Considering a second home in Europe? For many in the UAE, the prospect of living a life with more freedom and opportunity is intoxicating. Portugal, with its friendly policies, incredible quality of life, and great European location, is becoming the dream location for many. The Portugal Golden Visa Residence Program is a clear path to fulfilling that dream. The process can be a little complex, with legalities and administrative steps that are sometimes overwhelming. The ability to rely on professionals, such as Portugal immigration consultants in UAE can be very helpful in breaking down the complexities! This guide is intended to help you cut through the clutter and understands how to move to Portugal from UAE.
Why Portugal? A Look at the Benefits
Portugal has emerged as a top choice for residency and citizenship by investment. Its Golden Visa program, which is recognized globally for its flexibility and benefits. According to the Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum (AIMA) (formerly SEF), the earlier formed Portuguese Golden Visa program has attracted billions of euros in investment since it started in 2012. These are some of the primary reasons anyone would choose to move to Portugal from UAE:
Schengen Area Access: A Portuguese residence permits you and your family to travel visa-free across 29 countries in the Schengen Area – the ultimate freedom to travel in Europe.
Pathway to Citizenship: After maintaining a temporary residence permit for five years, you may apply for permanent residency in Portugal, and also citizenship, subject to you meeting language and any other legal requirements.
Excellent Quality of Life: Portugal offers great weather, reliable safety, a friendly culture, and standards of healthcare and education.
Tax-Friendly Status: Portugal provides tax-friendly regimes such as Non Habitual Resident (NHR) which provides tax relief of foreign sources of income for a period of 10 years. The NHR program expires in 2024, but there are new incentives for certain professions; consult with an expert and see how they can optimize it for your circumstances.
Minimal Residency Requirement: The main benefit of the Golden Visa program is its requirement for physical presence. The Golden Visa requires you to spend a total of seven days per year on average in order to maintain your residency status.
The Portugal Golden Visa Residence Program: Your Primary Pathway
The most common option for investors to gain residency is through the Portugal Golden Visa Residence Program. The real estate investment path was discontinued at the end of 2023, however, the program still has many options for Portugal residency by investment. For most options, the minimum cap will be €500,000, while there are options available below that amount. The current investments/regiment include:
Investment Funds: A capital transfer of at least €500,000 into either investment funds or venture capital funds for the purpose of the capitalization of companies, established under Portuguese law.
Cultural Production or National Heritage: A capital transfer of at least €250,000 in support of artistic production or the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage.
Scientific Research: A capital transfer of at least €500,000 into research activities carried out by public or private scientific institutions.
Business Investment: A capital transfer of at least €500,000 for the incorporation of a commercial company in Portugal, creating a minimum of five permanent jobs, or for increasing the share capital of an existing Portuguese company, creating or maintaining at least five permanent jobs for three years.
Job Creation: The creation of at least 10 new permanent jobs.
For residents of the UAE to apply for the Portugal Golden Resident program in Dubai, it is important to understand these options. All options must have specific requirements to be met.
Finding the Right Portugal Immigration Consultants in the UAE
The first and most important step in your application is picking the right Portugal immigration consultants in UAE. The right consultant will make everything simple, can eliminate a lot of costly mistakes, and can equal a lot of peace of mind. Here are some things to consider:
Qualifications and Experience: The best immigration consultants will instantaneously understand Persian immigration law and will have a solid history of successful applications. Look to work with a firm that has earned its reputation over many years of experience, and can demonstrate that it employs experienced, qualified legal professionals.
Local Presence and a Global Network: A consultant that has a local office in the UAE understands that there are many specific needs of residents in the UAE and their cultural and financial needs. Also, having a global network is imperative, particularly offices in Portugal, as that way they can manage the application and your investment from both ends.
Procedure: A reputable consultant will make sure provide you with a clear and thorough process and be able to provide you specific details of what you will be getting from them while preparing your legal documents, making sure they will assist you with obtaining a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF), helping you open a bank account and then submitting your application to AIMA. They should be clear about every retainer and consultation fee without any hidden fees.
Post-Residency Services: Your consultant should ideally not end service when your visa has been approved. The best firms subject can include services post-residency such as service to assist with maintenance of investment, managing a rental property or even preparing for your future application for permanent residency or citizenship in Portugal.
FRR Immigration’s Role in Your Success
At FRR Immigration, we understand that relocating your life and assets to another country is a big decision. FRR Immigration is a full-service investment migration company that believes in highest quality, personalized service that can help make your Portugal residency by investment simple. Our commitment to our clients as well as our skill set make us the best in the market.
This is how FRR Immigration can assist:
Individualized Strategy: Once your goals, finances and family situation are well understood in a detailed consultation, we will recommend the most appropriate investment option under the Portugal Golden Visa Residence Program.
Full Service: We will organize and manage every single aspect of your application, including gathering and notarizing substance documents and interacting with Portuguese authorities. Our streamlined process saves both time and prevents mistakes, giving you comfort and confidence.
Legal and Financial Expertise: We utilize a network of trusted legal and financial partners located within Portugal. You will be assured of sound advice concerning your investment, tax implications of residency, and matters related to residency. We will help you open your Portuguese bank account and get your NIF.
On-The-Ground Support in Portugal: We have partners that can provide support on the ground in Portugal, for example, with the submission of your biometric data as well as ongoing stewardship of your investment to help ensure you maintain program criteria for the length of your residency.
Long Term Strategy: Our focus will not be solely on your visa application. We will also provide support with your longer-term strategy, including the pathway to applying for permanent residency in Portugal and ultimately citizenship. We want to be your long-term partner on your new journey in Portugal.
Choosing the best Portugal immigration consultants in UAE is the first step towards a better future. Contact FRR Immigration today for a consultation, so we can assist you in attaining a Permanent Residence Permit in Portugal through the Golden Visa program.
Visit frrimmigration.com/en-ae/ to learn more and book your free consultation.
