A comprehensive guide to Portugal's Golden Visa program, recommended investment areas, and recent legal changes.
Portugal's Golden Visa program has undergone significant changes in recent years, but remains one of the most attractive in Europe for international investors.
What is the Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a program that grants permanent residency in Portugal in exchange for a significant investment in the country. The program changed in 2023 and no longer includes direct real estate investments, but residency can still be obtained through investment funds.
Recommended Investment Areas
Lisbon: The capital with a vibrant real estate market and high yields.
Porto: The second largest city, popular among tourists and investors.
Algarve: Southern region with vacation properties and high seasonal rental yields.
Madeira: Island with tax advantages and high quality of life.
Taxes in Portugal
- Purchase tax (IMT): 1%-8% depending on amount
- Stamp Duty: 0.8%
- Capital gains tax: 28% on sale profits
- Income tax on rental: 28%
Purchase Process
- Obtaining a tax number (NIF)
- Opening a local bank account
- Signing a notarized sale agreement
- Registering the property at the Portuguese Land Registry