Portuguese citizens are also citizens of the European Union, so they have permission to move to, work, and open business in any country of the EU. The quality of life in Portugal is outstanding, with high-quality free services and economic stability. That is why Portugal is a popular place to spend retirement and even offers a special visa for it. And, of course, the wonderful climate, picturesque views, and access to the Pacific are pleasant bonuses. In this article, we will describe all the benefits of a Portugal passport and how one can receive it.
What Are the Benefits of a Portugal Passport?
Portugal passport offers such advantages to its holders:
- The list of visa-free countries for Portugal passports has 187 countries.
- No permission is needed to work and start a business in Portugal and any country in the EU.
- Free education anywhere in the EU.
- Free quality healthcare.
- Excellent quality of life.
- Dual citizenship is allowed.
According to Victor Esik, an Immigrant Invest expert, Portugal’s passport benefits make the country’s golden visa program one of the most popular in the world. Only in June 2022, 155 investors and 204 dependants were granted resident permits under this program.
How to Get Portugal Citizenship
A foreign citizen can apply for a Portuguese passport after living in the country for five years under a residence permit. To do so, one must also prove an A2 mastery level of the Portuguese language and have a clean criminal record and proof of legal, permanent residence for at least five years. The process can be faster and easier in certain cases:
- A person is married to a citizen of Portugal — in this case, citizenship can be granted after only three years of being in a legal relationship with a Portuguese partner.
- Citizenship by the “right of blood” — if a person has at least one parent or grandparent from Portugal, citizenship can be passed down by descent.
- Taking part in Portugal’s golden passport program — investors can get residence permits for themselves and their families and have less harsh requirements for applying for citizenship.
Portugal Passport by Investment Options
After passing due diligence and background check, wealthy individuals can get temporary residence permits after making one of these investments:
- Buying real estate. The required amount varies between €280,000 and €500,000 depending on property age and location.
- Locating €500,000 to an investment fund.
- Making €1,500,000 transfer of capital.
- Investing €250,000 into art and culture projects.
- Investing €500,000 in an existing business or research project.
- Opening a company with at least 10 subsidiaries.
Another interesting project is a Portugal HQA visa. Its aim is to attract bright individuals to the country and encourage them to launch innovative projects in it. According to immigrantinvest.com, under this program, an investment of €175,000 into launching a startup with one of the country’s incubators will grant an investor an HQA visa.
Investment residents who become tax residents can apply for a special status that gives them a 10-year global income tax exemption. In addition, they are not required to pass a language test or permanently reside in Portugal to get citizenship.
Conclusion
Portugal’s passport benefits include visa-free access to 187 countries, the right to work and conduct business throughout Europe, and reside in one of the safest, most developed, and most beautiful countries of the EU. Foreign citizens can apply for passports after five years of living in Portugal under a residency permit. Individuals married to Portuguese citizens, those with roots in Portugal, and golden visa participants have easier procedures for gaining citizenship.