The Golden Visa Portugal Program has undergone a series of changes in recent months and many interested investors called us to know about the continuity of the program that grants residence permits to those who invest in Portugal. 

So, in this article, we will clarify that the Golden Visa Portugal DIDN’T end in 2021.

However, the Golden Visa, which is officially called Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI), has undergone significant changes that directly affect those interested in buying real estate, especially if they are located in the Lisbon, Porto, or Algarve regions.

From now on, it is worth making it clear that it will continue to be possible to obtain the Golden Visa through the purchase of property, as long as it is located in other regions of the country.

It’s also interesting to say that the ARI is not only intended for the purchase of the real estate. The program offers 7 other investment possibilities in addition to the acquisition of a property in the country.

So, what has changed in Golden Visa Portugal?

As we have already mentioned, the main change in the program concerns the purchase of properties in Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve – the regions that have attracted the most interest from property buyers since the program was launched at the end of 2012.

The changes, which took effect on January 1, 2022, refer to the locations of purchase of properties and also to the change of investment values ​​​​in some of the categories of the program.

Buying a property: New Rules

The purchase of a property in Portugal was the most important investment option for international investors since the creation of the program.

From now on, anyone interested in applying for a Gold Visa through the purchase of a property should know that:

The property must be located in regions with low population density – inland, on the Azores Islands, or on Madeira Island, with a minimum investment of €500,000.

The other option that involves real estate investment is the purchase of old properties that are located in urban rehabilitation areas, or that were built more than 30 years ago.

In this situation, the value of the purchase and renovation of the property must be at least €350,000. Also, if the property is located in a low-density area, the value can be reduced by 20%, with a minimum total investment of €280,000.

So, is it worth applying for the Golden Visa?

For those who are willing to invest the amounts that are required (investments start with a minimum amount of €250,000), it is worth it. This is because the program grants a series of benefits to those who make one of the investments established by the Government of Portugal.

In addition to obtaining a residence permit to be able to live in the country (which can be extended to family members through family reunification), after 5 years of investment, the visa holder can apply for Portuguese nationality.

What are your thoughts? Are you thinking about it and don’t know where to start? Get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.