According to Jornal Económico, placing money in investment funds has been an option under the Portuguese regime since 2015, however after closing the door to the purchase of real estate as a guarantee of residence in Portugal through the Golden visas, investors are now looking at investment funds as an option to be able to live in the country, reports Reuters.


To be eligible, applicants must transfer €500,000 to one or more qualifying funds. One of the investment funds that hope to benefit from this measure is the Portuguese fund 'Pela Terra II: Regenerate', dedicated to sustainable agriculture that is already helping to regenerate about a thousand hectares of agricultural land in the Alentejo region.


Jornal Económico cites that one of the investors in this fund revealed to Reuters that the real estate sector was still an option when he started the Golden Visa application process, but that he was aware of the growing negative sentiment about this process in Portugal. Another fund, Sharing Education, is investing in international schools in Portugal.

Contributing at least €250,000 to cultural projects, €500,000 to scientific research, or generating 10 jobs can also help secure a Golden Visa. Applicants must allow their criminal background to be checked and show that they have no outstanding debts.

According to Reuters, it is estimated that 80% to 90% of Golden Visa investments will be via this route.

Author

Following undertaking her university degree in English with American Literature in the UK, Cristina da Costa Brookes moved back to Portugal to pursue a career in Journalism, where she has worked at The Portugal News for 3 years. Cristina’s passion lies with Arts & Culture as well as sharing all important community-related news.

Cristina da Costa Brookes