Tag: 2016
Portugal Investor Visa
The number of investor visas issued in Portugal has climbed in the first half of 2016. Delays in 2015 meant the number of residency permits issued declined from the record set in 2014. However with new government procedures now in place figures for 2016 are running at a faster rate and look set to break new records for this year.
A total of 821 residence permits have been issued so far in 2016, more than the total for 2015 as a whole and over half so far of the record breaking year in 2014. Over €2 billion has been invested in Portugal since the scheme started in 2012. While most applicants have been from China a growing number in recent years are coming from elsewhere in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
The residency programme in Portugal is not a citizenship by investment scheme but separately citizenship can be applied for after holding residency for six years. The programme has proved to be one of the most popular investor visa programmes in Europe as to qualify for citizenship it is not necessary to live in the country.
Citizenship Investment 2016
There has been a substantial increase in the number of citizenship by investment programmes in recent years and 2016 looks set to see further change.
Global citizenship and residency programs leading to second passports have been in existence since the 1980’s led by those of St. Kitts and Canada. In recent years the numbers of programmes have increased exponentially along with rising demand from High Net Worth Investors (HNWI’s) for the benefits they offer. Over half the worldwide programmes available today and all the European residency visa offerings, have come into existence in the last five years. Most programmes see amendments to their rules annually. The landscape continues to change.
The year ahead is expected to bring further developments. The migration crisis in Europe and global security fears are two factors driving change. Certain countries within the European Union are under pressure to amend rules, Canada recently scrapped its programme, the Caribbean countries are being watched carefully following mistakes in their issuance of passports and the USA looks set to modify the popular Eb5 programme.
Against this backdrop of change and evolving opportunities it is important to gain the right advice that is both balanced and independent. La Vida deals with over 15 different programmes worldwide. Clients who decide to engage our services gain a balanced and informative opinion on the right programme for their needs. And through our carefully selected lawyers, real estate partners, banks and developers we ensure they gain a comprehensive A to Z service.
It looks to be an exciting year ahead and anyone considering investing for residency has a number of attractive options open to them. Please do contact our consultants for any advice against this changing background.
Recent Forum Discussion