The Portugal Golden Visa has long been a popular route for non-EU citizens looking to get residency in Europe. But could a new proposal to accept Bitcoin as an investment option shake up the programme?
In a recent post on X, Alessandro Palombo, the co-founder and CEO of Unbound Fund, suggested that holding Bitcoin valued at €500,000 through the Unbound Fund could potentially qualify an individual for a Portugal Golden Visa. However, this proposal has not yet been officially addressed by Portuguese authorities.
While the idea of using cryptocurrency as a pathway to a Golden Visa is intriguing, the reality is that Portugal has not yet confirmed Bitcoin or any other digital assets as an accepted investment option. For now, the existing Golden Visa programme in Portugal continues to operate based on more traditional investment routes.
Portugal Golden Visa by Bitcoin investment: What we know so far
The prospect of a Bitcoin-based Portugal Golden Visa was first floated by Alessandro Palombo. However, Portuguese officials have remained silent on the matter, neither confirming nor denying the potential for such an investment option.
It's unclear if or when Bitcoin might be accepted as a qualifying investment for the Portugal Golden Visa. Thankfully, there are several other well-established pathways available for obtaining residency through this popular programme.
Current Portugal Golden Visa investment options
The Portugal Golden Visa programme offers five main investment options, including:
Fund Investment - A €500,000 investment in a Portuguese private equity or venture capital fund.
Job Creation - A €500,000 capital transfer to increase the share capital of an existing Portuguese company, leading to the creation of at least 5 new jobs.
Arts and Culture - A €250,000 donation to support the arts, national heritage, or Portuguese culture.
Scientific Research - A €500,000 investment in scientific research activities in Portugal.
Note that the real estate option was recently abolished in October 2023.
How we can help
While the cryptocurrency proposal from Unbound Fund is intriguing, applicants must focus on the investment options that are currently codified in Portuguese law. The Portugal Golden Visa programme, like many immigration initiatives, is subject to periodic updates and modifications.
Individuals interested in obtaining residency through investment should stay informed on the latest developments, requirements, and approved investment vehicles. At International Wealth Ventures, we offer expert guidance on citizenship by investment, retirement planning, and tax advice to help you secure a prosperous future.