• Affordable Property Prices – Lower than in much of Western Europe.
• Golden Visa Program – Residency through real estate investment.
• High Rental Demand – Strong tourism and expat market.
• Mild Climate & Safety – 300+ sunny days and one of the world’s safest countries.

The Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program in Portugal that grants non-EU citizens the right to live, work, and study in the country in exchange for qualifying investments. It also provides a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years, with minimal stay requirements.

Key Benefits:
✔ Residency with Minimal Stay – Only 7 days per year required in Portugal.
✔ Path to Citizenship – Eligible for a Portuguese passport after 5 years.
✔ Visa-free travel – Access to Schengen countries.
✔ Family Inclusion – Spouses, children, and dependent parents can be included.

Investment Options (2024 Updates):
✔ Real estate investment – Particularly attractive due to recent changes.
✔ Alternative qualifying investment includes:
• €500,000+ in Portuguese investment funds (venture capital, startups, or certain sectors).
• €500,000 for research & development in science or tech.
• €250,000 in artistic or cultural support.
• Creating jobs in Portugal.

When buying property in Portugal, additional costs beyond the purchase price include:

1. Property Purchase Taxes & Fees
IMT (Property Transfer Tax) – Ranges from 0% to 8%, depending on the property’s value and type.
Stamp Duty (Imposto de Selo) – Fixed at 0.8% of the purchase price.
Notary & Registration Fees – Typically €1,000–€2,000 or about 1% of property price.
Legal Fees – Hiring a lawyer costs around 1%-2% of the property price.

2. Ongoing Costs:
• Property Tax (IMI) – Ranges from 0.3% to 0.8% annually, based on property value.
• Condominium Fees (for apartments) – Vary but typically range from €600–€1,500+ yearly.
• Home Insurance – Not officially required but often competitively priced, usually €50–€200 annually.
• Utilities & Maintenance – Water, electricity, gas, and upkeep vary by property size and consumption.

3. Mortgage-Related Costs (If Financing):
• Bank Fee & Appraisal Costs – Loan processing fees are around 1% of the loan amount, plus an appraisal fee.
• Mortgage Stamp Duty – 0.6% of the mortgage amount.