Originally published at: Portugal Golden Visa Real Estate | What To Know After the Changes | GoVisaFree
Portugal Golden Visa real estate changes were among the most popular topics in our community last year. While most of our members had already completed the investment before the change took place, some barely made the deadline and got approval from SEF.
But still, there is a huge group who haven’t had the chance to complete their investment and proceed with their application. Some even think the program is not available anymore.
Luckily, Portugal Golden Visa through real estate acquisition is still available and you can still qualify if you make a property investment in the country. Here’s how.
Changes to the Golden Visa in Portugal in a Nutshell
There have been two major changes:
Changes regarding real estate: Buying a residential property has been restricted to certain areas.
Changes to minimum investment amounts: Capital transfer, cultural investments, and fund subscriptions have all seen an increase in investment amounts.
While the changes in the amounts have been obvious, the limitations on where properties can be purchased may be more difficult to comprehend. This is why before you delve into the realm of Portugal Golden Visa, you’d better learn what low-density and high-density mean. Becoming familiar with interior and non-interior regions will be helpful too.
Density” refers to the minimum amount of money you’ll be investing to apply for a Portugal Golden Visa. “Low-density” refers to a region with fewer than 100 people per square kilometer or a GDP per capita that is less than 75% of the national average.
Interior/non-interior areas define the type of property that qualifies for Golden Visa. You can invest in either residential or non-residential property in “interior areas.” Non-residential properties, such as commercial properties, offices, or hotels, are the only non-residential properties available in “non-interior.”
Real Estate Investments That Qualify for a Golden Visa in Portugal
Real estate investment is still an option for Portugal Golden Visa investors, as we’ve explained. You can qualify in one of the below methods:
Residential Real Estate
If you’re looking to buy residential real estate in Portugal to qualify for Portugal Golden Visa, you can still do so. However, your options are limited to the “interior locations” of the country.
If the property is a part of an urban rehabilitation project, the investment amount will drop to €350,000. Another 20% discount is available too if the property is in a designated low-density area.
Commercial Real Estate
If you’re looking for commercial real estate to qualify for a Golden Visa in Portugal, your options aren’t limited to certain places. You can buy commercial real estate for €500,000 anywhere in the country and qualify for Golden Visa.
If this commercial property is a part of an urban rehabilitation project, the investment amount falls to €350,000. A 20% discount is available too if the property is in a designated low-density area.
Commercial and Residential Real Estate
Are you looking for both commercial and residential real estate? Then look no further than Madeira Island or the Azores, where you can qualify for a Portugal Golden Visa both through commercial and residential real estate acquisition.
The investment amount is €500,000. If the property you’re interested in is a part of a rehabilitation project, the amount drops to €350,000. As these locations aren’t listed as low-density areas, no further discount is available.
Property Acquisition in Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve
Lisbon, Porto, and the majority of the Algarve region are classified as “non-interior.”
As a result, investing in residential real estate in these areas will not qualify you for a Portugal Golden Visa. You can, however, invest in commercial real estate in these renowned destinations and still obtain a Portugal Golden Visa. Offices, hotels, and licensed Airbnb units are popular commercial property sectors that have attracted international investors even before the changes were introduced.
Popular Cities Where You Can Buy Residential Real Estate
Despite the elimination of the “most famous” areas from the Portugal Golden Visa qualifying areas, there are several spots where you can find your dream home. A good example is Aljezur, a little coastal city in the Algarve. It’s a great spot to get away from the crowds but you can easily reach Faro, the region’s capital. A house in the Douro Valley, a popular spot in Northern Portugal, will also qualify you for a Golden Visa.
Key Takeaways
- You can still invest in real estate in Portugal to qualify for a Golden Visa.
- Although residential homes in Lisbon, Porto, and other popular coastal cities are no longer eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa, there are plenty of hidden areas where you might find a great home.
- Low-density or interior locations aren’t necessarily less desirable than other parts of the country because they offer tremendous development potential.
- If you’re looking for commercial property, there’s no limit to where you can look.
- If you’re looking for a residential property, you might be able to locate something suitable near Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve.
- You might get discounts if the property is in a low-density area or needs renovation.
- The Madeira Islands and the Azores still qualify for Portugal Golden Visa, both through commercial and residential real estate.
What Else You Need To Know
There you have it. As we’ve highlighted getting a Golden Visa in Portugal through real estate acquisition is still possible. Portugal’s real estate scene is promising and the possibilities are endless.
Have you ever thought of getting a Golden Visa in Portugal through real estate acquisition? Have you ever looked at options? Feel free to share your experience in our growing forum.