Did you know that you can use the Portuguese Golden Visa for your family?
The Portuguese Golden Visa, officially known as the ARI (Residence Permit for Investment), is a highly sought-after way of gaining residency and subsequent Portuguese citizenship for those who wish to invest in the country. One of the great advantages is that its benefits can be extended to the holder’s family.
So, if you want to give your dependents a better quality of life by offering them the opportunity to reside legally in Portugal or another European Union country, you should know that this is possible through the Golden Visa for the family, and that’s what we’re going to talk about in this article.
Below, we’ll talk about which family members are eligible for the Golden Visa Portugal process, what the rules are for each family member, we’ll give an example of an eligible family and, finally, we’ll briefly touch on the benefits of this process, when successful.
Have a good read!
Is it possible to obtain the Golden Visa Portugal for the family?
Yes, the main investor can include several family members in the residency application, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the same rights and privileges.
But although several family members are allowed, not all. See below:
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Which family members are eligible for the Golden Visa Portugal?
Basically, the family members who can be included in the Golden Visa Portugal application are your dependents, and this can include:
Spouse
The partner legally married to the main investor. It needs to be legal because you will have to present documentation proving the marriage or stable union.
Underage children
These can be biological or adopted children who have not yet reached the age of 18.
Dependent adult children
Even your children over the age of 18 may be eligible for the Golden Visa Portugal, as long as you can prove that they are financially dependent on you and that they are studying.
Parents of the investor or spouse
Both your parents and your parents-in-law, being over 65 and demonstrably dependent on you, may be eligible.
Dependent siblings
Underage siblings under your legal guardianship or adult siblings who are financially dependent and studying can also enter as part of the Golden Visa process for the family.
Rules for each family member
We’ve already talked about some of the requirements for each eligible member of your family who needs to be financially dependent on you, now let’s look at them in more detail:
Spouse
To include your spouse in your Golden Visa application, you must present your marriage certificate and proof of identity. The spouse will have the same rights of residence and access to health and education services as the main investor.
Underage children
Underage children can be included by presenting birth/adoption certificates and identity documents. They will have the right to reside in Portugal, attend public or private schools and receive healthcare.
Dependent adult children
For children over the age of 18, proof of financial dependence and enrollment in an educational institution is required. Documents such as enrolllment certificates and bank statements will be required. These children will have the same rights of residence and access to services in Portugal.
Parents of the investor or spouse
Parents or parents-in-law can be included if they are over the age of 65, proven by their identity document and birth certificates proving the family relationship. They will be able to reside in Portugal and access health services and other benefits.
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Example of a family eligible for the Golden Visa Portugal
So that you have a clearer understanding of how the Golden Visa works for the family, let’s consider a hypothetical example of the Smith family, made up of:
John Smith (main investor)
Marie Smith (spouse)
Noah Smith (minor son, 16 years old)
Emma Smith (adult dependent daughter, 20 years old, university student)
Robert and Isabel (Marie Smith’s parents, both over 65)
Golden Visa Portugal for the family
How does the application process work?
John Smith decides to invest in a venture capital fund in Portugal, eligible for the Golden Visa, with a single amount of €500,000. João wants to include the following family members in the application by submitting the appropriate documents:
Marie Smith
His spouse must present her marriage certificate and identity document. If they have not been civilly married, they must present proof of a stable union.
Noah Smith
For his minor son, he must present his birth certificate and identity document, proving his parentage and age.
Emma Smith
For the daughter who is of legal age but still financially dependent, the birth certificate, university enrollment certificate and a bank statement proving financial dependence must be presented.
Robert and Isabel
For the holder’s in-laws, who are also his dependents, the respective identity documents must be presented, as well as the birth certificate of Marie Smith (the holder’s wife) to prove the family relationship.
What are the benefits of the Golden Visa for the family?
After submitting all the necessary documents and having their application approved, the entire Smith family will obtain the Golden Visa Portugal.
This means that they can now reside legally in Portugal, with access to health services, education and the freedom to travel around the Schengen Area countries.
After five years of legally residing in Portugal, and maintaining proof of the investment you made in the country to obtain the Golden Visa, it will be possible to apply for Portuguese citizenship, enjoying all the benefits of being citizens of the European Union.
Do you want to know how to start the Golden Visa process for your family in a simple and safe way? Contact the VIDA Fund and find out more.
