Learn how to obtain Portuguese resident and citizenship through the Portuguese Golden Visa Program

The Portugal Golden Visa program has proven to be the most popular scheme in Europe with investors attracted to its flexibility and benefits. Just since 1st August 2017, a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen who set up a business in Portugal as an entrepreneur may obtain a Self-Employed Portugal Residence Permit. This choice bears much lower cost than the previously well-known Portuguese “Golden Visa”, residency by investment permit, which typically requires an investment amount starting from €500,000.

On Demand International is an over all assessment and comparative benchmark of the country and its investment program.

• You have to establish a company in accordance with the Portuguese law and keep the company active.
• You have to register with the Tax Authority which can be done at any Tax Office (RepartiçãodeFinanças) or Citizen’s Shop(Lojasd o Cidadão)
• You also have to register with Foreigners and Borders Agency (SEF), which must be done at the local Town Hall (Câmaramunicipal). You shall show document any proof of having sufficient means of funds.
• You have to pay the social security contribution with a sum of €209 per month (part of this sum will go to your pension) The application has to be made within 90 days from your entrance into EU. Family Reunification Residence Permit

Portugal Temporary Residency, Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Both your residence permit and your family member’s reunification residence permit will be initially issued for a period of one year and be subsequently renewable each two years. You shall not spend more than 6 consecutive months out of Portugal during the validity of each temporary permit.

After having held a legal Portugal residency for 5 consecutive years and subject to passing a “basic Portuguese” test, you will be entitled to the Permanent Resident Permit for 5 years. As a permanent resident of Portugal, it becomes much easier to then apply for a residence permit anywhere in the EU/EEA/Switzerland. For keeping the permanent residency permit, you shall not spend more than 24 consecutive months in any given period of 3 years.

After obtaining permanent residence in Portugal for one year, you can apply for citizenship at the Conservatory of Music, provided that you prove your connection with Portugal and / or the Portuguese community. After approval, you will get citizenship and passport. As a Portuguese citizen, you will automatically be eligible to live anywhere in the EU / EEA / Switzerland without a permit.

Taxation system favorable to new residents

You can apply for Non-Resident Resident (NHR) status, which will enable new Portuguese residents to receive a 10-year tax exemption for most non-Portuguese sources of income, regardless of whether the income is effectively taxed at source or reduced or even cancelled. Under double taxation Agreement (DTA).

Rights to travel and live in Schengen area
 

With the Self-Employed Residence Permit and the Family Reunification Residence Permit, you and your family can freely travel to all countries in Schengen area. However, for staying in another EU country for more than three months for purposes including work, study or traveling, you and your family shall apply for a residence permit in the second country. Your dependent children can go to the schools in another EU country which are open to EU residents.

On Demand International Services
On Demand International (ODI) provides a one-stop solution for all your needs in connection with your relocation to Portugal, including your residence permit, legal advice, tax affairs, accountancy, local representation, settling-in support, trading, logistics help, marketing and real estate. We are a multi-national business advisory services company having offices in Portugal, The Netherlands and India.

Our Services Include
Dossier preparation, Immigration lawyer correspondence with immigration officers (SEF) Tax compliance, Accounting contracts and full local support.

Procedure

The whole procedure takes between upto 12 months* (Depending on the volume of application with immigration authority). During the whole procedure, you will have to visit Portugal at least twice.

Step 1 - The whole procedure takes between up to 12 months.

For starting the procedure, please provide us the following documents:

• A scanned copy of your passport.
• A proof of residential address, which should be issued within 30 days A document proving your tax number of home country (PAN Card No.) 
• Filled Data Form and KYC Form.

Step 2 - Visit: You have to visit Portugal for at least 3-4 working days to do the company incorporation. Our staff in our Portugal office will assist you in the whole process.

• Day 1: apply for the Social Security Number.
• Day 2: Visit the Portuguese notary to incorporate the company, apply for the corporate tax number, and then visit the bank to open your private and corporate bank account.
• Day 3: Meet the accountant to deposit your signature and give the power of attorney.

Step 3 - 30-60 days after the company incorporation, our Immigration Lawyer will submit the appointment request with Immigration Office for filling residency permit application.

We will prepare the complete documentation and write the business cum financial plan for your application. The approval is usually granted in 90-180 days but may vary due to volume of application. After the grant of the residence permit, the maintenance cost is the monthly social security contribution (€209 per month) and the cost of accountancy for the company (€120 per month, excluding VAT).

Scope and Terms of Service

On Demand International is a trading name of On Demand Consulting Unipessoal Lda, Portugal. We will fully assist the Client with the formation of the company, after which it will organize the meeting with the Immigration Service in Portugal (Braga). We have a high success rate on applications; however we are not able to guarantee the outcome of the application, as well as the expected time frame. We can’t be held responsible or liable in case of a rejection. Residency permits are issued at the sole discretion and assessment of the Immigration office.

However, we will assist you in re-appealing in such cases. We will use the services of third parties, such as notaries and lawyers to complete the services. We can’t be held responsible for any actions of these third parties, and will not be responsible for any delays caused by these parties. Client is required to provide certain documents, such as a clear document stating his/her taxes number, and a valid proof of address,including any other documents which will be determined once the initial is completed.

We will provide all contact details of Government Bodies involved, and Client can contact these bodies/agencies at any time to confirm the status of the application. The Client is free to ask any questions about the procedure and timeline, during the meeting with the government
officials, to make sure he is fully informed. No refund is applicable in case of cancellation by the Client after the procedure has started. On Demand Consulting Unipessoal Lda, Portugal is an independent service advisor and its responsibilities are limited to above scope.