Portugal Golden Visa Real Estate Investment

Portugal Golden Visa changes at a glance

To draw you a broader picture of the new changes made by the Portuguese government regarding the Portugal Golden Visa scheme, you should be aware of the two major points that were changed. They are as follows:

1- Real estate investment:
New conditions for the residential real estate options, to decrease pressure on the major areas such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

2- Other investment options:
Investment amounts for capital transfers, cultural investments, and fund subscriptions have been raised:

• The capital transfer option has increased from €1 million to €1.5 million.
• The investment fund option has increased from €350,000 to €500,000.
• Investment in scientific research has increased from €350,000 to €500,000.
• Investment into an existing Portugal-registered business has increased from €350,000 to €500,000.
• Arts donation of €250,000 stays the same.

It takes a little more time to get to grips with the first change, as you need to be aware of the specific areas that still qualify, while the second change provides you with a specific number.

The Portuguese authorities have changed the real estate investment routes to Portuguese residency, creating a classification system of what areas of Portugal qualify for property investment. These Portuguese areas are classified as “low-density” and “high-density” areas, as well as “interior” and “non-interior” regions.

It’s very simple to explain, in “interior areas” you’re free to make either residential or non-residential property investments. However, in “non-interior” you can only invest in non-residential properties, such as commercial properties, offices, or hotels.

The following article, low-density areas in Portugal, should also be useful for you to understand more about this topic.

Eligible real estate investment options for the Portugal Golden Visa

To unpack what we just mentioned above, let’s divide the real estate investment available options for Portugal Golden Visa into two sectors as follows:

Residential real estate

Investment in residential real estate is still available, but limited only to designated interior areas in Portugal as mentioned above, and you should find a property that costs €500,000.
There is a possibility of investing in a property that costs €350,000, only if it’s a part of an urban rehabilitation project. If this residential property is in a designated “low density” area, you’re also eligible for a 20% discount on the minimum investment threshold.  Buying real estate in Portugal can be a little bit of a long process, and it’s good to be up to speed on how to buy a property in Portugal to organize your thoughts.

Commercial real estate

This is the much more favorable option for investors now, with which you can apply for the Portugal Golden Visa by investing in real estate properties that are not residential. You can buy commercial real estate anywhere in Portugal, as long as it is worth at least €500,000.
There is also a possibility here to invest in commercial real estate that costs €350,000 as part of an urban rehabilitation project. If this commercial property you’re investing in is in a designated “low density” area, you’re also eligible for a 20% discount on the minimum investment threshold.

Both commercial and residential real estate

It is worth mentioning that investing in both residential and commercial real estate in Madeira Islands or the Azores will qualify you for a Portugal Golden Visa as well, and the investment amount must be €500,000. If the property you’re buying is a part of a rehabilitation project, the minimum investment amount drops to €350,000, and no discount is available as these islands aren’t included in Portugal’s low-density areas.

Although the “most famous” places have been taken away from the equation, there are many locations where you can find your dream home. Aljezur, a coastal village in the Algarve, is a good example of this. It’s an ideal place where you can be away from the crowds but you’ll be a one-hour drive away from Faro, the region’s capital. Sagres is another spot that is available if you’re looking for an eligible area of the Algarve.
The Douro Valley, which is easily reachable from Porto, is another eligible area where you can buy a house and apply for a Golden Visa. Thanks to the growing eco-tourism, real estate in and around the Douro Valley is becoming very popular.

One of the major points you should also consider while deciding where to buy your property is how to buy it. That’s why there are many options for mortgages in Portugal, and the country facilitates most of the process to help through the process.

Global Citizen Solutions: Who we are and how we can help you

At Global Citizen Solutions, we have a dedicated team of professionals with years of experience helping individual investors and their families from different nationalities obtain the Portugal Golden Visa.

With offices in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, we reach a 100% success rate when it comes to Golden Visa applications, we can ensure that you find various options tailored to your needs and requirements and be your loyal consultants throughout the process.

You should also know that our real estate division located in Portugal — Goldcrest — works as an independent buying agent to help you find and acquire the best property investment suited to your needs. Goldcrest leverages local connections to ensure correct property reviews have been conducted, which is a key requisite for buyers unfamiliar with the Portuguese property market.

Get in contact

You can contact us through our social media channels, or drop us a message on the website by leaving your information and we will contact you and help you avoid the difficulties that befall many Portuguese Golden Visa investors.

Key takeaways on Portugal Golden Visa real estate investment

• Real estate investment in Portugal is still available, but with some new restrictions on residential properties.
• Yes, you can’t invest in a residential property in Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve anymore as part of the Golden Visa program. Still, there are other undiscovered gems around the country that qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa.
• Investing in commercial real estate is still available and there are no location restrictions.
• There are some opportunities to get discounts on the properties you’re investing in if they are in urban rehabilitation areas or they need renovations.

Conclusion

Getting the Portugal Golden Visa is not impossible, and you should always check the new rules and changes before deciding to buy a property. In the end, you will definitely find out that it’s worth it, and that it is your fastest way to get the Permanent Residency and, if you so choose, obtain a Portuguese passport after five years.

You can always ask us at Global Citizen Solutions for help, and, if you’re considering the Portugal Golden Visa, you will find many useful resources on our website that will simplify all the information you need to know.

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 so you can decide on the best option, and your investment will benefit from the legal due diligence services of a reputable Portuguese Law Firm.
• 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.

Frequently asked questions about Golden Visa Portugal real estate investment: