A Lawyer’s Take on the End of Golden Visa

Rafael and I are really lucky to be working with some great people in our line of work. Outside of our clients, we really enjoy working with our partners who help facilitate the realization of dreams. One such person is Natasha, one of the lawyers we’ve recommended to so many of our clients. We often find that in order to give our clients the best service, we want to source the best, the most professional and the most accurate opinions about relocating or investing here in Portugal.

In this video, Natacha shared her thoughts on the Golden Visa program following the government's announcement of the program’s end. I was hoping with a lawyer we will have some more legitimate updates because lawyers are first line to understanding these regulations and they deal with the Golden Visa applications every single day.

So, what do you know so far about this golden visa change?

Natacha: What we know is that this proposal of law was presented to the parliament on April 14. Now this needs to be voted by the parliament and also to be voted by our president. We do not expect this proposal of law to be approved in less than 60 days from now. So I would say at least until the end of June, anyone that wants to submit the Golden Visa application should do it right away and complete at least the first steps.

What about pending golden visa applications?

Natacha: I can tell potential investors that any pending applications will be converted into a D2 special entrepreneur visa, which is so until the new law comes into force. So Golden Visa applications can still be submitted and the pending ones will be converted to these D2. And the only clarity that we have for now, but I think that is a good one is regarding the proof of stay, which will continue to be seven days per year on average.

Can I still get a Golden Visa if I haven’t started yet?

Overall, we believe that if someone still wants to start, it’s still possible to get started in the Golden Visa process. Even if they don’t have a bank account, or NIF, they can still make it more or less, but we really encourage you to start right away.

Natacha: Yes, I believe it's still possible to do it. Of course, the applications should start right away as we still have at least 60 days.

This is amazing news from our perspective as the Golden Visa program is one of a kind and soon the doors to this visa will be closed. Please reach out and let us help!

Até já,

Mia and Rafael

(Interview edited for clarity)