Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Portugal

Portugal is the westernmost country on the European continent. Its extreme western point, Cape Roca, rises high above the Atlantic coast, almost as if it is beckoning towards the distant lands hidden beyond the ocean — the Americas. Portugal has given birth to great explorers and sailors who once conquered the world. Today, it is one of the European countries where immigrants seek a peaceful life. After all, it is worth noting that Portugal ranks among the top ten countries globally with the lowest crime rates! Specialists from the immigration center Garant.in explain how to organize a move to Portugal for permanent residence from Russia and the ways to obtain a passport.

Are there many options?

Portugal offers several theoretical ways for a foreigner to become a passport holder of the "country of sun and wine." Below, we will briefly introduce the reader to their characteristics. If you analyze all the information, it becomes clear: choosing the "right" option from this multitude is not so simple, for various reasons.

Immigration through Investment

Until recently, this route was quite popular. Although it required significant capital investments, they were still modest compared to other European countries. For this reason, a large number of relatively wealthy individuals from third-world countries flocked to Portugal. Sometimes, their capital had a rather suspicious origin.

This caused dissatisfaction among the European Union's regulatory bodies, and in 2015, the country's authorities made changes to their program, increasing the required investment amounts, among other things. Today, however, it remains the most flexible on the continent, offering applicants seven different options, which we will simply list.

1. Purchasing real estate in Portugal worth at least 500,000 euros, with the right to sell after 5 years.
2. Also purchasing real estate, but with the condition that it is old, requiring reconstruction and significant repairs. In this case, the amount is reduced to 350,000 euros, and this can include renovation costs. These properties are provided by the government and are listed in a special register.
3. Financial investments in a working Portuguese company or purchasing a share in its business — from 1 million euros.
4. Opening your own company in Portugal, with the mandatory condition of creating 10 jobs for citizens of the country, with a salary for them not lower than the average.
5. Purchasing local shares or investing in funds — at least 350,000 euros. The shares can only be redeemed after 5 years.
6. Direct investments in an existing company or creating a new company, providing jobs for at least five citizens of the country — from 350,000 euros.
7. Investments in local cultural objects: museums, galleries, libraries, various organizations, etc., amounting to at least 250,000 euros.

It is important to emphasize that by choosing one of these options, the investor first receives a residence permit under the 1+2+2 year scheme. After five years, they can obtain permanent residence status, and only after living in this status for one year can they apply for official citizenship. Moreover, to obtain it, they need to pass a language exam, undergo several interviews, and additional checks confirming the seriousness of their intentions.

Thus, the investment route is associated with the applicant having significant capital and business skills, and it is time-consuming. The following options are less financially burdensome, and sometimes they lead to obtaining a passport faster, but they also have their complexities.

Family Reunification Immigration

This involves several different scenarios. The most popular is citizenship through marriage. To obtain a passport, you need to be in a legal marriage with a Portuguese citizen for 3 years. Of course, your relationship will be checked for authenticity over the years. Having a joint child gives good chances for citizenship.

Other scenarios under this option include:

• Adoption of a minor by Portuguese citizens (or citizens).
• Naturalization of elderly parents who are dependents of a Portuguese resident.
• Naturalization of brothers or sisters who are dependents of a Portuguese citizen.

Immigration by Descent

Perhaps the simplest and quickest method, if not for one important "but": you must genuinely have valid reasons to use it. You need to legally prove that at least one of your direct ancestors (including grandparents) was a Portuguese citizen.

This option also applies to descendants of Sephardic Jews who were expelled from the country four centuries ago.

Employment Contract

At one time, this immigration option was quite popular. In recent years, it has significantly lost its prevalence due to a sharp rise in unemployment. But if you managed to sign a contract with a local employer, and they helped you obtain a temporary work visa, over the years, it can be converted to permanent residence status, and then you can apply for citizenship.

If the applicant has a rare, highly valued specialty or is a professional of interest to the Portuguese authorities, they may receive a visa based on the so-called "EU Blue Card," a kind of US Green Card equivalent.

A special case of this option is studying at a Portuguese university, followed by a job search in the local labor market. This method is quite challenging, as you first need to pass an exam in Portuguese, complete the education period (paying for tuition, accommodation, and staying in the country), and then still find a job, which is difficult due to the reasons mentioned above.

Overall, "labor immigration" also implies many years of residence status before a foreigner has the right to a Portuguese passport.

Portugal, Greece, or Spain: Comparing Immigration Options for a Russian Family in 2020

Spain

To obtain a residence permit in this country, you can use one of the following options:

• Employment;
• Investment in real estate;
• Starting a company;
• Private investments.

There are also several other ways: studying, family reunification, and marriage with a Spanish citizen. However, these options are not suitable for the immigration of an entire family.

For a family move, the best option is the immigration program. The investor is required to:

• Purchase real estate worth at least 500,000 euros. This can be a residential or commercial property.
• Invest in financial assets. State bonds require an investment of at least 2 million euros (redemption after 5 years), in shares with Spanish capital — 1 million euros (redemption after 5 years), investment in a fund — 1 million euros, opening a deposit for 5 years — 1 million euros.

Additionally, the investor can obtain a residence permit by investing in a business project, although the exact amount of required investments is not specified anywhere.

The application can be submitted by the investor, their spouse, children (all under 18; over 18 if dependent), and parents if they are dependent on the investor.

Greece

To obtain a Greek residence permit, you can use the "Golden Visa" program. Requirements include:

• Purchasing real estate worth more than 250,000 euros.
• Having more than 24,000 euros in a bank account for the investor, if the spouse is included in the application — +20%, and if children are included — +15%.

If it concerns a family of four, obtaining a residence permit will cost about 280,000 euros. This option is twice as affordable as a Spanish residence permit.

The residence permit is granted to the investor, their spouse, minor children (and children over 23 if financially dependent on the applicant), and parents. Immigrants gain the right to citizenship after residing in Greece for 7-10 years.

Portugal

Portugal is a good option for any wealthy applicant. It has low taxes, diverse real estate, and short waiting periods for obtaining status. The following are ways to obtain a residence permit:

• Purchasing real estate worth more than 500,000 euros.
• Purchasing real estate that requires renovation, worth more than 350,000 euros.
• Acquiring securities or opening a deposit of more than 1 million euros.
• Starting a company and creating 10 or more jobs for the Portuguese population.

Additionally, one can invest in environmental projects (500,000), scientific discoveries (350,000), or heritage restoration (250,000). The most popular option among investors is purchasing real estate. However, it should be noted that in 2021, Portuguese authorities are changing the rules: Porto, Lisbon, and some coastal regions of the country will no longer be available to investors.

All dependents can be included in the application for a residence permit, regardless of their age. After just 5 years of living in the country, immigrants can apply for Portuguese citizenship.

"Childhood and Youth" of Portugal and Spain

These territories were historically inhabited by tribes with similar cultures. Over time, Roman conquerors arrived, dominating the region for more than five centuries.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Iberian Peninsula, where modern Spain and Portugal are located, was conquered by the Visigoths and later by the Arabs from North Africa.

In the early 11th century, the Normans arrived from the north. It was under the Normans that kingdoms emerged on the fragmented feudal territories, becoming the core of the future countries — Spain and Portugal.

The Middle Ages were a period of true flourishing for these states. Their sailors discovered new countries and even continents, making Europe known to the entire world. It's no surprise that with such proximity, the Portuguese and Spaniards became fierce competitors. The 17th century was marked by long military conflicts between them, resulting in Portugal gaining independence from Spain.

There are several common moments in the history of the two countries. Both were conquered by Napoleon, both experienced dictatorial regimes in modern history.

Today, Portugal and Spain are democratic countries, members of the EU and NATO, but they still compete informally.

Character of the Peoples, Traditions, and Cuisine

The Portuguese and Spaniards have similar characters. Both nations are sociable, passionate, temperamental, and emotional, but these qualities are expressed differently in them. The Portuguese are quieter and more reserved, and the Spaniards are more explosive. Interestingly, both nations are very religious, although the Spaniards seem more so. Most Spaniards begin their day with a prayer, while the Portuguese attend mass at the weekend. Even children in both countries know the Catholic canons well.

Both the Portuguese and Spaniards love football and support their favorite teams fiercely. Matadors and bullfights are also common traditions. The Portuguese ride bulls on horseback, while the Spaniards prefer to confront the animals on foot.

Spanish cuisine is very similar to Portuguese, so immigrants will not need to drastically change their taste preferences. Both nations love seafood, rice, vegetables, olive oil, and cheese. One of the most common dishes in Spain is paella (a rice dish with various ingredients). The Portuguese have a similar dish — arroz de marisco (rice with seafood).

Economy of Portugal and Spain

In the last two decades, the two countries have experienced different fates in terms of economic development.

Portugal was considered one of the poorest countries in Europe. The economic crisis of 2010-2013 hit the Portuguese economy hard. However, the current government, headed by the Prime Minister, has made significant efforts to bring the country out of the crisis. This includes attracting foreign investors, developing the tourism industry, and creating a favorable environment for entrepreneurs.

As a result, the Portuguese economy is now on the rise. However, salaries in the country remain low compared to the average in the EU. In Lisbon, the average salary is around 1000 euros. However, Portugal offers excellent prospects for immigrants.

Spain

Spain, like Portugal, experienced economic difficulties. However, after joining the EU, the Spanish government initiated several reforms that allowed the country to recover quickly. Today, Spain has a more stable economy, and salaries in the country are much higher than in Portugal. In Madrid, the average salary is around 2000 euros.

The Spanish economy is more diversified. It is based on agriculture, industry, tourism, and services.

Conclusion

For a family with an average income, moving to Portugal or Greece may be preferable due to the lower costs of obtaining residence permits. However, Spain has more attractive living conditions and higher salaries. Ultimately, the choice depends on the family's financial situation and personal preferences.