Golden Visa Portugal: Definitive Guide 2024

If you are looking for a European country to invest in, Portugal is one of the most popular choices for foreign investors.

The Portugal Golden Visa program is a residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU citizens to obtain residence permits in Portugal.

The program provides a range of benefits, including visa-free travel to Schengen countries, access to education and employment opportunities, and eligibility for citizenship opportunities and a Portuguese passport after a qualifying period.

In this guide, we will explore the Portugal Golden Visa benefits, eligibility criteria, investments, requirements, the application process, timeline, fees, permanent residency, and tax implications.

What is the Portugal Golden Visa?

The Portuguese Golden Visa was launched in 2012 to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth in Portugal.

The program allows non-EU citizens to obtain a residence permit in Portugal by making a qualifying investment in the country.

The investment program has been highly successful, with over 11,758 residence permits awarded to foreign investors since 2012 and 19,171 family members enjoying the benefits Golden Visa scheme. This makes it one of the most popular residency-by-investment programs in Europe.

Is the Portuguese Golden Visa Program Ending?

No, the Portugal Golden Visa program is not ending. The Portuguese government announced the end of the Golden Visa program on 16 February 2023. In April, the final draft of the new law terminating the Golden Visa was submitted to Parliament. However, while the program underwent significant revisions in October 2023, it remains operational, albeit with revised qualifying investment options.

The most notable change implemented in October 2023 was the restriction on real estate investments and real estate-related fund investments as acceptable pathways to acquiring the Golden Visa. These previously viable options are no longer available. With the amendments to the program, capital transfers were also discontinued as qualifying investments for the program.

Aspiring applicants should be reassured that alternative investment routes remain accessible. These include:

Supporting approved research projects within the scientific and technological fields
Generating job opportunities within Portugal
Subscribing to an investment fund
Investing in a private equity fund
Investing in a cultural project in Portugal.

Individuals interested in obtaining the Portugal Golden Visa still have the opportunity to do so through these alternative investment pathways.

As the program has undergone several changes in recent years, and there could be further changes in the near future, it's advisable to keep up to date with Portugal Golden Visa news. We will update our website with any important updates.

Benefits: What are the benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa?

Overall benefits

Overall, the Portugal Golden Visa offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for foreign investors and professionals looking to relocate to Portugal.

The program provides a straightforward path to residency, access to education and employment opportunities, and the potential for citizenship and an EU passport after a qualifying period.

Travel and visa-free countries

One of the most significant benefits of the Golden Visa is the ability to travel visa-free to Schengen Area countries, including select EU member states, Switzerland, and Norway. The Golden Visa provides access to 27 European Union nations and visa-free travel to 172 nations.

This means that people holding the Golden Visa can travel freely within the Schengen Area with visa-free access for up to 90 days every six months.

Freedom to live, work, and study in Portugal

Golden Visa holders are entitled to live and work in Portugal and enroll in Portuguese schools and universities. This provides excellent opportunities for those looking to relocate to Portugal and experience the country's rich culture and history.

Family reunification in Portugal

People who have a Golden Visa are entitled to family reunification, meaning they can include their dependent family members in their application, including:

Spouse or legal partner
Children under the age of 18
Dependent children under the age of 26 who are single and enrolled in full-time education or otherwise demonstrably financially dependent on their parents
Parents of either spouse over the age of 66 or 55 years of age and demonstrably financially dependent on either spouse

Families can relocate to Portugal together, allowing for a smooth transition and integration into Portuguese society.

Tax benefits

Portugal Golden Visa holders benefit from several tax advantages, including exemption from wealth tax and inheritance tax on assets held outside of Portugal.

They may also qualify for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax program, which offers favorable tax rates on foreign-source income for up to ten years. Because of updated NHR legislation, the way that Golden Visa holders pay tax, particularly income tax, in Portugal has changed.

The government in Portugal has announced that the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime will be phased out for new applicants starting from January 1, 2024. This means that individuals who have not been tax residents of Portugal in the previous five years will no longer be eligible for the NHR tax benefits, which include a reduced tax rate on foreign income.

The NHR tax regime was a popular incentive for foreign investors who wanted to live in Portugal. However, the government in Portugal has said that the scheme was too generous and that it was attracting wealthy individuals who were not contributing to the Portuguese economy.

For new applicants to the Golden Visa program, the main tax benefit will be a flat tax rate of 20 percent on personal income earned in Portugal. However, there will be no exemption from capital gains tax or inheritance tax.

The Portuguese government has also said that it is considering introducing a new tax regime for wealthy individuals who invest in Portugal. This new regime could include further tax breaks or even a complete exemption from income tax.

Portuguese citizenship and Portuguese passport

After holding a Portugal Golden Visa for five years, individuals can apply for Portuguese citizenship and a European passport.

This provides access to all the benefits of being an EU citizen, including the right to live, work, and study in any EU member state.

March Update 2024: Fast-Track To Portuguese Citizenship

The Portuguese parliament has recently approved significant changes to the country’s nationality law. It is believed that these changes will be beneficial to the thousands of Golden Visa applicants affected by delays in residency application processing by AIMA (former SEF Immigration and Border Services).

This major revision addresses the waiting period required for Portuguese nationality applications.

The law was published on 5 March 2024 and will come into force on 1 April 2024.

What are the changes to the nationality law?

Previously, under Article 6, Paragraph 1 of the nationality law, foreign citizens looking to get Portuguese nationality through naturalization were required to hold residency in Portugal for a minimum of five years, among other requirements. The initiation of the five years for nationality application started upon the issuance of the initial Portuguese residence permit.

Under this new legislative development, the amended Article 15, now incorporating Paragraph 1 of the Portuguese nationality law, states that the time between the submission of the temporary residency permit application and its final approval will be taken into account when calculating the required legal residency period for nationality, as long as the residence permit is granted.

Positive Relief for Portugal Golden Visa Applicants

The significant changes to Portugal’s nationality law are expected to bring positive changes for Golden Visa applicants.

Previously, applicants faced the strict requirement of a minimum five-year residency period commencing from the issuance of the initial residency permit. This often translated to lengthy waiting times, with candidates enduring delays attributed to processing backlogs at the former SEF.

This means that individuals who have faced delays in residency approvals due to factors such as COVID-19, the Ukranian War, and the restructuring of the Portuguese immigration department will now have their waiting period considered, allowing them to apply for Portuguese nationality sooner. For example, individuals wanting to apply for Portuguese residency in 2024 would fulfill the five-year residency requirement for Portuguese citizenship by 2029, irrespective of potential delays in the processing of the residency application.

This change is a key step towards enhancing the overall experience of individuals seeking to move to Portugal through the Golden Visa or those looking to secure Portuguese citizenship by naturalization.

Eligibility: Who is eligible for a Golden Visa in Portugal?

Nationalities

The Portuguese Golden Visa is open to all non-European Union, non-European Economic Area, and non-Swiss nationals.

Citizens of certain countries, including Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and Sudan, are not eligible for the program because of political and economic sanctions.

Pre-requisites

To be eligible for the Portuguese Golden Visa, individuals must have a clean criminal record and be able to prove the source of their investment funds.

Additionally, they must not have been refused entry to any of the Schengen countries in the past.

Golden Visa minimum investment amount

To qualify for the Portuguese Golden Visa, individuals must make a qualifying investment in Portugal. The minimum investment amount varies depending on the investment option chosen.

Your application can only be processed and approved after the investment is made.

Stay requirement

You are required to stay in Portugal for a minimum of seven days during your first year and then for a further minimum period of 14 days for each following two-year period.

Family members

Portugal Golden Visa applicants can include their immediate family in their application, including spouses, children, and parents.

American applicants to the Portugal Golden Visa

American citizens are eligible for the Portuguese Golden Visa.

UK citizens

UK citizens are eligible for the Portuguese Golden Visa following the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union.

Portugal Golden Visa for non-EU nationals

Non-EU nationals can obtain a Golden Visa in Portugal, providing they meet the eligibility criteria and make a qualifying investment in the country.

Portugal Golden Visa Investment Opportunities: What investments qualify for the Golden Visa in 2024?

The Golden Visa was introduced in Portugal to boost the economy by attracting foreign investment. In 2022, the investment options changed slightly to spread out investment to more remote parts of the country. In late 2023, new rules were implemented for the program, and the investment options were altered again, eliminating property investment options and capital transfers from the program.

Investment fund subscription

Another investment option is to subscribe to a Portuguese investment fund with a minimum value of €500,000. This option was introduced in 2023, replacing the previous option of transferring €1,500,000 to a Portuguese bank account.

The Portuguese investment fund that you subscribe to must meet certain criteria, including:

Registration and regulation: The investment fund must be registered and regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM).
Investment focus: The investment fund must focus on investments that contribute to the economic development of Portugal. This could include investments in infrastructure, research and development, or renewable energy.
Portfolio diversification: The investment fund must have a diversified portfolio of investments. This means that the fund should not be heavily invested in any one company or industry.
Professional management: The investment fund must be managed by a professional investment manager.
Transparent investment Process: the investment process of the fund must be transparent and verifiable.
Private equity funds and venture capital funds

For this route, you must invest a minimum of €500,000 in a private equity fund that is registered and regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM). You can also invest in a venture capital fund — a type of private equity fund that invests in early-stage companies with high growth potential.

You must select a private equity fund that invests in companies or projects that are in sectors that are considered to be important to Portugal's economy, such as:

Infrastructure: This includes investments in roads, bridges, ports, and other infrastructure projects that are necessary for the efficient operation of the economy.
Research and development: This includes investments in new technologies, products, and processes that can help to make Portugal more competitive in the global market.
Renewable energy: This includes investments in projects that generate energy from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power.

Other eligibility requirements include:

Registration and regulation: The private equity fund must be registered and regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM).
Diversification: The private equity fund must have a diversified portfolio of investments that are not concentrated in a single industry or company.
Professional management: The private equity fund must be managed by a team of experienced professionals with a proven track record of success.
Transparency: The private equity fund must have transparent investment policies and procedures.

Scientific research

Investment into scientific research with a minimum investment of €500,000 is another Golden Visa investment option. This option entails channeling your investment towards cutting-edge research projects, from medical breakthroughs to environmental solutions.

The research project must be conducted by public or private scientific organizations that are part of the national scientific and technological system.

The other eligibility requirements for this option are:

Investment duration: Maintain the investment for a minimum period of five years.
Project eligibility: The research project should focus on areas of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) that align with Portugal's strategic priorities.
Legality and transparency: The investment must be made through legal channels and should be transparent and verifiable.

Company and job creation

Individuals can also qualify for the Portuguese Golden Visa by investing a minimum of €350,000 in a Portugal-registered company or creating ten full-time jobs amounting to a minimum value of €500,000. This requirement is reduced to eight full-time jobs in Portugal's low-density areas. These jobs must be in line with Portugal's labor and social security standards.

The other eligibility requirements for this route are:

Job retention: Maintain the created jobs for a minimum period of three years.
Business viability: Establish or invest in a company that has a viable business plan and the potential to generate sustainable employment.
Legality and transparency: Ensure that the investment and business operations comply with all applicable laws and regulations in Portugal.

Cultural Production Golden Visa

For an investment of €250,000 into a qualifying cultural production project, which will need to be approved by the Portuguese government, investors can be eligible for the Golden Visa in Portugal.

To qualify via this pathway, you need to either make an investment into an artistic project — a Portuguese feature film, for example, could qualify — or make a non-refundable donation to a foundation of national heritage and cultural significance.

If the project is based in low-density areas in Portugal, then there is a 20 percent discount, making the minimum investment requirement amount €200,000.

Discontinued Investment Options

Following changes to the Golden Visa program in late 2023, the following investment options are no longer eligible to qualify for the visa:

Real estate acquisition

Real estate acquisition was the most popular investment option for the Portuguese Golden Visa.

Residential real estate investment

You could purchase residential real estate in designated interior areas of Portugal for a minimum value of €500,000 or €350,000 if it was a rehabilitation project. If the residential property was located in a designated 'low-density' area, then a 20 percent discount was applied.

Following the 2022 changes, Portugal Golden Visa investors could not invest in residential real estate in urban areas such as Lisbon, Porto, and most of the Algarve or the Silver Coast.

Commercial real estate

For commercial real estate, you could invest anywhere in the country for a minimum value of €500,000 or €350,000 if it was a rehabilitation project.

You could also purchase residential or commercial real estate anywhere on Portugal's autonomous islands of Madeira and Azores, meeting the same minimum value requirements.

Capital transfer

Individuals could also qualify for the Portuguese Golden Visa by transferring a minimum of €1,500,000 to a Portuguese bank account or financial institution. Like the real estate investment pathway, this option was discontinued in late 2023.

Requirements: What are the Golden Visa Portugal requirements?

To be eligible for the Golden Visa Portugal program, you need to meet the following requirements:

Minimum residence requirement

You need to spend at least seven days in Portugal during the first year of residency and 14 days minimum in each subsequent two-year period.

After five years, you can apply for permanent residence or citizenship.

Make and maintain a qualified investment for five years

You need to make a qualified investment in Portugal, such as creating permanent jobs or investing in capital or private scientific research institutions. The minimum investment amount varies depending on the type of investment, but it can start at €200,000.

Proper documentation

You must provide proper documentation to support your Golden Visa Portugal application. This includes legalizing and translating your documents and paying related fees. The required documents for the Golden Visa are:

A completed Portuguese Golden Visa application form
A valid passport and travel documents
A deed or contract for the purchased property or a signed Promissory Contract with attached proof of deposit payment
A Portuguese bank declaration confirming the transfer of funds
Private health insurance coverage in Portugal
A clean criminal record certificate or police clearance letter from your country of origin
A filled-out form granting SEF permission to obtain a copy of your Portuguese criminal records
Declaration attesting that you've complied with the investment requirements
Documents that show you have a good standing with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority and Social Security system, issued from 45 days before your online application.
Receipt for your application processing fee

The criminal background check certificate or police clearance letters need to be issued no more than 90 days before the application submission. All other certificates need to have been issued no more than 180 days before your application.

Legalizing documents

If a foreign country issues your documents, you need to legalize them through the Portuguese Consulate in that country or through the Apostille Convention.

Translating documents

All non-Portuguese documents must be translated into Portuguese by a certified translator.

Related fees

Besides the investment amount, you must also pay related fees, such as application, processing, document translation, and renewal fees. These fees can range from a few hundred euros to several thousand euros.

Bank account and NIF number

You also need to open a Portuguese bank account and obtain a NIF number, which is a tax identification number. You need a NIF to engage in any financial activity in Portugal, including opening a bank account, buying property, renting a house, working in Portugal, and signing any contract.

You also need a NIF to apply for a Golden Visa.

Getting a NIF number

To get a NIF number, you need to go to a tax office (Finanças) in Portugal and provide your identification documents and proof of address. If you're a non-European Union national, it is advisable to have a fiscal representative present with you.

Getting a NIF in a Portuguese tax office can be time-consuming and often involves waiting in long queues. We provide an online fiscal representation and NIF service. Your fiscal or legal representative can simply apply for a NIF on your behalf, and you'll get one sent straight to you within a couple of weeks.

Opening a Portuguese bank account

To open a bank account in Portugal, you must go to a bank in person and provide your identification documents, proof of address, and tax identification number.

Alternatively, you can open a Portuguese bank account online through our services.

How To Get a Golden Visa in Portugal: Application Process

Now that you know the requirements for Golden Visa permit, let's take a closer look at the Golden Visa Portugal application process.

Step One: Speak to the Global Citizen Solutions team and decide on your investment type

The first step is to speak to a Global Citizen Solutions team member and decide on the type of investment that suits your needs and budget. Global Citizen Solutions is our partner and an expert in ensuring a successful Golden Visa application.

Three teams will work together to help you get your Golden Visa. Each applicant benefits from an onboarding team that helps you get a NIF and bank account, an immigration and legal team, with leading immigration lawyers, that help you gather documents based on your own personal and family circumstances, and an investment team who will assist you with investing.

They will guide you through the process and help you make an informed decision.

The team will help you understand the specifics of each investment type, the pros and cons, and the necessary steps to take.

Step Two: Gather all necessary documents

After deciding on the investment type, the next step is to gather all the necessary documents. These documents include:

Valid passport and visa
Criminal record certificate from your home country
Proof of investment
Proof of health insurance
Proof of accommodation in Portugal

Step Three: Get a NIF and open a bank account

You will need a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF) and a Portuguese bank account to proceed with your application. We can assist you in obtaining these.

We offer a remote service whereby you can simply fill out an application form online and get a NIF sent straight to your email inbox in two to three weeks

Similarly, we can also help you open up a Portuguese account with one of Portugal's leading banks from anywhere in the world.

Step Four: Finalize the investment

Now, it's time to finalize your investment. For real estate investments, you will need to sign a Promissory Contract and transfer the funds to a Portuguese bank account.

You must provide proof of the transfer or job creation for capital transfer and job creation investments.

Step Five: Submit pre-application

The next step is to submit a pre-application to SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras), the Portuguese immigration authority. The pre-application includes all the required documents and a description of the investment.

Step Six: Schedule and attend your SEF appointment

After submitting your pre-application, you will need to schedule and attend an appointment with SEF. During the appointment, SEF will review your application and may request additional documents or information.

Step Seven: Get your Golden Visa and renew

If your application is approved, you will receive your Golden Visa. The initial golden visa applicants get is valid for one year, after which you can renew it for two-year periods.

Step Eight: Become a Portuguese citizen

After holding the Golden Visa for five years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. This requires passing a Portuguese language test and demonstrating ties to the country.

Timeline: What is the timeline for the Golden Visa process?

Here is a breakdown of the Golden Visa process year by year:

Years one and two

During the first two years, individuals need to maintain their investment and stay in Portugal for at least seven days per year.

After two years, your residency permit needs to be renewed. After renewal, it is valid for another two years.

Years three, four, and five

In years three, four, and five, individuals must continue to maintain their investment and spend at least 14 days per year in Portugal every two years.

In year four, the residency permit needs to be renewed again. It is valid for an additional two years.

Year five

After five years, individuals can apply for permanent residency in Portugal or for Portuguese citizenship.

Here is a breakdown of the Golden Visa application process timeline:

Pre-application

After you have done your research and decided on your investment, you need to start the paperwork for yourself and any dependents you plan to include. We recommend that you consult with an experienced immigration agency, such as Global Citizen Solutions, who can review your documents and ensure the correct paperwork is in order. You can contact them for a free consultation about your eligibility for the Golden Visa scheme.

You must also obtain a tax identification number (NIF) through a fiscal representative. After getting your NIF, you'll be required to open a bank account in Portugal.

We can help you both get a NIF through a fiscal representative and help you to open a bank account from the comfort of your own home, anywhere in the world.

Once you have your NIF and account, it's time to make the investment. Global Citizen Solutions can help secure your investment and guide you through the paperwork needed to ensure a successful investment.

Application and pre-approval

Now that you've made a qualifying investment, you can lodge your application online. If you fulfill the necessary requirements, your application will be pre-approved.

You'll then need to book an interview at your closest Portuguese Embassy or Portuguese Consulate and attend a biometrics collection session. This usually occurs around two months after submitting your application and booking an interview.

Golden Visa issuance

You've made the investment, sent the application, and given your biometric data. It should now take between three to six months for your application for the Golden Visa to be approved by SEF.

All that's left to do is pay the government permit issue fee. You can either collect the residence cards yourself, or a company such as Global Citizen Solutions can pick them up on your behalf and send them to you. This initial residence card is valid for two years.

To obtain a Portugal Golden Visa, individuals need to pay government fees and legal costs related to the investment. These fees can vary depending on the investment option chosen.

A single applicant might have to pay between €5,000 to €8,000 for an initial application. Any dependents under 18 years of age can be included in the application for free. Any dependents over the age of 18 can be included for additional fees of between €500 and €2,000.

Note that these figures are not final, and you may have to pay additional fees depending on the lawyer you hire to help with the application process.

Renewals

When renewing your visa, legal fees for a single applicant can cost between €1,000 to €2,500. Any dependents above 18 years of age can incur fees between €500 and €2,000. You can renew a child's visa for free.

Taxes: What are the Portuguese Golden Visa tax implications?

Tax implications

Individuals who obtain a Portugal Golden Visa may be subject to certain tax implications.

Although real estate investments are no longer an option to qualify for Golden Visa investors, you might still want to purchase property in the country. In this instance, you may be subject to real estate tax implications, including annual local taxes and property rental taxes. It is important to seek professional tax advice and consider tax management services to ensure compliance with Portuguese tax laws and optimize tax savings.

Real estate tax implications

When investing in the Portuguese real estate market, it's essential to understand the tax implications. Portugal has a property transfer tax (IMT) and an annual property tax (IMI). The IMT ranges from 1 percent to 8 percent, depending on the property value, and the IMI ranges from 0.3 percent to 0.8 percent.

Annual local taxes

Portugal also has annual local taxes, which vary depending on the location and property value. These taxes cover services such as waste collection, road maintenance, and street cleaning.

Property rental taxes

If you plan to rent out your property in Portugal, you must also pay taxes on the rental income. The tax rate is 28 percent, but deductions are available for expenses such as repairs and maintenance.

Statistics on Portugal's Golden Visa Program

According to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service, the Portuguese Golden Visa has been a significant success since its launch in 2012.

Since October 2012, the Portugal Golden Visa program has attracted significant investment funds of over €6,852,797,996.
Out of this amount, a considerable sum of €6,118,130,162.55 has been invested in real estate. The Algarve region is the most popular location for real estate investment, followed by Lisbon and Porto.
The program has benefited 11,758 investors.
As much as 10,755 (92 percent) of the Portugal Golden Visa applications were made through real estate investments.
981 Portugal Golden Visas were granted to investors for capital transfer investments.

Summary

The Portuguese Golden Visa is an excellent option for non-EU citizens looking to invest in Portugal and gain residency. Whether you want to invest in job-creating ventures, scientific research activities, or a venture capital fund, the Golden Visa has a wealth of options. The application process can be complex, but with the help of the Global Citizen Solutions and GetNifPortugal team, it can become much more straightforward

If you're interested in the Portugal Golden Visa, please get in touch. With the right investment and proper planning, Portugal's Golden Visa could be your route to securing permanent residency or becoming a Portuguese citizen.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Golden Visa Portugal Program

Who qualifies for a Golden Visa in Portugal?

Non-EU citizens who invest in Portugal may qualify for a Portugal Golden Visa. The investment options include venture capital investment funds, job-creating investments, investments in scientific research, and artistic production investments.

How much does a Golden Visa cost in Portugal?

The cost of the Portuguese Golden Visa varies depending on the investment type and related fees. The lowest amount that will qualify for an investment is €200,000. As well as the investment amount, applicants must also pay application, processing, and renewal fees.

Is the Golden Visa still available in Portugal?

Yes, Portugal's Golden Visa program is still available, although it has undergone several changes in the past few years, such as discontinuing the real estate investment and capital transfer options. The program, which was launched in 2012, has been extended several times. As of January 2024, the program is still open for new applications. Of course, it's possible there will be future Portugal Golden Visa changes, so it's advisable to stay up to date with the latest news on the program.

How long does the Portugal Golden Visa last?

Portugal Golden Visas are valid for an initial period of one year. They can then be renewed for subsequent periods of two years, up to a total of five years.

After five years, a Golden Visa holder may be eligible for permanent residency or citizenship, subject to meeting the program's requirements and Portuguese nationality law.

What are the pros and cons of living in Portugal?

Like any country, Portugal has its own set of pros and cons when it comes to relocation.

Living in Portugal: pros and cons

Benefits of living in Portugal:

High quality of life: Portugal consistently ranks high in terms of quality of life, with a slower, more relaxed pace, great weather, and beautiful natural landscapes.
Affordable living: Portugal's cost of living is generally lower than many other Western European countries, making it a very affordable choice.
Rich culture and history: With its deep history and vibrant culture, there are plenty of historical sites to explore and traditions to learn about.
Safety: Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in the world.
Friendly people: The locals are known to be very welcoming and friendly, making it easier for expats to integrate into the community.

Cons:

Language barrier: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations, there may still be a language barrier in more rural areas or with older generations.
Bureaucracy: Dealing with administrative tasks can sometimes be a challenge due to a certain level of bureaucracy and slow processing times.
Lower salaries: Compared to some other European countries, salaries in Portugal can be on the lower side, particularly outside of major cities.
Unpredictable weather in some areas: While generally, the weather is favorable, some regions of Portugal can have unpredictable weather, particularly in the North.

Is Portugal a good place to live for foreigners?

Yes, Portugal has increasingly become a sought-after destination for expatriates from all over the world. This can be attributed to its affordable cost of living, excellent climate, friendly people, and rich culture. There's also a growing expat community, particularly in cities such as Lisbon and Porto, which can provide a supportive network for new arrivals.

Is Portugal expat-friendly?

Absolutely, Portugal is known for its hospitable and friendly locals. Expats often report feeling welcomed and accepted in both urban and rural communities. Additionally, Portugal has made efforts to simplify its immigration procedures and offers a number of benefits for expats.

Which is better: the D7 Visa or the Golden Visa Portugal?

Both the D7 Visa and Golden Visa are attractive options for those seeking residency in Portugal. The D7 Visa is better suited for those who want to live in Portugal permanently and are able to demonstrate sufficient passive income to support themselves. The Golden Visa is better suited for those who are looking for a faster and more straightforward path to residency, but who are not necessarily committed to living in Portugal full-time.