Since the launch of the Golden Residence policy in October 2012, a total of 18,057 residence permits have been issued. As of October 2018, among the 6,320 Golden Residence permits issued through real estate investment, 6,105 were obtained by purchasing properties worth 500,000 euros, and 215 were obtained through urban renovation projects (350,000-euro property projects).
Most investors who obtained a Golden Residence Permit through real estate investment have now entered the renewal stage. So, how can you successfully renew your permit in one go? We have put together a highly practical guide for your renewal.
1. Application Requirements
Non-EU citizens must maintain their real estate investment, have no criminal record, and have no outstanding debts to social security or tax authorities.
2. When can you apply for renewal?
You can apply for renewal within 1 to 3 months before the permit expires, or within 6 months after it has expired.
3. What documents are required for renewal?
1. Passport, residence permit, notarized and double-authenticated criminal record certificate, proof of residence, tax and social security debt-free certificates, land registry certificate, application form, and declaration of honor.
2. For applicants residing in Portugal long-term, you must also provide local proof of residence, a Portuguese criminal record certificate, and proof of health insurance.
4. How long is the criminal record certificate valid?
Three months.
5. What documents can serve as proof of residence?
1. For the first renewal, you must provide proof of at least 7 days of residence; for the second renewal, you must provide proof of at least 14 days of residence.
2. Proof of residence includes, but is not limited to: boarding passes for flights to and from Portugal; receipts for consumption in Portugal that include your tax identification number (required for anyone with a tax number), such as taxi receipts, restaurant bills, hotel accommodation invoices, shopping receipts, etc.
6. What are the costs for renewal?
7. How to pay the above fees?
1. The processing fee can be paid in cash (euros) or by using a Portuguese credit card.
2. Card issuance fee: Sign a bank transfer authorization form, and the bank will transfer the funds directly to SEF.
8. Where to process the renewal?
Currently, you can choose any office from Porto in the north, Coimbra in the center, to the Algarve in the south.