Portugal Golden Visa Real Estate Investment | After the 2022 Changes
Updated: 17 April 2023
Your Guide to Portugal Golden Visa Through Real Estate Acquisition
At Get Golden Visa, we worked with investors from all over the world interested in making a real estate investment in Portugal and getting a Golden Visa.
Contact us and speak to our independent advisors who can present you with available property options in Portugal after the changes.
The Portugal Golden Visa Program is on its way out, and by sometime in 2023, it will be gone for good. Although there is no definite timeline yet, indications are that the new law will not apply retroactively, which means that you can still apply for the program before the law comes into effect, and if you have a pending application or renewal, you will be transferred to a D2 Entrepreneur’s Permit with the same residency requirements as before. To make sure you don’t miss out on this opportunity, legal experts advise acting quickly. Read here what we know so far.
Portugal Golden Visa underwent some major changes on 1st January 2022. According to the new rules, the regions where you can make real estate investments to qualify for Portugal Golden Visa have changed. For some methods, the investment amounts have increased.
As the changes came into effect, many prospective real estate investors wonder if their investment could still be eligible for a Portuguese Golden Visa. It’s true that there has been confusion and panic, however, the new rules don’t lower your chances of getting a Portugal Golden Visa through a real estate acquisition.
In this article, we’re going to give you a detailed explanation of the changes regarding real estate and how you can still qualify for a Portugal Golden Visa.
Where you can buy a residential property has been limited to some locations
Change #2: Concerns all Other Investment Methods:
Investment amounts for capital transfers, cultural investments, and fund subscriptions have been raised
While the changes regarding the amounts have been clear, the restrictions on location for property acquisition might be difficult to understand. To have a better understanding, it’s important that you become familiar with the terms of low-density and high-density areas, as well as interior and non-interior regions.
The “density” defines the minimum amount you must invest in order to qualify for your Golden Visa application. If an area has fewer than 100 inhabitants per km2 or a GDP per capita of less than 75 percent of the national average, it’s named “low-density”.
In “interior areas” you’re free to make either residential or non-residential property investments. However, in “non-interior” you can only invest in non-residential properties, such as commercial properties, offices, or hotels.
Eligible Real Estate Investment Options for Portugal Golden Visa
As we’ve discussed, real estate investment is still an option for Portugal Golden Visa investors. Here are the routes you can take to qualify:
Residential Real Estate
You can choose to buy residential real estate in a designated interior area and pay €500,000.
An investment of €350,000 is also possible if the property is a part of an urban rehabilitation project. If this residential property is in a designated “low density” area, you’re also eligible for a 20 percent drop on the minimum investment threshold.
Commercial Real Estate
You can buy commercial real estate anywhere in Portugal as long as it is worth at least €500,000.
An investment of €350,000 is also possible if the property is a part of an urban rehabilitation project. If this commercial property is in a designated “low density” area, you’re also eligible for a 20 percent drop on the minimum investment threshold.
Both Commercial and Residential Real Estate
Making either commercial or residential real estate investments in Madeira Islands or the Azores will qualify you for a Portugal Golden Visa. The investment amount is €500,000.
Again, if the property is a part of a rehabilitation project, the minimum investment amount drops to €350,000.
Real Estate Investment in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve
So you want to invest in the usual suspects… Lisbon, Porto, and the majority of the Algarve region are listed as “non-interior” areas.
This is why a residential real estate investment in these locations will not qualify you for a Portugal Golden Visa. However, you’re free to make a commercial real estate investment in these popular destinations and still get a Portugal Golden Visa.
Note that offices, hotels, or licensed Airbnb apartments are popular commercial property categories and have been very popular among international investors, even before the changes came into the effect.
You might be thinking that buying a house in popular spots and qualifying for a Golden Visa at the same time isn’t possible. That’s not true though. Although the “most famous” places have been taken away from the equation, there are many locations where you can find your dream home. Aljezur, a mini coastal village in the Algarve, is an example. It’s an ideal place where you can be away from the crowds but you’ll be a one-hour drive away from Faro, the region’s capital. Sagres is another spot that is available if you’re looking to get away from the crowds.
Douro Valley, which is easily reachable from Porto, is another eligible area where you can buy a house and apply for a Golden Visa. Thanks to the growing eco-tourism, Douro Valley real estate is becoming very popular.
Get Golden Visa: Who We Are and How We Can Help You
Get Golden Visa is a bespoke investment advisory firm. We help people get an additional residency and citizenship by making a qualifying investment through property acquisition. With our team of legal professionals in Lisbon and Porto offices, we offer our clients a tailor-made and transparent journey in their quest for Portugal Golden Visa through real estate acquisition.
Contact us to speak with one of our expert team members in Portugal who can assist you with all of your queries regarding Portugal Golden Visa real estate investment.
Get in Contact
Key Takeaways on Portugal Golden Visa Real Estate Investment
You can still make a real estate investment in Portugal and get a Golden Visa
Although residential properties in Lisbon, Porto, and popular coastal towns aren’t now eligible for Portugal Golden Visa, there are many undiscovered spots where you can find a nice house
Low-density or interior areas aren’t less favorable than other parts of the country as they have significant development potential
If you’re looking for a commercial property, there is no geographical restriction
If you’re looking for a residential property, it’s possible to find eligible areas that are close to Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve
You can get discounts if the property is in an urban rehabilitation area or it needs a renovation
Conclusion
As we’ve explained, getting a Golden Visa in Portugal through real estate acquisition is still possible. Once you go through all areas, you’ll realize that Portugal’s real estate scene is very diverse and promising.
Fill out the form to meet our team of legal professionals, licensed real estate experts, and fund advisors.
Your Trusted Partner in Golden Visa Process
From investment decisions to the Golden Visa approval, we strive to optimize the process and provide a transparent journey.
Real Estate Advisory
We’ve been serving our clients since 2014 with our expertise in independent investment advisory. Simplify your property search with our certified real estate professionals.
Fund Investment
We’re in liaison with over 40 fund managers in different countries. Choose the right fund based on your needs with an unbiased, straightforward approach.
