The Golden Visa program has NOT been completed

With the beginning of October 2023, the Portuguese government officially closed the Golden Visa program for real estate investments. This announcement has left many potential investors confused about their immigration prospects and the opportunities available in Portugal. While the traditional Golden Visa route through real estate is no longer an option, there are alternative ways to obtain a Golden Visa through investments. In this in-depth guide, we look at the remaining routes to Portuguese residency and citizenship, including Golden Visas through investment funds, D7 and D2 visas, offering valuable insights into the changing landscape of Portuguese immigration.

Investment funds: the only remaining Golden Visa option

Investing in these funds has always been an option, but the appeal of real estate investment, as a more conservative and safer type of investment, has overshadowed this option. The closure of Golden Visas for real estate has prompted many to look for alternatives, leading to an increased interest in investment funds.

It is important to note, however, that most investment funds carry significant risks due to their nature. For example, some funds invest in startups, which can lead to both significant gains and losses.

In order to mitigate these risks, we conducted extensive interviews with several investment fund managers. During our research, we identified a particularly robust investment opportunity: a network of private schools planning to expand in Lisbon. Known as the most prestigious schools in the region, these schools have an impeccable reputation and a long history of success. They have consistently produced significant returns for investors, often ahead of schedule.

For those who previously thought their options were limited following the closure of real estate-related Golden Visas, it is important to know that while traditional routes through real estate are no longer available, there are alternatives in the form of carefully selected investment funds.

D7 visas: focus on passive income

Many potential Golden Visa applicants may not be aware of an available alternative - the D7 visa in Portugal. Unlike the significant investment required for Gold Visas, the D7 visa requires a modest income of €765 per month from sources such as rent, dividends or pensions. For those without passive income, there is an opportunity to invest in real estate with income exceeding 765 euros to become eligible to apply for a D7 visa.

Like the Golden Visa, the D7 visa offers a pathway to Portuguese citizenship and passport upon expiration. However, the significant difference lies in the residency requirements.

D2 visas: entrepreneurship and investment

The D2 visa in Portugal represents an attractive opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs. The lack of strict minimum investment requirements is one of the main advantages of the D2 visa, although an amount of €50,000 is recommended. To qualify for the visa, applicants must either set up their own business or invest in an existing one.

One of the main advantages of the D2 visa, similar to the Golden Visa, is that there are no mandatory residency requirements. This flexibility is complemented by a provision in the law: applicants may be exempted if they can prove that their absence is due to professional or business commitments or cultural or social events. This is particularly attractive to highly skilled people who cannot devote all their time to Portugal.

One example of an investment is a unique and innovative real estate and technology company. This particular strategic move allows investors to avoid paying buyer's commissions on real estate transactions, which can save up to 5% of the transaction value. Depending on the value of the property being purchased, investment fees can be repaid when the property is purchased, making this option particularly beneficial for those looking to buy property in Portugal.

In conclusion, although the traditional Golden Visa route of real estate investment has come to an end in Portugal, there remain many alternative options for potential immigrants. Investment funds offer a reliable route for those who are willing to do a thorough analysis, providing opportunities in successful and established businesses. The D7 visa attracts people with regular passive income, contributing to a stable financial flow in the Portuguese economy. Entrepreneurs and investors find satisfaction in the flexibility of the D2 visa, allowing them to combine international commitments and strengthen their position in Portugal.

In this changing state of affairs, it is important for potential immigrants to explore these alternative routes, scrutinizing their requirements and benefits. Accepting the changing dynamics of Portuguese immigration policy will allow people to find affordable pathways to residency and possibly citizenship. The end of the Golden Visa era for real estate opens a new chapter where innovative approaches and diverse investment opportunities are redefining the immigration experience in Portugal.