GOLDEN VISA & EUROPEAN CITIZENSHIP. Portugal

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1 GOLDEN VISA & EUROPEAN CITIZENSHIP Portugal

2 Introduction What is a Golden Visa? It is the adopted name for Portugal s largely real estate-led residency programme that gives non-eu nationals the ability to travel freely across the Schengen countries. It also paves the way to a Portuguese passport and European residency. Is it successful? Since 2012 over 2.4 billion has been invested in Portuguese real state via the Golden Visa programme, making it the most popular residency scheme of its kind in Europe. How does it work? After a property investment of 500,000 or more, the applicant is required to spend an average of just 7 days a year in Portugal. Temporary residency is available after 4 months giving the applicant free access across the Schengen area. Permanent residency is possible after year 5 and then you can apply for a Portuguese passport and consequently, citizenship. Who does it benefit? The applicant, spouses and his/her immediate family including minors and also older children and parents of the investor, provided the investor is the sole caregiver. How long will it be available? While the Portuguese government has given no set cut-off point, some experts predict that this offer can only remain available for a limited period of time. If the programme were to come to an end, those already in the application process would still be able to enjoy all the benefits of the original scheme and apply for Portuguese nationality after 6 years. 11,400 permits awarded to investors and their family members since 2012

3 What s the process? 1. Plan a visit in person visit to finalise your property purchase, open a bank account and complete necessary documentation (powers of attorney, investment declarations etc). 2. Bring all your personal documents a valid passport, property contract, valid medical insurance. 3. Present the proof of transfer of funds and a declaration confirming compliance with the visa s investment requirements. 4. Wait 6-8 weeks for the immigration authorities to process your request. This is divided into: Petitioning phase all relevant documents submitted and fees paid. Granting phase biometric data collected, final fees paid. 2.7bn invested in real estate through Golden Visa programme

4 Golden Visa acquisition process 5 years Golden Visa + 1 year permanent residency Citizenship valid for 1 year valid for 2 years valid for 2 years valid for 5 years Temporary residence permit Permanent residency Why choose a Portuguese Golden Visa? Portugal offers the most successful Golden Visa option in Europe: it is straightforward and cost effective for applicants Immediate family (spouse & dependants) application can be processed Permanently residing in Portugal is not compulsory Passport application can be made after 6 years Inheritance tax 0% A minimum of 500,000 real estate investment is required

5 Purchase process & costs Sales process To secure your property a deposit of around 10,000 20,000 is required Your lawyers will draft your reservation contract for signature Stage payments A typical example of the stage payments made: 20% Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda 20% 6 months after 20% 12 months after 40% Signing of the Escritura Sales process Notary fees excl VAT Public registration of property acquisition IMT (property transfer tax) 6% IS (stamp tax/stamp duty) 0.8% IMI (annual municipal real estate tax) % Other costs Opening a bank account International health insurance Proposals available Fiscal/tax representation (annual) Golden Visa application Application fee (analysis by SEF) investor each family member Golden Visa 5, Visa renewal (see Golden Visa Process ) 2, Legal Fees Golden Visa for investor and family members 6, excl VAT First Golden Visa renewal for all members 2, excl VAT Second Golden Visa renewal for all members 2, excl VAT If applicable, VAT of 23% is applied to the legal fees. Above costs provided by Martinez Echevarraria & Ferreira Advogados.

6 Established in 2003 and today led by three partners, Athena Advisers is an international sales network and property investment advisory that specialises in attractive new-build and renovation development projects in key prime markets. Originally focused in European property investment opportunities in France, London and Lisbon, our diverse portfolio spans time zones and lifestyles with more to come soon. From alpine chalets to sleek town houses, beach houses and everything in between, we handpick our portfolio very carefully, considering profitability but also lifestyle appeal. With offices in Brazil and a strong presence in South Africa and Russia, we help investors from all over the world diversify their portfolio with European property investments or second-home acquisitions in selected destinations. With multiple consultants on the ground in every destination, we are both an advisory and a concierge specialising in property and lifestyles, simplifying access to property investments and providing local insights. Our long-lasting relationships with leading developers means we only offer properties that meet our high standards and those of our investors, while our insights into market trends assure our portfolio is comprised only of properties with strong capital appreciation prospects or rental potential. 45 Holmead Road, London SW6 2JD +44 (0) info@athenaadvisers.com athenaadvisers.com London / Rio de Janeiro / Lisbon Paris / Annecy / Dublin