Originally published at: Portugal Golden Visa UK Citizens | GoVisaFree
Portugal continues to be a hotspot for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and young expats. After Brexit, many British citizens were left confused about their options about moving to this beautiful country: Can they still move to Portugal? What are the visa or residence requirements? Luckily, It is still viable to relocate to Portugal following the UK’s exit from the EU.
One of the most popular routes to move to Portugal is Golden Visa. The program grants residency to non-EU citizens in Portugal. If you’re a citizen of the United Kingdom, you can apply for this visa, as the UK isn’t a part of the EU anymore.
In this article, we will walk you through Portugal Golden Visa for UK citizens and help you understand how you can qualify for one.
Portugal Golden Visa for UK Citizens
Prior to Brexit, United Kingdom citizens were unable to apply for the Golden Visa program. However, now Brexit is in full flow, and British citizens can now apply for the Golden Visa in Portugal. This means you’ll be able to travel freely throughout the Schengen areas of Europe despite Brexit coming into action.
Portuguese Citizenship Through Golden Visa
One common question we receive from UK citizens is if they’re eligible for Portuguese citizenship after they qualify for Portugal Golden Visa. The answer is, yes, potentially.
Once you get your Portugal Golden Visa,
- You’ll be granted a two-year residency permit.
- During the course of two years, spend 14 days in Portugal.
- At the end of two years, renew your residence permit for another three years.
- After this three-year period is over too, you can be eligible to apply for Portugal citizenship.
Luckily, you don’t have to give up on your British citizenship once you become a Portuguese citizen. Both countries allow dual citizenship so you can be citizens of the two countries at the same time.
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Routes
There are many ways to go about obtaining the Portuguese Golden Visa. Real estate acquisition and fund subscription are two popular methods of getting a Golden Visa in Portugal.
Below we have listed the ways in which you can qualify for the Portuguese Golden Visa and residency in Portugal for UK citizens.
Real Estate Acquisition
- Make a property investment of €500,000 in Portugal
- Invest €400,000 in a property in a designated low-density area in the country
- Invest €350,000 in a property that is 30 years old and in need of renovation
- Invest €280,000 in a property that is 30 years old, in need of renovation, and is located in a low-density area
Fund Subscription
- Invest €500,000 in a qualifying Portugal Golden Visa investment fund
Other Methods
- €1,5 million capital transfer to Portugal
- €500,000 donation in an R&D activity in Portugal or €250,000 donation to preserve national heritage in Portugal
- Company set-up
Portugal Golden Visa Benefits for UK Citizens
With Brexit having come into play, it can be a little bit harder for British citizens to move abroad in Europe. The Portuguese Golden Visa makes this easier amongst a multitude of other benefits. Below we have listed some of the most prominent benefits you can enjoy.
Cost of Living
Portugal is now building its reputation across the globe as one of the easiest and cheapest countries to live in. In general, Portuguese prices for general consumer prices are 23 percent less when compared to the prices in the United Kingdom. As well as this, the further you move from the big and bustling cities of Portugal, the cheaper you’ll find your daily life can be.
Travel
As Portugal is still a member of the EU, you will gain all the rights that other EU citizens gain once you have obtained a Portuguese passport, granting you access to 188 countries across the globe as a result. As well as this, you’ll also have the benefits and joy of being able to live out your daily life in one of Europe’s most prominent and advancing nations.
No Need To Relocate
Getting residency in Portugal for UK citizens through Portugal Golden Visa imposes no strict stay requirements. Staying only for seven days per year will be enough to maintain your status and you’ll still be eligible to apply for citizenship at the end of five years.
Safety
Portugal is also one of the safest countries and ranks fourth in the World Global Peace Index. This once again is quite an improvement when it comes to the crime rates and safety one can encounter in most countries, let alone that of the United Kingdom.
Final Thoughts
There you have it. Hopefully, this article will answer your inquiries about the Portugal Golden Visa and Portugal residency requirements for UK citizens. We’d be happy to hear your thoughts. If you’d want to be introduced to professionals who can assist you with your Golden Visa application, you can contact us.
Portugal Golden Visa UK Citizens – Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to get residency in Portugal for UK citizens?
Yes, UK citizens are eligible for residency in Portugal. One way of doing this is the Portugal Golden Visa.
What are Portugal residency requirements for UK citizens?
Even after Brexit, British citizens have the right to stay in Portugal for 90 days in any six-month period. However, if you intend to live in Portugal for an extended period of time, you will require a residence permit.
Is there a Portuguese residency for UK citizens?
Getting a Golden Visa is a route to Portugal residency for UK citizens.