Portugal’s Golden Visa program has recently undergone changes, removing the real estate investment option and introducing the cultural production option. This new option is attracting a larger number of internationals to the beautiful country of Portugal.
The Golden Visa program, also known as Residency by Investment Program, has been popular among wealthy foreigners seeking residency in Portugal. However, in an effort to address the housing crisis, the President of Portugal approved the “More Housing” bill, which brought significant changes to the program, including the abolition of real estate investment options.
Under the new changes, the cultural production option offers a more affordable route to residency in Portugal, with the opportunity to include family members on the application. The options for this visa include supporting artistic projects or making donations to preserve cultural heritage in the country, both approved by the Directorate-General for Arts or the Instituto de Conservação e Restauro.
Partnership director at Portugal Pathways, Steve Philp, emphasized the success of the Golden Visa in attracting investment into Portugal, and the new regulated funds continue to offer a great route into the country.
Despite the changes in the Golden Visa Program and the abolishment of the Non-habitual Residence (NHR) program, the housing market in Portugal remains strong. Since its introduction, authorities in Portugal have issued a total of 12,497 golden visas, with China, Brazil, the United States, Turkey, and South Africa being the main beneficiaries.
The cultural production option offers a new and unique opportunity for internationals to invest in Portugal’s culture and heritage while seeking residency in this beautiful country. It remains to be seen how the new changes will impact the influx of foreign investors and residents in Portugal.
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