In the past two years, many entrepreneurs from China have been purchasing properties in the United States, and there have been frequent news reports about groups traveling to the U.S. for real estate purchases. Recently, the hottest overseas investment has been the increased investment in European countries by Li Ka-shing. Since the financial crisis of 2008, most European countries have suffered significant economic damage, and in the past two years, European countries have continuously launched investment immigration programs to attract Chinese investors to invest in Europe.
Among many European countries, Portugal has attracted a large number of investors, including those from China, due to its unique investment advantages. Additionally, the introduction of the "Golden Residence Permit Program" for property investment, which grants residency status upon purchasing real estate worth 500,000 euros, has become an important incentive for attracting non-EU investors to Portugal.
Taking the real estate projects specified by the "Golden Residence Permit Program" as an example, influenced by the European debt crisis following the 2008 financial crisis, the current property prices in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, are approximately half of what they were in 2008. In recent years, GDP has shown a declining trend for several consecutive quarters, but recent data indicates that Portugal's GDP seems to be showing signs of recovery, with a growth rate of 1.1% in the second quarter of 2013, providing ample upward potential for the real estate market.
According to the requirements of the Golden Residence Permit Program in Portugal, investors only need to invest 500,000 euros in real estate in Portugal to obtain a golden residence permit, allowing them to freely enter and exit 26 Schengen countries, and enjoy medical benefits and 12 years of free education provided by the Portuguese government. One person invests, and the whole family benefits, creating an ideal living environment and educational system for children.
Since the introduction of this immigration policy in October 2012, the annual residency requirement has been reduced from the original 30 days to 7 days, making Portugal the Western European country with the lowest residency requirements. Compared to other European and American countries, this is undoubtedly very attractive. Worldway was the first to introduce the Golden Residence Permit Program in Portugal to China, launching the project in collaboration with the Portuguese Ambassador to China, sparking a wave of interest in investment immigration to Portugal in the domestic market.
Experts from Worldway explain that, in addition to the advantages of simple investment forms, rapid approval, and direct entry into a modern Western European country, individuals who obtain a golden residence permit can enjoy the rights to reside, work, and do business in Portugal, and can freely enter and exit France, Germany, Italy, and other 26 Schengen countries without a visa, enjoying the same employment, medical, and educational benefits as Portuguese citizens.
In terms of living costs, Portugal is also relatively low. Relevant data shows that among the capitals of countries worldwide, the cost of living in Lisbon ranks 86th. Experts from Worldway particularly point out that after obtaining the Portuguese residence visa, as long as the individual meets various criteria within 5 years, they can apply for permanent residency, and after 6 years, they can apply for citizenship in Portugal and obtain a Portuguese passport, becoming a true global citizen.
