According to the latest data released by the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service regarding the "Golden Residence Permit" investment immigration program for January 2016, from October 8, 2012, to January 31, 2016, the Portuguese Golden Residence Permit program has attracted a total of 2,853 investors.
Based on the latest data, whether viewed from the number of "Golden Residence" permits issued or the capital investment attracted through the program, the Portuguese "Golden Residence Permit" immigration policy has undoubtedly gained recognition from a vast number of investors. It is not an investment bubble, and it also reflects the simplicity and high success rate of Portuguese immigration applications.
I. The "Golden Residence Card" is Highly Valuable
Portugal possesses a Mediterranean climate that is among the most suitable for human habitation in the world. It has long been hailed as a "European vacation paradise" and is highly suitable for living. For those suffering from smog, Portugal is an ideal destination, and obtaining a Portuguese Golden Residence Card can open the door to such a lifestyle.
As a member of the Schengen Area, immigrating to Portugal and obtaining residency status means the freedom to travel freely across the 26 Schengen countries. Furthermore, the path to naturalization in Portugal is fast; after six years of holding a Golden Residence Card, one can apply for citizenship, obtain a Portuguese passport, and enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 172 countries worldwide, becoming a true global citizen.
Portuguese immigration also offers another highly attractive and unique advantage: "one application for three generations of the family." This means the applicant, their spouse, the parents of both the applicant and the spouse, and the applicant's children can all obtain a Golden Residence Card together. With an investment of 500,000 euros (or 400,000 euros in certain regions), a family of three generations can immigrate, which is highly cost-effective. After immigrating, one can enjoy benefits such as free education and healthcare in Portugal. Moreover, the residency requirements for Portuguese immigration are low; according to the Portuguese investment immigration law, Golden Residence Card holders only need to reside in Portugal for 7 days in the first year, and 14 days every two years thereafter.
II. High-Quality Portuguese Real Estate with Significant Appreciation Potential
Real estate in Portugal comes with permanent property rights. Purchasing property for immigration means that while the applicant obtains immigration status, they also acquire real estate that can be passed down through generations. Even if the applicant does not use it for self-residence, they can rent out the property. As a world-renowned tourism powerhouse, Portugal has a huge, year-round demand for home purchases and rentals, and its rental occupancy rate is very high. In particular, local high-quality vacation and tourism-oriented properties have enormous appreciation potential, with an annual rental yield of around 5%. Furthermore, with current property prices in Portugal being relatively low, it is an excellent time to invest in real estate. As the economy fully recovers and the real estate market is stimulated in the future, investors can reap dual benefits from fixed asset appreciation and currency exchange rate gains.
III. Portugal Ranks Second Globally in Migrant Integration
According to the latest research released by MIPEX (Migrant Integration Policy Index), Portugal remains one of the countries in the world that is most accepting of immigrants and performs best in integration, ranking second globally. The warmth and tolerant nature of the Portuguese people are well-regarded throughout Europe and the world. Compared to other European countries, Portugal is not anti-Chinese, does not discriminate against Chinese people, and maintains a friendly and tolerant attitude toward people from all foreign countries.
In the 2015 Global Investment Immigration Policy Ranking, the Portuguese "Golden Residence" investment immigration policy ranked first, surpassing the United States. Portuguese immigration offers multiple advantages and is well worth the investment!