What does it take to invest in Portugal?

Portugal is on the rise! In 2017, the European country was chosen as the best tourist destination by the World Travel Awards and received more than 2,300 national and international awards.

So many awards are converted into a considerable increase in the number of visitors. Between January and November 2017, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), Portugal received more than 12 million tourists, 11% more than the previous year, which resulted significantly in GDP, with an estimated balance of 10 billion, 23% more than the first 11 months of 2016.

With this, the number of people, mainly Brazilians, wanting to invest in the country does not stop growing. Only in the first seven months of 2017, 185 visas were issued from Brazilians to Portugal, according to the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF), responsible for Portuguese immigration control. Currently, about 80 thousand Brazilians live on Lusitanian lands with regular visas.

The reasons for choosing the country are several: quality of life, health system that works, low taxes, ease of language, nature, safety and climate.

In addition, formalities for immigration visas are easier compared to other European countries, as is the United States, due to the historical affinities between Portugal and Brazil and the Agreement / Treaty of Friendship of 2001. The process to regularize in the country takes about 45 days to obtain the residence visa with the Portuguese Consulate in Brazil, plus three to four months to convert the visa into a residence permit with immigration.

Currently, Portugal offers five types of visas for immigrants: the Golden Visa, small entrepreneur, retiree, holder of other projects, and the most recent visa for Start Ups.

One of the entry options for those who want to invest in the country is the revitalization of historic buildings. The preservation of these developments has been a great need of European countries and Portugal offers incentives to acquire real estate with at least 30 years or located in urban rehabilitation area. The investment makes it possible to move freely through the countries of the European Union.