On May 3, Portugal lifted its national state of emergency. With the situation under control, the Portuguese government has proposed a plan to reopen the economy, which will be divided into three distinct phases. Here is the current information regarding the reopening!
Phase 1: May 4 - Opening of Local Businesses
Certain shops that were forced to close during the national state of emergency will be allowed to reopen, provided that both customers and merchants wear masks. The following businesses may open for operation:
1. Small businesses: Shops with an area not exceeding 200 square meters;
2. Hair salons, beauty salons, and barbershops;
3. Bookstores;
4. Automotive dealerships;
5. Individual sports venues, though bathrooms may not be used;
6. Universities resume classes, though it is not mandatory. According to sources from EXPRESSO, Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra may continue to hold remote courses, with only practical laboratory courses resuming.
Phase 2: May 18 - Opening of Restaurants
The Portuguese government stated that after taking the first step in reopening the economy, authorities will monitor the impact of the return-to-work measures on public health every 15 days. If the COVID-19 pandemic does not show a clear upward trend, more businesses, including restaurants, will open on May 18, following the first phase:
1. Commercial spaces up to 400 square meters; city halls will also have the authority to authorize larger stores to open, provided that merchants can ensure health and safety;
2. Cafes, pastry shops, and restaurants, but with conditions for opening; these venues can only accommodate half of their original capacity to ensure social distancing within the space;
3. Cultural performance spaces and museums;
4. Students in the 11th and 12th grades may return to class;
5. Daycare centers; however, the government supports parents who choose to stay home with their children. At least in the first phase of reopening, parents can choose to stay home to care for their children (and receive 66% of their salary) rather than sending them to daycare or kindergarten.
Phase 3: June 1 - Opening of Large Department Stores
If the pandemic continues to develop in a controllable manner, the government will open more commercial spaces, namely large stores that can accommodate large gatherings, which is also the final phase of the national economic recovery:
1. Commercial spaces larger than 400 square meters, including shopping malls;
2. Following daycare centers, preschool education will also reopen;
3. Polytechnic institutes may be the last to open and will be subject to certain restrictions, such as staggered classes and schedules;
4. Football championships may resume without spectators;
5. The swimming season should limit the flow of people entering beaches.
In addition to these three phases, there are still many sectors where it is uncertain when they will be able to resume activities. The government may place them in any of the current three phases or may postpone their reopening to a later date; everything will depend on the development of the pandemic:
1. Music festivals and large mass events are currently prohibited until early September;
2. Sports centers and gyms;
3. Bars, clubs, and other nightlife venues;
4. There is currently no confirmed date for the resumption of religious celebrations.
Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program Welcomes Multiple Benefits
Recently, the Portuguese State Budget Act adjusted the duration of residence cards: the validity period of the Golden Residence Permit has been changed from the initial 1 year to 2 years, and the renewal period has been changed from 2 years to 3 years, which is more favorable for investors.
Portugal passed an amendment to the Golden Residence Visa Act in the 2020 budget amendment, proposing to raise the investment threshold for the Golden Residence Visa. Due to the impact of the coronavirus, the modification of the program has been shelved. This means that it is currently still possible to apply for Portuguese Golden Residence status in Lisbon and Porto. Those interested in investing in Portugal should seize the current excellent opportunity for property investment immigration, apply early, and obtain status sooner!
Currently, through the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program, in addition to purchasing properties of no less than 500,000 euros, investors can also purchase properties starting from 350,000 euros. Three generations of the whole family can apply for Portuguese Golden Residence status, travel freely through 26 Schengen countries, and at the same time acquire properties with permanent property rights, planning a suitable retirement residence for themselves and their families. It can be said to be a multi-purpose move!
As an active promoter of European investment immigration, WorldWay Group joined hands with the Portuguese Embassy in China as early as 2013 to introduce the Portuguese "Golden Residence Permit Program" to China, starting a wonderful journey of Portuguese investment immigration. As one of the earlier immigration agencies to promote the Portuguese "Golden Residence Permit Program" in China, WorldWay has maintained good interaction with the Portuguese government for many years to help you immigrate to Portugal with ease!
2020 Health Planning Year! Health planning, status first! For more details, please consult: Mainland China: 400-138-2929 Hong Kong, China: (852)2802 8798
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* Investment involves risks, the above information is for reference only*