One of the best and smooth ways to get permanent Portuguese residence is by investment. This is because with the golden visa the process is much easier. You just have to stay in the country for a particular number of years before applying for it. Fortunately, we will take you through all the steps below.
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Apply for the Golden Investment Program
The first step is to apply for Portuguese investment program. This is because it enables you to get a residence permit to study, live or stay, and work in Portugal. The process involves making an application and attaching several documents like national id, passport, and investment proof. Then, you send it to the immigration office for verification.
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Choose an Investment
During the application, you have to look for an investment. You will find varied golden visa investment options and you can choose one depending on your interests and financial position. Some include creating ten full time jobs, financing scientific and technological research, buying and renovating old property and donating to cultural projects.
The immigration office needs proof that you have invested in a qualifying project to consider your application. Moreover, investing is the key to getting the golden visa, which improves your chances of acquiring citizenship in Portugal by Investment.
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Stay in Portugal for Five Years
If your application is successful, you will be able get a resident permit and move to Portugal. After a five years stay, you are eligible to apply for citizenship. This period enables the authorities to get more information about you and to confirm is they can welcome you permanently to their country.
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Have a Clean Tax and Criminal Record
During your five years stay in the country, you have to ensure that you clear or meet all your tax obligations on time. This gives you a clean record with the revenue authorities, which increases your chances of getting citizenship. The country wouldn’t want to have tax defaulters as citizens because they can become liabilities to the state and affect its operations.
Moreover, you should also avoid getting into trouble with the authorities responsible for maintaining law and order. You need to have a clean criminal record to ensure that you are a good citizen. Portugal doesn’t give citizenship to criminals. So, your home record should also be good because the authorities will conduct a background check on you. If you were a bad citizen in your home country, you may miss out on getting Portuguese citizenship.
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Learn the Native Language
In the period of 5 years, you are expected to learn the Portuguese language. You are required to present an A2 level certification in the language when applying for citizenship in Portugal by investment.
It would be better to join an accredited institution after getting your residential permit to learn Portuguese language. This enables you to have a smooth process when submitting your citizenship application because you have the needed certificate.
Follow the Right Procedure
Improve your chances of getting Portuguese citizenship by following the right steps under the golden visa program.