Portugal Golden Visa Consultant: Why Work With One

Paperwork can be tedious and overwhelming. Plus, when you factor in the unknown of applying for residency in a foreign country without speaking the language or being familiar with the bureaucratic processes, it can get messy quite quickly.

As a boutique investment migration consultancy, our Portugal Golden Visa consultants help expats like yourself apply for residence permits in Portugal (and over ten other countries). Our mission is to make your application process as seamless and hassle-free as possible.

Below, we cover our services in-depth and explain how we guide you towards a successful Portugal Golden Visa application.

Can I do the Golden Visa application myself?

Yes, it is possible to lodge your own application. However, the suite of paperwork and required documents is long. Many Golden Visa applicants who have attempted it by themselves have found themselves having to reapply several times due to leaving out a crucial document.

Portugal is notorious for its complex bureaucratic system, and even Portuguese residents find using it slow and frustrating. Ultimately, the possibility of error can increase when you submit your own Golden Visa application. Mistakes in the paperwork can cause delays, which could lead to not getting your residence permit in time before arriving in the country. Given that acquiring the Golden Visa is a timely matter, any small delays at the beginning lead to an overall longer waiting time, especially if you are hoping to get Portuguese citizenship.

Our Portuguese Golden Visa consultants are exact in determining what paperwork is needed, the process of obtaining each document and putting everything in order so that when you lodge your application, you can rest assured that it will run smoothly.

Why work with a Golden Visa consultant?

Working with a Golden Visa consultant can be beneficial for several reasons:

Expertise and experience

Golden Visa consultants are typically well-versed in the specific regulations and requirements of the Portugal Golden Visa program. They stay updated on any changes in legislation, ensuring your application adheres to the latest standards.

Navigating the application process can be complex, and a consultant’s experience can help streamline the procedure. They can guide you through each step, ensuring that all necessary documents are correctly prepared and submitted.

Time and efficiency

Golden Visa consultants can save you time by handling administrative tasks, paperwork, and communication with relevant authorities. This allows you to focus on your daily responsibilities without being overwhelmed by the intricacies of the application process.

The Golden Visa application process involves a lot of details, and even a small mistake can lead to delays or rejection. Consultants are familiar with potential pitfalls and can help you avoid common errors.

Network and local connections

Golden Visa consultants often have established networks and connections within the local government and related institutions. This can be beneficial for expediting the application process and addressing any issues that may arise.

Customized advice

A consultant can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation. They can assess your eligibility, financial situation, and investment preferences to guide you toward the most suitable investment option under the Golden Visa program.

Language barrier

If you are not fluent in Portuguese, a consultant can help bridge the language gap. They can communicate with relevant authorities on your behalf, ensuring that all communication is clear and accurate.

Risk mitigation

Golden Visa consultants can help you assess the risks associated with different investment options. They can provide insights into market trends, potential pitfalls, and the overall viability of specific investment opportunities.

Post-approval assistance

Beyond the application process, consultants can assist with post-approval matters, such as helping you settle into Portugal, understanding your rights and obligations, and addressing any issues that may arise.

While working with a consultant can be beneficial, it’s crucial to choose a reputable and experienced professional or agency to ensure a smooth and successful Golden Visa application process.

Here are six ways our Portuguese Golden Visa consultants can help

Our team of industry-leading experts deliver full-scale residency or citizenship solutions related to investment migration and relocation. From helping you file your immigration application to providing professional legal requirements and tax advice, our team is wholly committed to your success. Learn more about our team here.

1. Onboarding:
Golden Visa consultants can provide newcomers with an overview of the Portugal Golden Visa program. This includes explaining the benefits, requirements, and various investment options available under this program. It also involves collecting the paperwork and documents.

2. Opening a Bank Account in Portugal and Acquiring NIF:
Consultants open a bank account in Portugal for applicants. This is a crucial step for handling financial transactions related to the Golden Visa investment.
They can also assist in obtaining a unique tax identification number (NIF), a mandatory requirement for conducting financial transactions and fulfilling tax obligations in Portugal.

3. Consulting on Investment Options, Eligibility Criteria, and Requirements:
Golden Visa consultants offer in-depth consultations on the various investment options available, such as investment funds, job creation, etc. They can help applicants choose the most suitable investment route based on their preferences and financial situation.

Our team will also assess the eligibility of applicants, considering factors like financial capacity, legal requirements, and the type of investment chosen. This helps ensure that the chosen investment aligns with the Golden Visa program criteria.

4. Consulting on Paperwork Required:
Golden Visa applications involve a significant amount of paperwork. Consultants provide detailed guidance on the documents needed for the application, ensuring that all required information is accurately compiled and submitted.

5. Assisting in Lodging the Online Application:
We’ll assist you in the online submission of the Golden Visa application. This includes navigating the online platform, entering relevant details, and ensuring that all required documents are uploaded correctly.

6. Option to Collect the Residence Card on Your Behalf:
Some consultants may offer the convenience of collecting the residence card on behalf of the applicant. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who are unable to be present in Portugal during certain stages of the application process.

These services collectively aim to simplify the Golden Visa application journey, providing comprehensive support from the initial stages of onboarding to the final steps of collecting the residence card. The goal is to enhance efficiency, minimize errors, and ensure a smooth experience for applicants throughout the entire process.

About the Portugal Golden Visa Program

Portugal’s Golden Visa is a Portuguese government-mandated residency by investment program. The scheme was introduced in 2012 to attract foreign investment to the country and boost Portugal’s economy and has since become one of the most popular residency by investment programs in the word.

The Golden Visa grants applicants and their family members the right to live, work, and study in Portugal.

After five years of keeping their investment in Portugal and being a legal resident of the country, Golden Visa investors can obtain permanent residency in Portugal and get Portuguese citizenship (and consequently EU citizenship) and a passport.

To be eligible for the program, you must be a non-EU citizen and make a qualifying investment in Portugal.

There’s a wide variety of attractive investment options to pick from, including venture capital funds and cultural donations. The most popular route to Portugal residency was through a real estate investment; however, this investment avenue is no longer eligible. The option to apply with capital transfers equal to or exceeding €500,000 has also been discontinued.

Despite the capital transfer and property investment routes no longer qualifying for the program, there are still several compelling options to choose from.

Golden Visa Program investment opportunities

• Fund subscription: Make a contribution worth at least €500,000 to a qualified investment fund, such as a venture capital fund, a private equity fund, or a mutual fund. At least 60 percent of the fund’s value must be invested in commercial companies based in Portuguese national territory. 
• Investment or donation in an artistic production or reconstruction of national cultural heritage with a donation of at least €250,000 (Read more: Portugal’s Cultural Production Golden Visa)
• Scientific Research: Science or Technology research contribution of at least €500,000 
• Creation of ten jobs: Creation and maintenance of ten jobs during the required period 
• Share capital and job creation: Incorporation of a commercial company or reinforcement of a company’s share capital, in either case with an investment of €500,000, combined with the creation of five or maintaining ten jobs (including five permanent jobs) 

If unsure about Golden Visa investment pathways, crunch some stats here on top nationalities and investment routes to residency in our Portugal Golden Visa statistics article.

Benefits of the Portuguese Golden Visa Program

The attractive benefits of being a Portuguese Golden Visa holder are one of the main reasons why it attracts so many foreign investors each year. Permanent residents of Portugal have visa free access to the 27 EU countries in the EU’s Schengen Area.

Another advantage is the residency requirements are easier to meet than those for Golden Visas elsewhere in the world. With a Portuguese Golden Visa, you must stay in Portugal a minimum average of seven days per year (or 14 days for each two-year period), with at least 7 days in the first year.

Five years after residency, you qualify for a European passport. The opportunity to affordably invest your money in a buoyant market is also a key benefit, with a minimum investment requirement of €250,000.

Not to mention the tax benefits that mean Golden Visa holders don’t need to pay extra taxes on income produced out of Portugal.

In addition, the Golden Visa allows investors and their families to enjoy the benefits of living in Portugal, including miles of Atlantic coastline, natural beauty, year-round sunshine, safety, and high quality of life.

Benefits of the Golden Visa Program

Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa?

• Global approach by local experts: A team of experienced local case executives, immigration lawyers, and investment specialists based in Portugal.
• Independent service:We are not a marketing agency for any projects. You will access all eligible routes for the Golden Visa, with over 40 vetted qualifying investment options, so you can decide on the best option for you.
• 100% approval rate: We have the unique distinction of never having had a Golden Visa case rejected and have helped hundreds of clients from more than 35 countries.
• All-encompassing solution: Our dedicated onboarding and immigration teams will assist you throughout the process and beyond with a single channel of communication. 
• Transparency: Our fees are clear and detailed, covering the entire process with no hidden costs. 
• Privacy: Your personal data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.

To see the full list of reasons why to work with Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa, you can find out more here: Why Work with Global Citizen Solutions for Your Golden Visa Portugal Application?

Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Visa Consultants

Why should I enlist the help of a Portugal Golden Visa consultant?

Submitting a long, detailed application in a foreign country is a tricky exercise. An expert Portugal Golden Visa advisor can help provide advice on the investment requirements, necessary paperwork, and procedure to successfully obtain a residence permit. Our in-house immigration specialists can also assist those needing Portugal Golden Visa application assistance with the legality aspect of obtaining residency in a foreign country.

What’s the timeline like for the Portugal golden visa application?

The whole Golden Visa application process takes 12 to 24 from beginning to end, including the approval and the issuance of your residence permit. This estimate is dependent on whether you have all the paperwork in order when submitting your application.

What’s the minimum amount needed to invest in the golden visa program?

You need to make a minimum investment of €250,000 to acquire the Golden Visa. This does not include application costs, which include the initial application fee, legal fees, renewal fees, plus yearly trips to Portugal in order to meet the minimum stay requirements and obtain Portuguese permanent residency. For more detailed information on the costs of the program, see here.

Can I obtain an EU passport if I apply to the Golden Visa program?

Yes, if you hold your Golden Visa investment and residency permit for at least five years, you’re eligible for permanent residence, followed by Portuguese citizenship, and in turn, will get a Portuguese passport (an EU passport).

What kind of investments can I make under the Golden Visa Portugal program? 

There are several investment routes available under the Golden Visa Portugal program. These include the following:

• Fund Investment Subscription: Make a contribution to a qualified investment fund worth at least €500,000
• Investment or donation in the arts or reconstruction of national heritage with a donation of at least €250,000
• Scientific Research: Science or Technology research contribution of at least €500,000
• Creation of ten jobs: Creation and maintenance of ten jobs during the required period
• Share capital and job creation: Incorporation of a company or reinforcement of a company’s share capital, in either case with an investment of €500,000, combined with the creation of five or maintaining ten jobs (5 of them permanent)

Real estate investments and capital transfers are no longer eligible.

Please note that these are updated investment routes as of October 2023. For more information on these changes, please see our guide the Portugal Golden Visa changes.

What documents are required to apply for the Golden Visa? 

Here is a list of documents that are required to apply for the Golden Visa program:

• Portuguese Golden Visa application form
• Copy of a valid passport and travel documents
• Declaration from your Portuguese bank account confirming the transfer of funds from abroad
• Proof of private health insurance in Portugal (only required if the investor resides in Portugal)
• A background check or a police clearance letter from your home country
• A declaration of honor compromising to maintain the investment for 5 years

Do real estate investments qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa Program?

No, real estate investments were made ineligible for the Portugal Golden Visa in October 2023, along with capital transfers.

How is a Portugal Golden Visa valid for?

Following a successful Portugal Golden Visa application, you’ll receive a residence permit that is valid for two years, which can then be renewed at two-year intervals, provided you maintain your investment and continue to meet the residency requirements. This applies to the main applicant as well as any dependent family members.