The decision of the government to cease golden visas being issued is being considered by constitutionalists as unconstitutional, essentially for violating the principle of safeguarding trust and the legitimate expectations of citizens.
Jorge Miranda, a professor, explains to Jornal de Negócios that the State has a “duty of good faith”, and that “in any case, reasonable periods of 'vacatio legis'” must be ensured, that is, between the publication of the law and its entry into force.
For the constitutionalist, the Government's proposal "affects the guarantee and confidence of those directly interested" and in it "does not even contemplate a period of 'vacatio legis'", so "it suffers from material unconstitutionality".
The experts consulted by the publication therefore consider that the legislator should "adopt a transitional regime that ensures that the implementation of the new measures is done gradually and deferred over time".
This is funny. Wealthy developers crying about not being able to sell our country away to foreigners. Let them come and live here - that is not a problem they are welcome. Getting a passport for buying a property is terrible. Basically there will be more Portuguese citizens living in China and Russia than in Portugal.
By PT from Lisbon on 04 Apr 2023, 21:51
It is much more constitutionally relevant the fact that many Portuguese can't afford to rent a home or even a bedroom where they have always lived.
By Diogo F. from Lisbon on 04 Apr 2023, 21:54
It’s been on the cards for years. The EU opposes it and the EU bankrolls Portugal. It was a no brainer and, frankly, the right decision. Nothing that benefits the Portuguese has come of it, in fact, house prices have soared and rents are now more unaffordable for those on minimum wage. Good riddance to poor policy.
By Ian from Beiras on 05 Apr 2023, 07:42
I don’t understand all these comments.
There have been roughly 12k golden visas issued, not all concentrated in Lisbon to people buying new builds (thereby adding to housing stock) and often to people that don’t live here, (thereby adding to the rental market).
All the while bringing literally billions into the country, putting it firmly on the map, and invigorating the construction industry.
This is simply idiotic populism, fueled by envy and ignorance (as evidenced by these comments).
By Christopher Jones from Lisbon on 05 Apr 2023, 10:34
Dear author of this article. Please research the first date the Government of Portugal started giving notice to the global marketplace that Golden Visa was going to end. That is the date that stakeholders had notice to start to wind down their interests in Golden Visa. There has been ample time provided to make the current situation completely legitimate from a constitutional perspective. Citizens of Portugal have constitutional priority, not the rich foreign clients of immigration and real estate lawyers. The Government of Portugal should be commended and respected for ending Golden Visa. Well done!
By Paul from Lisbon on 05 Apr 2023, 16:02
i can see a few comments reflecting how is the mentality of them. how they will come and relocate in Portugal an already you are suffering because of the house crises?
By Zaidoon from Other on 05 Apr 2023, 18:27
Chris Jones… it would seem that you are ignorant of the simple fact that these programs damage the LOCAL economies of the countries, often the holders of the visas remain out of country, and thus pay little or no tax, and the economic benefits are only felt by those directly involved the finance chain.
By Stuart Wood from Algarve on 06 Apr 2023, 08:34
Agree with the comments that only those in the finance chain benefit. And it is not even clear that the benefit stayed in Portugal. I know of foreign developers building properties in portugal and when sold to other foreigners the money goes back to other EU countries (sure tax paid to PT govt)
I also know many properties because I can see them around where we live that are shuttered. And anecdotally from friends who live here as well - again same story. This is is in the Lisbon district. Houses which maybe people’s summer Homes, but have had no one there in the two years I have lived here. These are not Algarve summer homes. Evidenced by overgrown yards, and stacked up junk mail. I count at least 10 properties in our general vicinity where that is the case. The new laws which will require those properties to be rented will be well received.
By PT from Lisbon on 14 Apr 2023, 08:34