Portugal Citizenship Programme

Request More Information

The Portuguese Golden Visa Programme is one of the most sought-after residency by investment schemes in Europe. The programme was launched in October 2012 through Law 29/2012 and Order number 11820-A/2012, and since then has been successfully undertaken by over ten thousand families. The programme targets non-EU citizens who wish to work, reside and conduct business within the EU.

Benefits of Portuguese Golden Visa

  1. Travel

The applicant will benefit from visa-free travel to Schengen Countries and the procurement of the EU Residence Card. If the applicant decides to subsequently obtain Portuguese Citizenship, the applicant will also benefit from visa-free travel to 186 countries.

  1. Living, Working and Studying

The applicant, and his eligible dependents, will be able to work, live and study in Portugal, and may even own and run their own business in Portugal. The applicant will have full access to all public services including health care and education.

  1. Tax Benefits

The applicant is not burdened with any tax responsibilities. In the case that the applicant decides to spend more than 183 days a year in Portugal, the applicant becomes a tax resident.

  1. Permanent Residency and Citizenship

One of the most attractive features of the Portuguese Golden Visa Programme is that the applicant, along with any dependant, may apply for permanent residence. Post five years from acquiring the Golden Visa, the applicant may also apply for Portuguese Citizenship by naturalisation, which brings along with it all the benefits of an EU Citizenship.

Requirement for Portuguese Citizenship:

  • No outstanding tax payments in Portugal;
  • Clean criminal records, both in Portugal and the home country of applicant;
  • Passed a basic language test in Portuguese.

The requirements for citizenship are in accordance with the Portuguese Nationality Act.

The investment can be made in various ways including through Real Estate, Capital, Funds, Job Creation or Donations. The said investment must be maintained for a minimum period of five years.

  1. Real Estate

The applicant must undertake one of the following;

  • An investment in real estate with a minimum value of €500,000;
  • A real estate investment of at least €400,000 for low density areas (less than 100 habitants per km2);
  • An investment of at least €350,000 in real estate that is older than 30 years and located in an urban rehabilitation area;
  • An investment of at least €280,000 in real estate that is older than 30 years and located in a low density area (less than 100 habitants per km2).

It must be noted that the minimum amount does not pertain to one property. The applicant can invest in multiple real estate which must collectively amount to the minimum thresholds in each category.

  1. Capital
  • A Capital Transfer to Portugal of at least €1,000,000.
  1. Funds
  • An investment of at least €350,000 in a qualifying Portuguese fund.
  1. Job Creation

The applicant is to decide on one of the following;

  • The main applicant is to undertake to own a Portuguese Business which creates a minimum of 10 new full-time jobs;
  • In the case of a low-density area, the main applicant is to own a Portuguese Business which creates a minimum of 8 new full-time jobs;
  • An investment of at least €350,000 in an existing Portuguese Business which must create a minimum of 5 new full-time jobs for at least three years.
  1. Donation
  • A minimum investment of €250,000 euro in preserving national heritage in Portugal;

OR

  • A minimum investment of €350,000 in research and development activity in Portugal.

The funds financing such an investment must be sourced from outside Portugal.

Documentation Required

  • Copy of passport or other government-issued travel document;
  • Valid Schengen Visa;
  • Portuguese Fiscal number;
  • Proof of evidence of the qualifying investment made by the main applicant individually:
    • in the case of real estate, this amounts to a Deed or Promise of Sale Agreement with proof of deposit;
    • in the case of investment fund, proof of fund subscription from the fund manager.
  • Declaration from a Portuguese financial institution confirming transfer of funds;
  • Proof of healthcare insurance coverage:
    • if in Portugal, from the National Health System;
    • if outside Portugal, from any internally covered insurance company.
  • Criminal Record of current country of residence (issued within 3 months from the submission of application);
  • A complete form authorising SEF to access the criminal record in Portugal;
  • A sworn declaration exhibiting compliance with the minimum investment requirements for the necessary time period of 5 years;
  • Documents outlining good standing with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority and Social Security system to be issued within 45 days of the form submission;
  • Receipt of ARI application payment.

The applicant may extend the Golden Visa to family members. These include:

  • Spouses;
  • Children under the age of 18 from either spouse;
  • Children over the age of 18 but under the age of 26 who are financially dependent on the main applicant, due to them being full-time enrolled students in any academic institution, provided that they are not married;
  • Parents of the main applicant who are over the age of 65.

The applicant must;

  • Be a Non-EU/EEA/Swiss National;
  • Be at least 18 years of age;
  • Have a clean criminal record both in his home country and in Portugal;
  • Make a qualifying investment;
  • Satisfy the ‘Stay Requirement’ by spending a minimum of 7 days in Portugal from the first year of attainment of Golden Visa and not less than 14 days for each subsequent 2-year period.
Processing Fee

(beginning and at each renewal)

Applicant€533.90
Dependant€83.30

 

Initial Application Fee

(per applicant) 

€5,336.40

 

Renewal of Golden Visa

(per applicant)

€2,663.00

Testimonials

"According to our experience, E&S Consultancy team is made up of well-trained and skilled professionals who are always there to satisfy your business needs with reference to Maltase law. Their work is well organized and carried out in a precise and timely manner. I look forward to continuing my cooperation with E&S Consultancy."

Giorgio Crotta & Marco Compagnino - FIDINAM & Partners

"E&S assisted us with various transactions related to the expansion of our client's global structure. They have provided reliable tax advice; their expertise and efforts have been commendable. We would recommend E&S as an effective service provider."

Mitchell B. Kops & Jill Kelly - Withers Bergman

“E&S Consultancy really provides quality advice with commercial understanding. I have never experienced such a combination of know-how, pro-activeness and entrepreneurial thinking from any advisor. We are very impressed by the professionalism, attention to detail and efficiency of their staff. E&S Consultancy is an excellent firm which knows how to look after its customers."

Florian Karrer - Walters & Karrer Internacional

"Christian Ellul of E&S Consultancy has assisted us with advising on a number of transactions through Malta with particular tax driven expertise involved. We have found their tax and legal services very professional and efficient, with a client-driven approach and sound value for money investment for clients. We can, therefore, recommend E&S Consultancy as a law firm to be used in Malta."

Javier Morera - Broseta Abogados

"I've known E&S Consultancy for many years. They are knowledgeable, friendly and extremely helpful. Their team of experienced professionals has always offered courteous and immediate assistance. They are the best!"

Florian Karrer - Walters & Karrer Internacional

"We are happy to have E&S Group as our legal and transaction consultants. Their reliable and prompt advise on Maltese regulations and requirements has been extremely helpful throughout. Through our interactions with Mariella, Deborah and Anton among others, we find their team to be courteous, skilled, and promptly available to assist us as needed."

Prashanth Swaminathan, CEO of XDAT

“Having E&S as a reliable and trusted firm in Malta handling all the complexities of our corporate operations has been a real pleasure. I would recommend E&S Consultancy to anyone who is seeking the right partner when setting up in Malta"

Eric Benz, CEO of Changelly

"Applying for the MPRP is a complex project but with E&S team, the whole process didn’t seem to be as complex. The team first explained the process and then created a very detailed work activity tracker explaining each activity clearly. The team was very quick to respond to any clarifications and gave us confidence, helping in every step to make the process doable. One of the key areas for E&S’ success in guiding us was the painstaking detailed documentation and steps to be followed. Moreover, the process moved fast, and we got our approval the first time, in one shot. I would strongly recommend E&S for MPRP process as with them, you will get it done successfully and faster than others.  For me, I see the full form of E&S as Efficiency and Success for its clients."

Rangin Lahiri - CEO & Founder of YVC Europe Ltd

"E&S provides comprehensive, holistic and dedicated professional services related to company incorporation, Advisory, Risk & Compliance, Tax & Legal, Accounting and others. In the past 6 years, I have used most of these services and the company has very competent employees and professionals who understand the scope of the work and seek to deliver excellence in all the tasks they adhere to.

E&S can be considered as a one-stop shop services provider especially for start-ups. I will not hesitate to recommend E&S to others who want to use the professional services they offer due to their service oriented, and high level of professionalism."

Michael Gatt – Global Gaming Group (CFO)

"I always feel at ease when E&S’s legal team answers our Human Resource questions from the perspective of the company. They are not only very responsive to any questions, but also extremely patient. E&S are aware of the requirements of our organisation and, if they foresees any issues, advises us accordingly. I wholeheartedly recommend E&S Group to my other co-workers with particular reference to Dr Anthea and Dr Jade who are very reliable to handle inquiries."

Kathleen Dilley - Royce Technology

"We have had the pleasure of working with E&S since 2009, and their commitment to delivering high-quality results with a meticulous and professional approach has made them an invaluable partner in our long-standing collaboration."

Anna Davies at ANCROFT Corporate Consultants, London, UK

default image

"According to our experience, E&S Consultancy team is made up of well-trained and skilled professionals who are always there to satisfy your business needs with reference to Maltase law. Their work is well organized and carried out in a precise and timely manner. I look forward to continuing my cooperation with E&S Consultancy."

Giorgio Crotta & Marco Compagnino - FIDINAM & Partners January 26, 2017

default image

"E&S assisted us with various transactions related to the expansion of our client's global structure. They have provided reliable tax advice; their expertise and efforts have been commendable. We would recommend E&S as an effective service provider."

Mitchell B. Kops & Jill Kelly - Withers Bergman January 26, 2017

default image

“E&S Consultancy really provides quality advice with commercial understanding. I have never experienced such a combination of know-how, pro-activeness and entrepreneurial thinking from any advisor. We are very impressed by the professionalism, attention to detail and efficiency of their staff. E&S Consultancy is an excellent firm which knows how to look after its customers."

Florian Karrer - Walters & Karrer Internacional December 27, 2018

default image

"Christian Ellul of E&S Consultancy has assisted us with advising on a number of transactions through Malta with particular tax driven expertise involved. We have found their tax and legal services very professional and efficient, with a client-driven approach and sound value for money investment for clients. We can, therefore, recommend E&S Consultancy as a law firm to be used in Malta."

Javier Morera - Broseta Abogados December 27, 2018

default image

"I've known E&S Consultancy for many years. They are knowledgeable, friendly and extremely helpful. Their team of experienced professionals has always offered courteous and immediate assistance. They are the best!"

Florian Karrer - Walters & Karrer Internacional December 27, 2018

default image

"We are happy to have E&S Group as our legal and transaction consultants. Their reliable and prompt advise on Maltese regulations and requirements has been extremely helpful throughout. Through our interactions with Mariella, Deborah and Anton among others, we find their team to be courteous, skilled, and promptly available to assist us as needed."

Prashanth Swaminathan, CEO of XDAT May 9, 2019

default image

“Having E&S as a reliable and trusted firm in Malta handling all the complexities of our corporate operations has been a real pleasure. I would recommend E&S Consultancy to anyone who is seeking the right partner when setting up in Malta"

Eric Benz, CEO of Changelly July 23, 2019

default image

"Applying for the MPRP is a complex project but with E&S team, the whole process didn’t seem to be as complex. The team first explained the process and then created a very detailed work activity tracker explaining each activity clearly. The team was very quick to respond to any clarifications and gave us confidence, helping in every step to make the process doable. One of the key areas for E&S’ success in guiding us was the painstaking detailed documentation and steps to be followed. Moreover, the process moved fast, and we got our approval the first time, in one shot. I would strongly recommend E&S for MPRP process as with them, you will get it done successfully and faster than others.  For me, I see the full form of E&S as Efficiency and Success for its clients."

Rangin Lahiri - CEO & Founder of YVC Europe Ltd January 3, 2023

default image

"E&S provides comprehensive, holistic and dedicated professional services related to company incorporation, Advisory, Risk & Compliance, Tax & Legal, Accounting and others. In the past 6 years, I have used most of these services and the company has very competent employees and professionals who understand the scope of the work and seek to deliver excellence in all the tasks they adhere to.

E&S can be considered as a one-stop shop services provider especially for start-ups. I will not hesitate to recommend E&S to others who want to use the professional services they offer due to their service oriented, and high level of professionalism."

Michael Gatt – Global Gaming Group (CFO) June 14, 2023

default image

"I always feel at ease when E&S’s legal team answers our Human Resource questions from the perspective of the company. They are not only very responsive to any questions, but also extremely patient. E&S are aware of the requirements of our organisation and, if they foresees any issues, advises us accordingly. I wholeheartedly recommend E&S Group to my other co-workers with particular reference to Dr Anthea and Dr Jade who are very reliable to handle inquiries."

Kathleen Dilley - Royce Technology June 14, 2023

default image

"We have had the pleasure of working with E&S since 2009, and their commitment to delivering high-quality results with a meticulous and professional approach has made them an invaluable partner in our long-standing collaboration."

Anna Davies at ANCROFT Corporate Consultants, London, UK June 14, 2023

default image

[testimonials_cycle theme="clean_style" count="-1" order_by="date" order="ASC" show_title="0" use_excerpt="0" show_thumbs="1" show_date="1" show_other="1" hide_view_more="0" output_schema_markup="1" show_rating="stars" testimonials_per_slide="1" transition="fade" timer="5000" pause_on_hover="true" auto_height="container" show_pager_icons="1" prev_next="1" display_pagers_above="0" paused="0"]"We have worked with E&S Group for the last 18 months and we have found the people working there to be experienced and knowledgeable, in particular Dr. Deborah Vella and Nicole Said, Director and Head of Corporate Administration respectively. Both are professional and great to work with.  We hope that we can continue our collaboration for many years to come."

Mr Stephen Balzan, Director at ACT Advisory Services (2023) June 14, 2023

default image

"We've been honoured to cultivate a robust partnership over several years, focusing mainly on joint efforts with Dr. Deborah and Dr. Jade. The highlight of our collaboration is not just their expansive legal proficiency, but also their steadfast dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism. We deeply appreciate our straightforward and clear communication, underpinned by mutual understanding and respect, which consistently prioritizes the requirements and interests of our shared clientele."

Mr Ali Zarzouri, Business Development Manager at Malte Conseils (2023) June 14, 2023

"We have worked with E&S Group for the last 18 months and we have found the people working there to be experienced and knowledgeable, in particular Dr. Deborah Vella and Nicole Said, Director and Head of Corporate Administration respectively. Both are professional and great to work with.  We hope that we can continue our collaboration for many years to come."

Mr Stephen Balzan, Director at ACT Advisory Services (2023)

"We've been honoured to cultivate a robust partnership over several years, focusing mainly on joint efforts with Dr. Deborah and Dr. Jade. The highlight of our collaboration is not just their expansive legal proficiency, but also their steadfast dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism. We deeply appreciate our straightforward and clear communication, underpinned by mutual understanding and respect, which consistently prioritizes the requirements and interests of our shared clientele."

Mr Ali Zarzouri, Business Development Manager at Malte Conseils (2023)

Request More Detailed Information
About The Portugal Citizenship Programme

For our other services contact us here.

    Ordinary Residency

    Re-domiciliation

    Legal Opinions

    Company Formation