One of the most affordable pathways to obtain Portugal’s Golden Visa is via investment in residential or commercial properties.
The required real estate investment amounts range from as low as €280,000 to €500,000. The price of an investment can fluctuate quite a bit from one region of Portugal to another, and the type of property – residential vs. commercial.
The Portuguese government makes a clear distinction between “low-density” and “high-density” as well as “interior” and “coastal” areas in Portugal that are eligible for Portugal Golden Visa Investment.
In this article, we want to bring you up to date with eligible real estate investment areas in Portugal, so you can choose which option best suits your budget and investment goals.
Portugal's Golden Visa program allows you to invest in residential or commercial real estate objects. You can choose between 3 options:
As seen from all three options, the Portuguese government favors “low-density” areas, so investors who choose to put their money there get a 20% discount.
Note: The full investment amount (€500,000) or the restoration project investment amount (€350,000) apply to both commercial and residential properties. Now, if the property is in a low-density region and no other limitations apply, you may be eligible for a 20% reduction on any of those figures. To illustrate, a discount of 20% off €500,000 is €400,000, while a discount of 20% off €350,000 is €280,000.
But what exactly is a “low-density” area, how is it different from “high-density” regions, and what is the most optimal investment route? Read on as we elaborate on these terms.
“Low-density” investment zones are places in Portugal with less than 100 inhabitants per square kilometer or a GDP per capita that is less than 75% of the average for the country.
As you can see from the map, “low-density” areas are primarily inland, except for the southern part of Portugal. If you choose to invest in these regions, you can obtain a 20% discount.
Meanwhile, “high-density” areas where most of the Portuguese population lives (for example, cities such as Lisbon and Porto) do not qualify for the discount and require a full investment. Likewise, Portugal’s islands – the Azores and Madeira – also fall under the “high-density” category.
Portuguese authorities make further restrictions on the Golden Visa investment areas that you must be aware of before deciding the best route for yourself.
For instance, certain parts of Portugal, such as Lisbon and Porto, and the coastal towns between the two cities are only eligible for “high-density”, commercial investment, meaning you can neither obtain a discount nor invest in a residential property.
Another example would be Faro – a southern city in Portugal. As the above map demonstrates, it is located in a “low-density” area (you get the 20% discount), but only commercial investments are allowed.
To take advantage of the discount and purchase either residential or commercial property for the cheapest amount (€280,000), you should invest in
Although lower real estate investment amounts are enticing when it comes to securing your Portugal Golden Visa, you must carefully evaluate which option will yield the best returns and have fewer risks.
Not sure where to start? Talk High Net Worth Immigration team that has helped hundreds of individuals like you secure residencies and citizenships via different investment pathways. We can carefully analyze your case and propose the most suitable Golden Visa program perfectly aligned with your unique needs and circumstances.
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