PORTUGAL

Residency & Citizenship through Investment

WHY CHOOSE PORTUGAL?

Portugal, a founding member of the European Union and member of the Schengen zone, is a Mediterranean country with over 800 km of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Apart from its immense geographical diversity, rich heritage and pristine nature, Portugal also holds the privilege of being part of the 3rd largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world. Economically, it holds the 45th place among 139 countries. The GPA per capita was recorded as 22,921€ in 2012. It has a population of 10.7 million with a surface area of 92,212 km².

RESIDENCY & CITIZENSHIP THROUGH INVESTMENT PROGRAM

The program began on 8th of October 2012 under the title “Golden Residence Permit”. Golden Visa holders have access to visa-free travel within the Schengen zone. On 30/06/2015 through Act 63/2015, the required investment options were revised as below. In light of these changes, we at Sen International assist our clients with program options that grant Residency and Citizenship through real estate purchase or restoration projects.

PROPERTY INVESTMENT OPTIONS

• Schengen Resident Status granted with submission of application,
• OPTION 1: Applicants are to acquire property or properties valued at €500,000 or more, or
• OPTION 2: Take part as a shareholder in the renewal projects of a real estate project subject to restoration by investing at least € 350,000

ADVANTAGES OF HAVING PORTUGESE CITIZENSHIP

• Schengen Residency Status granted with the application
• The Government completes the application process within 90-180 days.
• With the residency permit, the applicant, family members and dependents can work and study in Portugal.
• Visa-free travel within the Schengen member states.
• EU member state citizenship and the right to reside in these countries permanently.
• Can benefit from visa-free travel including the US, Canada, UK and Ireland.
• Can benefit from the social rights granted to citizens in the fields of education and health.

QUALIFICATIONS

• The minimum stay requirements are seven days for the first year, 14 days for subsequent two-year periods.
• The applicant must have necessary funds for investment
• The applicant and family members must hold no criminal record.



Continued residency and citizenship application

• The main applicant must be over 18.
• The investment must be held for 5 years. Rental income may be acquired during this period.
• Residency permit may be extended for two years at a time at the end of the 1st, 3rd and 5th years.
• At the end of the fifth year the applicant may become a permanent resident (if the requested Portuguese proficiency is acquired)
• Permanent Residency must have been acquired prior to the citizenship application.