Please find all the latest news from me re the Portugal Golden Visa program – March 2025
Portugal Speeds Up Golden Visa Processing After Long Delays
The move is intended to help clear a backlog of pending cases. It takes place after dozens of investors took to try to force AIMA to move faster with their applications. Some have waited for years to schedule a mandatory biometric appointment with the immigration agency, in which fingerprints and other personal data are collected.
Under the new system, AIMA will now automatically schedule biometric appointments 30 to 90 days after candidates complete their online applications.
- Immigration agency AIMA is revamping visa application process
- AIMA plans to clear as many as 50,000 pending golden visas
Credit Bloomberg
The Golden Visa programme is OPEN
The largest percentage of applications are coming from the USA, investing via regulated and qualifying investment funds or choosing to purchase capital share in existing Portuguese companies (that support job creation in the country). Investment fund-linked GV approvals were up 150% between 2021 and 2024, with that figure expected to continue to rise in 2025.
Increasing demand from US citizens
Applications from US citizens have increased over 300% since Donald Trump was elected for office. Although the numbers for those planning to move this year remain consistent, more are seeking a “plan B” due to political uncertainly.
Many report being unsure of what the future may hold and the thought of an EU passport in 5 years’ time is attractive. The golden visa allows a passport to be granted, without having to move your tax residency to Portugal. The minimum stay is only 2 weeks in each two-year period, allowing relocation to an EU country on demand, without having to leave the USA straight away (the same applies for all nationalities).
Increased demand from investors for low capital options – current minimum 168,000 EUR
The donation route of 250,000 EUR saw an increase of 165% in 2024, which until recently, was the lowest capital route to achieve a Golden Visa.
Now we have seen a strong demand from investors opting for an alternative route, with an option of financing for a non-refundable fee of 168,000 EUR. Although this is a sunk cost, like a donation, it allows investors to attain an even lower entry point.
In a similar light, many clients continue to choose an upfront return (101,000 EUR) instead of annual profits, allowing them to qualify with a reduced sum of 399,000 EUR. For investors not wanting the worry of stock market fluctuations, the option to have a lowered entry point with a predetermined exit of 500,000 EUR, can be appealing.
At the time of writing, investors can benefit from a loan facility, reducing their outlay as low as 349,000 EUR of investment capital. This is a done with a combination of an upfront return and loan, meeting the minimum total investment of 500,000 EUR. The incentives and returns vary between providers.
Qualifying options that offer this type of structuring are few and far between, but please let me know if you would like to be notified of such investment options that become available. To discuss and/or view the current options, you’re welcome schedule a meeting here – Calendar.
Claim free Portuguese Lessons
All new Golden Visa applications submitted before 30th April 2025 can request FREE Portuguese language lessons for the family — my way of easing you into life in Portugal but also ensuring that you’re fully prepared when the time comes to apply for citizenship.
What’s included:
- Complimentary, Full Portuguese Course tailored to your needs and schedule.
- Qualified instructor to guide you through every step.
- Flexible learning options—12- or 24-week course to pass A2 level Portuguese
- Cultural insights to help you connect with your new community.
You will need to have this email to hand or the code PLESSM25 – please ask if you would like further information on the courses.
Register for March Webinar – Live Q&A
I’ll be covering each of the topics above and all the latest Golden Visa news during the live webinar this week; “Everything you need to know” including –
Golden Visa Basics – how to qualify, which family members can be included
Application timeline and process, latest updates with AIMA
Investment Criteria – March 2025
Tax Breaks / NHR 2.0
Current and Upcoming investment opportunities Q2 2025
Thursday 13th March – 5.00pm Lisbon / 12.00pm EST
You’re welcome to submit any questions prior and I’ll endeavour to cover them on the day. You’ll also have chance to ask questions during the live Q&A.
If unable to make it for any reason, you’re welcome to schedule a personal discussion on Zoom. Please ask for next availability, alternatively you can choose a convenient time here.
The February update is available to watch on YouTube.
*************************************************************
Join Portugal Golden Visa WhatsApp Group
New for 2025, you can subscribe to the free Portugal Golden Visa News channel on WhatsApp for –
Pre-press government announcements & law changes
Early access to new, qualifying investment launches
Expert commentary from leading law firms, fund managers and advisors
Upcoming events and need-to-know news
Click here to join WhatsApp channel
*************************************************************
