Introduction:
Portugal is a southern European country located on the Iberian Peninsula, sharing a border with Spain. It is famous for its maritime history, cities like Lisbon and Porto, and beautiful landscapes. Portugal is part of the European Union and uses the Euro.
Geography:
Portugal has a long Atlantic coastline (1,794 km), with scenic beaches and cliffs. The northern region is more mountainous, while the south is flatter and known for its sunny Algarve beaches. Portugal also includes the Azores and Madeira islands.
Culture:
Portugal is famous for Fado music, which reflects its melancholic history, and seafood dishes like “bacalhau” (salted cod). Popular festivals include São João in Porto and Lisbon’s Saint Anthony Festival. The country is also known for Pastéis de Nata, a traditional custard tart.
Visas:
- Schengen Visa: For short stays up to 90 days.
- Residence Visas: Include D1 (for work), D2 (for business), D3 (for skilled professionals), D7 (for retirees and those with passive income).
- Golden Visa: For investors in real estate or business.
Investment:
The Golden Visa allows residency through investments in real estate (starting at €280,000) or business. Portugal’s real estate market is growing, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program offers tax breaks for up to 10 years for newcomers.
Citizenship:
Citizenship can be obtained after 5 years of legal residency. Other paths include descent, marriage, and a special program for Sephardic Jews with Portuguese ancestry.
Portugal’s attraction goes beyond just its sun-kissed beaches and historic cities. Its strategic location at the crossroads between Europe, Africa, and the Americas has long made it a hub for trade, tourism, and culture. Portugal has developed a reputation for being one of the safest countries in Europe, with a high quality of life, modern healthcare, and an affordable cost of living compared to other Western European nations. This makes it an ideal destination for retirees, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs.
