Portugal is on the western side of the Iberian Peninsula and is the westernmost country of mainland Europe. The country has one land border with Spain to the north and east and has a long coastline with the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. In addition to continental Portugal, the country includes the archipelagos of Azores and Madeira, which are autonomous regions of the country.

The most important sectors of Portugal’s economy in 2012 were wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food services (25.0 %) and public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities (19.5 %) and industry (18.7 %)

Portugal’s main export and import partners are Spain, France and Germany.

The Portuguese currency is the euro. Most Industries, business and financial institutions are concentrated in the Lisbon and Porto metropolitan areas Setubal,Aveiro,Braga Colimbra and Leiria districts are biggest economic centre.

Portugal is a significant European minerals producer also of tin, tungsten and uranium.

Reasons of Investment in Portugal.

• It is one of the world’s most globalized, peaceful and responsive nations

• Portugal is developed country with an advanced economy, high living standards.

• Portugal has a strong tradition in the Portuguese fishing sector and is one of the countries with the highest fish consumption per capita.

• Foreign direct investment projects in Portugal.

• A highly developed and transparent market.

• A high quality of supply in all sectors.

• A considerable presence of foreign occupiers.

Golden Visa in Portugal

The Law no 29/2012, issued on the 9th of August, to support the investment of foreign entrepreneurs, brings to Portugal a new programme of residence permit also known as Golden Visa.

Benefits of a Golden Visa.

• This type of permit, allows the holder to enter and stay in Portugal for a period of 5 years, which increases the actual period foreseen for non residents ( 90 days ).

• Allows the holder to travel in the Schengen Area (Spain, France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Island, Italy, Leetonia, Republic of Latvia, Check Republic, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Nederland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Sweden e Switzerland).

• After a period of 5 years, the Golden Visa permit allows the holder to apply for a permanent residence permit.

• A minimum period of 183 days of residence in Portugal is not a requirement for the application of its renewal.

• The holder may request the family regrouping (husband/spouse, children aged under 18 and adult dependent relatives carrying out his/her studies)

Requirements to obtain the “Golden Visa” in Portugal

In order to be part of this program, it is necessary to carry out at least one of the following options:

• A deposit of one million of euros.

• An investment which generates ten jobs.

• To buy a property of a value equal or higher than 500,000€.

Documentation for Visa:

• A Valid passport and, if applicable, a valid Schengen visa

• Two colour passport size photograph.

• Copy of itinerary with confirmed reservation or acceptance letter.

• Criminal record from the country in which the applicant has most recently resided during at least 1 year, certified by the Portuguese consulate or by the apostille of the Hague convention (not necessary for under 16-year old children)

• Applicant’s permission for the authorities to access his/her Portuguese criminal record.

• Unless your investment option consists of having >€1 m invested through your bank, in which case your bank will obtain the number for you, Portuguese tax identification number (you must appoint a local tax representative in order to obtain it).

• Certificate of no debts from the Portuguese tax and national insurance offices.

• Signed statement by the applicant that he/she will fulfil the investment requirements.

• Evidence that the minimum investment has been made (this consists of a certificate issued by the appropriate registry office and, where applicable, a letter from a local bank confirming the transfer of the required funds).

• Evidence of permanent health insurance valid in Portugal (you can generally obtain this through your Portuguese bank).

• Receipt of payment of the application fee.

• Original or certified copy of the driving license or of a recent utility bill (proof of address needed to open a bank account).

• In addition, documentary evidence of the eligibility of family member applicants, e.g. a marriage certificate for the spouse and birth certificates for the children.