NOTE: Russian citizens can no longer apply for a Portugal Golden Visa due to the invasion of Ukraine. The residency by investment program has been hugely successful among investors from all over the world since its implementation in 2012. Since it was introduced, the vast majority of Golden Visa investors have come from China, however, recent statistics have seen a large increase in interest from Russia.

What is the Portugal Golden Visa scheme?

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency by investment program, through which it is possible for investors to eventually obtain a European passport so long as they maintain an investment of at least €280,000 over a five-year period. The program has brought over €5 billion worth of investment to Portugal and has given over 7,000 investors residency permits in the country, as well as a further 12,000 for their dependents.

Which European country is easy to get citizenship for Russian citizens?

Russian investors are giving serious consideration to the Portuguese residency investment scheme precisely because of the dynamic opportunities Portugal has to offer. A series of highly successful government incentives have helped bolster the country’s thriving tourism sector, and make Portugal a key competitor in terms of business innovation and investment. Portugal’s Golden Visa has a straightforward application process, which can be navigated with ease so long as you have the right guidance. Affordable investment options also make it an easy route for Russian citizens, as well as the low stay requirement and easy language test.

Why the Portugal Golden Visa program is a good choice for Russian citizens

Make an investment for a more stable future

Acquiring residency and ultimately a second passport means that investors have the privilege of choosing which country to live in and to pay taxes, not solely for themselves but for their entire family. With a single investment, you can bring your dependents, including parents and children. Portugal consistently ranks highly in terms of quality of life for expats, and Portuguese residency gives you and your family access to world-class healthcare and education, as well as visa-free travel to 185 countries.

Low stay requirement

The Portugal Golden Visa differs from other programs in that it has a very low “stay requirement” (the amount of time you have to spend in the country in order to maintain residency) of just 7 days per year. This means you have the choice to remain in your country of origin throughout the whole five-year residency requirement and still have a clear path to Portuguese citizenship.

Wide variety of lucrative investment options

Portugal Golden Visa investments can be made starting at just €280,000. There are many different options to choose from, with real estate and venture capital investment being the most popular.

Tax efficiency

Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident tax regime has also been a key success of the past decade. The scheme allows individuals of high cultural and economic worth to enjoy lucrative tax exemptions and reductions and is applicable to Golden Visa applicants who declare tax residency in Portugal.
Take a look at our guide to the NHR regime in Portugal for more information.

What are the Golden Visa requirements for Russian citizens?

In order to be eligible for the Golden Visa program, Russian Golden Visa investments must be a minimum of €280,000, and go up to €500,000.  It is also essential that applicants have a clean criminal record.
Take a look at our complete guide to the Portugal Golden Visa for more information.

Portugal Golden Visa fund investment for Russian citizens

Investor visas for Russian citizens can also be obtained through investment in approved funds. Portugal has a wide range of investment funds to choose from, which are officially approved by the financial authorities.
Take a look here to find out more about fund investment in Portugal.

Russia Golden Visa applications

The process for applying for the Portuguese Golden Visa can be complex if you do not speak Portuguese unfamiliar with the country’s legal system and bureaucracy, however, with specialist assistance process can be navigated with ease. At Global Citizen Solutions we have years of experience in residency and investment solutions in Europe. Our team of in-country experts has extensive knowledge of the Portuguese real estate market and we have a 100% success rate with Golden Visa applications. Fill out the form below to get in touch with one of our specialists.