Since March 30, the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) has suspended all public-facing services, providing emergency processing only for certain urgent matters and passport applications. Recently, in a statement to the media, the SEF announced that in light of measures taken to reasonably contain the spread of COVID-19, it has gradually reopened 23 in-person service centers and has provided services to 1,518 citizens.
Eduardo Cabrita, the Portuguese Minister of Internal Administration, announced that 130,000 immigrants in Portugal are in a state of "temporary legalization" during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that these immigrants will remain in this status while the immigration authorities analyze and review each application.
The SEF previously issued an order stating that foreign immigrants who had already registered with the immigration authorities and were awaiting processing could obtain "temporary legal status rights" during the pandemic. These immigrants are entitled to the same healthcare services and other medical rights as Portuguese nationals, and are permitted to sign lease agreements, employment contracts, open bank accounts, and enter into contracts for basic public services (such as water, electricity, gas, and telephone).
Recently, Portugal has entered an economic and social "restart" mode, shifting from comprehensive epidemic prevention to a dual approach of fighting the pandemic and restoring the economy in stages. It is believed that as the pandemic situation improves and the economy restarts, Portugal's real estate market will perform even better. A report by the real estate research firm Confidencial Imobiliário shows that housing prices in Portugal rose by 0.4% in March, indicating that prices did not decline even during the pandemic. The renowned international consultancy Knight Frank expects housing prices in Lisbon to rise by more than 5% in 2021. Growing demand and a relative shortage of high-quality residential supply will provide strong support for rising property prices in Lisbon.
Currently, through the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program, investors can purchase properties starting from 350,000 euros to apply for Golden Residence status for three generations of their family. This allows them to enjoy Portugal's generous social welfare and high-quality educational resources, travel freely across the 26 Schengen countries, and acquire properties with permanent ownership—truly a multi-benefit investment!
Multiple Benefits for the Portugal Golden Residence Program
Recently, the Portuguese State Budget Act adjusted the duration of residence cards: the validity of the Golden Residence card has been changed from an initial 1-year period to a 2-year period, and the renewal period has been changed from 2 years to 3 years, which is more favorable for investors.
At the same time, in early 2020, Portugal passed an amendment to the Golden Residence Visa Act as part of 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 this program has been put on hold. This means that it is currently still possible to apply for Portugal Golden Residence status in Lisbon and Porto. Those interested in investing in Portugal should seize this excellent opportunity for property-based immigration—apply early and obtain your status sooner!
As an active promoter of European investment immigration, WorldWay Group partnered with the Embassy of Portugal in China as early as 2013 to introduce the Portuguese "Golden Residence Program" to China, launching a wonderful journey of investment immigration to Portugal. As one of the earlier immigration agencies to promote the Portuguese "Golden Residence Program" in China, WorldWay has maintained excellent interaction with the Portuguese government for many years to help you immigrate to Portugal with ease!
2020 is the Year of Health Planning! Prioritize health planning and secure your status first. For more details, please contact: Mainland China: 400-138-2929; Hong Kong, China: (852) 2802 8798.
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