The Portugal residency by investment programme is one of the most popular golden visas in Europe. It offers non-EU nationals an opportunity to obtain residency for five years in exchange for investment, with several options available. Until late last year, the most preferred investment option was investing €280,000 or €350,000 in the property market.
With real estate investments no longer accepted, golden visa applicants are increasingly opting for fund investments, requiring at least €500,000. However, a more affordable avenue exists through Cultural Heritage Investments from just €250,000.
What Is a Cultural Heritage Investment?
With cultural heritage investment, investors can obtain Portugal golden visa by contributing towards the preservation or restoration of art, national, or cultural heritage projects. This investment category involves financially supporting either:
Artistic Production - Such as funding the production of a Portuguese film or other creative endeavour.
National Heritage Restoration - Providing capital for projects preserving cultural heritage like museums or historic sites.
The official legislation defines it as “Transfer of capital of €250,000 or more applied to investment or support for artistic production, recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage.”
While historically overshadowed by the marginally higher €280,000 real estate route, this option now stands out as one of the most cost-effective paths to Portuguese residency.
Key Steps for the Cultural Heritage Golden Visa
As with other Portugal golden visa avenues, cultural heritage investment follows a well-laid-out procedure. The investor must have no criminal record, be at least 18 years of age, and have health insurance coverage. The source of the money contributions must be confirmed to be legal and earned outside Portugal.
Applicants must follow these steps to obtain Portugal golden visa via cultural heritage investment:
1) Identify an Approved Project - Work with advisors to find qualifying heritage investments pre-approved by Portugal's Bureau for Cultural Strategy (GEPAC).
2) Make the €250,000 Investment - Transfer funds for the artistic production, restoration or maintenance initiative.
3) Compile Documentation - Prove the legal and traceable source of the invested capital along with standard due diligence requirements.
4) Submit Golden Visa Application - File for the residency permit through Portugal's border service after making the investment.
5) Collect Residency Card - If approved, you'll be issued a renewable 2-year residency card requiring just 7 nights per year in Portugal.
Additional 20% Discount
Projects meeting the criteria in low-density areas are eligible for a 20% discount, lowering the minimum investment to just €200,000.
While locating viable heritage projects can be challenging, advisors at International Wealth Venture can assist investors considering this cost-effective yet niche Portugal Golden Visa option.