Why does Portugal's Golden Visa continue to be the highest rated?
Earlier this year, the Residence Program Index 2024 was published, a ranking that places Portugal's Golden Visa as one of the best evaluated in the world.
This publication, from the consulting firm Henley & Partners, evaluates the various residency by investment programs taking into account factors such as processing time to obtain citizenship, taxes, costs and the country's reputation.
Within the top 5 of the index , which is headed by Portugal, Austria and Greece tied for second place, followed by Switzerland, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada and Spain.
Why is this country so highly rated in this important ranking?
Its reputation as a peaceful country : Portugal stands out as one of the most globalized and peaceful nations, with a high quality of life and strong rankings in both the Human Development Index and the 2024 Global Peace Index , where it comes in 7th place. It is a very safe country, maintaining a fairly stable political and economic environment, without major changes that would cause social or investor stress.
Investment amounts: Following recent announcements regarding changes to the Golden Visa , Portugal remains an attractive destination for investors. You can choose to contribute to cultural and artistic projects, with an investment starting at €200.000; invest in private funds with a minimum investment of €500.000 – offering significantly higher expected returns than other programs; or create at least 10 permanent jobs.
It allows for family inclusion: The program covers the investor's family: their spouse, their financially dependent children, their parents, and even the spouse's children and parents. Furthermore, citizenship acquired through this process is inheritable.
Its timelines and deadlines : You can obtain a passport without having to reside in the country; a vacation is all that's needed. The Golden Visa application process takes 12 to 18 months to obtain the residency card. Those who maintain the investment for at least five years can apply for permanent residency and/or citizenship. And during that period, only a minimum stay of 7 days per year is required.
Its associated benefits: For those applying for this visa with their family, it is undoubtedly attractive that it grants access to Portugal's top-quality education and healthcare systems . And, of course, being a resident of an EU country allows you to travel throughout the Schengen Area as much as you like, with visa-free access to its 27 countries.
A high level of English proficiency: Portugal is among the top 10 European countries with the highest level of English proficiency, according to the ranking compiled annually by Education First (EF) . In this index, Portugal is on par with countries like Germany and Greece.
These are just some of the highlights when comparing Portugal's Golden Visa program with other European countries. For others, it's necessary to add factors such as the climate, the cuisine, and the beautiful landscapes of this peninsular nation. Or the warmth and tolerance of its people, and their high quality of life.
In short: it is a combination of elements that undoubtedly explain why the Portuguese Golden Visa has such a positive evaluation worldwide.
At AIM Global, we understand the allure and benefits Portugal offers to all types of investors, not only those seeking citizenship through the Golden Visa, but also those looking to expand their businesses or explore other investment opportunities. We know that every case is unique, so we invite you to schedule a meeting with our team to explore your specific goals and possibilities.
We find investments that match your profile and guide you through the entire process. We are experts in international mobility, and our goal is to help you achieve yours.
