CHOICE OF A PORTUGAL RESIDENCE PERMIT BY A NON-EU CITIZEN
6 November 2018
In some cases, such as, for example, those of employees, students, eligible relatives of resident persons, choosing the most appropriate residence permit type is quite easy. But in the case of freelancers, entrepreneurs, investors or people having sufficient passive income, the main factor to take into consideration is whether or not they intend to actually live in Portugal.
In case the intention is to merely hold Portugal residency, so as to enjoy visa-free travel in the EU/EEA/Switzerland and eventually qualify for EU permanent residency or citizenship, then the so-called "Golden Visa", Portugal's residency-by-investment programme, is the permit to go for, given its minimal stay requirements (7 days during the first year and 14 days during each subsequent 2-year period).
But for someone who does intend to live in Portugal, it will be faster, more efficient and more cost-effective to apply for a permit other than the Golden Visa, in which case the general minimum stay requirements are nevertheless quite reasonable (4 months during the first year and 16 months during each subsequent 2-year period, provided in either case that no single absence exceeds 6 consecutive months), and may be waived for proven professional or force majeure reasons.
The so-called "Passive Income Visa" is a popular alternative to the "Golden Visa" for someone who intends to live in Portugal and has a sufficient net regular passive income, given that it does not preclude the holder from having a professional activity in Portugal.
Holding a residence permit in Portugal comes with rights - and strict obligations.
One of the most common pitfalls for residents is failing to meet the minimum stay requirements. The rules differ by permit type, and mistakes can cost you your residency status.
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