Golden Visa 2.0 brings more value to Portugal and makes more sense for the investor

An opinion piece published in the online news source ECO by Fernando Ferreira suggests that the Golden Visa should not just be seen as a way of attracting capital but a talent attraction platform bringing in fresh ideas and entrepreneurial ambition.

Since its creation in 2012, Portugal’s Golden Visa programme has been the subject of fierce debates, often with prejudiced and preconceived views and superficial evaluations. Nevertheless it has brought in around €7Bn of investment.

Fernando Ferreira says that over 10 years on, it is time to look at the facts with clarity and objectivity, and look at the strategic potential that the instrument can continue to have for Portugal, if designed and targeted in an intelligent and long-term way.

In 13 years, 33,000 residency permits have been granted through the Golden Visa, which represents less than 0.3% of the population and is far from exerting any demographic (let alone property) pressure on the population in Portugal.

More important than the numbers, he says, is the profile of the investors, most of whom are highly qualified and with proven track records, who bring not just capital to the table, but also know-how, experience, and international contact networks.

He believes that the future of the Golden Visa programme in Portugal should not be dictated by ideological fears or jumped to preconceived conclusions. The challenge is to redesign the programme with transparency and strategic ambition to attract the right investors for the right sectors and with the right incentives.

Source: ECO