Golden Visa: exclusive advantages for long-term residency in Portugal & the UAE
Golden Visa
Golden Visa in Portugal
The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program, also known as the Portugal Golden Visa, is a popular immigration program that allows non-EU citizens to obtain a residence permit in Portugal by investing in the country’s economy. This program was launched in October 2012 and has since become one of the most attractive residency programs in Europe.
Benefits of a Portuguese Golden Visa
There are several benefits to obtaining a Golden Visa in Portugal, including:
- Residency in Portugal: The main benefit of this program is the ability to live and work in Portugal, as well as travel freely within the Schengen Area without a visa.
- Accelerated pathway to permanent residency and citizenship: After holding a Golden Visa for five years, investors can apply for permanent residency and after six years, they can apply for Portuguese citizenship. This provides a relatively quick path to EU citizenship, which comes with numerous advantages such as the right to live, work and study anywhere in the European Union.
- Flexibility in investments: Unlike other residency programs, the Portugal Golden Visa Program offers investors a range of investment options including capital transfer, job creation or contribution to cultural activities. This provides flexibility for investors to choose the best option that suits their needs.
- Flexible residency requirements in Portugal: Spend just 14 days over the first two years and 21 days over the following three years to meet the physical presence criteria.
- Family reunification: The program allows family members, including spouse, children under 18 years old and dependent parents, to also obtain residency permits with the main applicant.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program, applicants must meet certain requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a clean criminal record
- Have a valid passport or other travel document recognised by Portuguese authorities
- Hold valid health insurance coverage
- Make an investment that meets one of the eligibility options outlined below
Golden Visa in the UAE
The Golden Visa offers foreign talents the opportunity to live, work, or study in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a long-term residence visa, accompanied by a range of exclusive benefits. Eligible individuals include investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes. This visa provides a pathway for foreign talents to become an integral part of the UAE community while enjoying the privileges of long-term residency.
Benefits of the Golden Visa in the UAE
The UAE offers a range of benefits to attract foreign talents with specialised skills and experience. The Golden Visa is an extension of this initiative, providing a unique opportunity for eligible individuals to reside in the UAE long-term. Some of the exclusive advantages offered by this visa are:
- Long-term residency: Golden Visa holders can live in the UAE for up to 5 or 10 years, making it an ideal option for those looking to establish their lives and careers in the country.
- Multiple entry visas: With a Golden Visa, individuals can enter and exit the UAE as many times as they wish without having to obtain any additional visas or approvals.
- Work permit: This visa allows individuals to work in the UAE without the need for a separate work permit.
- Study opportunities: Golden Visa holders can pursue their studies in the UAE, including primary and secondary education, as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees from top universities.
- The privilege of not needing a sponsor: Unlike many other visas, the Golden Visa does not require individuals to have a sponsor in the UAE. This allows for greater flexibility and independence.
- Sponsorship of family members: Those with a Golden Visa can sponsor their immediate family members (spouse and children) to live with them in the UAE.
- Tax benefits: The UAE has no income tax or capital gains tax, making it an attractive option for those looking to establish their wealth and assets in the country.
Eligibility requirements
In order to be eligible for the Golden Visa, individuals must meet certain requirements set by the UAE government. These include:
- Specialised skills or experience: The visa is primarily targeted towards professionals and investors with specialised skills or experience in certain industries, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), healthcare, education, arts and culture, finance, and real estate.
- Investment criteria: Individuals can qualify for a Golden Visa through various investment options including setting up a business in the UAE with a minimum capital investment of AED 250,000, purchasing property in the country worth AED 1 million or more, or having personal savings of at least AED 5 million.
- Contribution to the UAE: Applicants must also demonstrate their contribution to the development and progress of the UAE, whether through their professional achievements or investment activities.
How do you obtain a Golden Visa in Portugal or in the UAE?
The expert team at RHJ Law specialises in assisting individuals with obtaining residence permits and citizenship through investment programs.
Our team of experts will work with you to gather the documents required for application, explain the application process to you, arrange appointments with the relevant authorities or embassies and in most cases, accompany you to the required appointments.
Both programs offer numerous benefits and opportunities, making them attractive options for those looking to invest in a new country.
Book a consultation
to explore a Golden Visa
Ready to embark on your golden visa journey in Portugal or the UAE? Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our expert team at RHJ Law. We will provide you with comprehensive information and guidance on the requirements, benefits, and processes involved in obtaining a Golden Visa.
Let us assist you in making informed decisions and navigating the path to a new residence or citizenship. Reach out to us now to begin your exciting new chapter abroad.
Application process for a Golden Visa
Gather all necessary documents
This includes your passport, proof of relationship with your family member, proof of financial means, and any other documents required by Portuguese immigration authorities.
Make an appointment at the nearest consulate
We have the means to schedule you a personal appearance for processing your application and biometric data.
Wait for processing
The processing time for a Golden Visa can vary depending on your individual case – and the current situation of the local authorities.
Collect your visa
Once your visa has been approved, you will need to collect it from the consulate or embassy where you submitted your application – one of our advisors will meet you there to ensure a smooth transition.
Malta
Centris Business Gateway Level 2M, Triq Is-Salib Tal-Imriehel, Central Business District Zone 3, Birkirkara CBD3020
Lisbon, Portugal
+351 217503119
RHJA Accountants Lda, R. Hermano Neves 18, Piso 3, Escritório 7, V5109, 1600-477 Lisboa
Porto, Portugal
+351 220280143
RHJA Accountants Lda, Sitio Work – Costa Cabral, Rua de Costa Cabral 2066, 4200-217 Porto
Dubai, UAE
+971 42239633
Unit 609A, Level 6, Al Moosa Tower 1, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
London, UK
+44 207 692 7006
80-83 Long Lane, London, EC1A 9ET
Sheffield, UK
+44 114 227 0070
The Quadrant, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, S9 4WG
