towns around the Algarve. However, recent Portugal Golden Visa changes mean that from 1 July 2021, investors will no longer be able to buy property in Portugal's urban centers. Instead, investors can go for the other investment routes, like investing in Portugal investment funds golden visa. 

Which European country is easy to get citizenship for Lebanese nationals?

Lebanese investors looking for European citizenship usually consider the Greece Golden Visa, however, there are many reasons why the Portugal Golden Visa is the best choice for Lebanese nationals.  

Why the Portugal Golden Visa program is a good option for Lebanese nationals

  • An investment into a more stable future
One of the main attractions of the Portugal Golden Visa for Lebanese investors is the stability it brings. Portugal is currently one of the most economically and politically stable countries in Western Europe and is forecast by the OECD to grow while remaining “broadly stable” over the next few years. Obtaining a second passport provides investors with the added security of being able to choose which country they would like to live in and pay taxes, not only for themselves but for their entire family. Dependents, including parents and children (up to the age of 18 or in full-time employment) can be included in one Golden Visa investment. Portugal ranks highly in terms of quality of life and also has excellent healthcare and a number of great international schools.
  • Low stay requirement means you don’t have to relocate
The Portugal Golden Visa has a low “stay requirement” (the amount of time you have to spend in Portugal in order to maintain residence) of just 7 days in the first year, followed by at least 14 days in the subsequent two-year period. This means that Golden Visa investors do not have to relocate in order to obtain a Portuguese passport after 5 years, and can continue living in their home country if they wish.
  • The dynamic market offers high returns for an affordable investment
One of the benefits of the Portuguese Golden Visa is that investments can be made starting at just €280,000. There are many different areas with diverse options available, depending on your requirements.
  • Generous tax incentives
Another successful investment incentive introduced by the Portuguese government is the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, which allows individuals of high cultural and economic worth to enjoy considerable tax deductions. Golden Visa applicants who declare tax residency in Portugal are eligible for the NHR status. Take a look at our guide to the NHR regime in Portugal for more information.

Portugal Golden Visa is the fastest and easiest way to get a European passport for Lebanese citizens

Another key difference is the length of time it takes to get a European passport with the Portuguese Golden Visa. Unlike similar schemes in Greece and Spain, which require investors to maintain their investments for 8 and 10 years respectively, the Portuguese Golden Visa only requires applicants to wait 5 years before applying for citizenship.

What are the Golden Visa requirements for Lebanese citizens?

Lebanon Golden Visa Portugal investments must be a minimum of €280,000 in order to be eligible, and also have a clean criminal record. This investment can be made through a number of different routes.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: PORTUGAL GOLDEN VISA 2023

The Portugal Golden Visa program has recently undergone substantial changes. The new legislation, which took effect in October 2023, eliminated the purchase of real estate and real-estate-related funds as qualifying investment options for the program. 

However, several attractive investment routes still maintain their eligibility for the program. To learn more, please refer to our comprehensive guide: Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal Golden Visa fund investment

Investor visas for Lebanese Citizens can also be obtained through a fund investment. There is a diverse range of investment funds to choose from in Portugal, many of which are officially approved by the financial authorities. Take a look here to find out more about fund investment in Portugal.

Lebanon Golden Visa Portugal applications

Investing in the Portuguese Golden Visa can be complicated if you do not speak Portuguese and are unfamiliar with the country’s legal system and bureaucracy, however, with the assistance of a specialist the process can be navigated with ease. Global Citizen Solutions specialize in residency and investment solutions in Portugal, and our team of experts has years of experience with the Portugal real estate market. We have a 100% success rate with Golden Visa applications and can help you find the perfect option for your requirements. Fill out the form below to get in touch with one of our specialists.