While chinese interest in Portugal’s golden visa scheme slightly declined in 2019, the number of Brazilians receiving golden visas in Portugal jumped up by 58%, the highest increase than any country nationals investing in Portugal.
According to SEF statistics from 2017 to 2019, the highest increase in interest is observed from Brazilian and Turkish investors.
Portugal recently also simplified golden visa scheme for Brazilians exempting consular certification of criminal record certificate, speeding up processing times for golden visa investors. Foreign citizens are also exempt from handing over the Portuguese criminal record certificate in the context of granting or renewing residence permits. Criminal Record is now automatically performed by the SEF electronically.
But what makes Portugal attractive for Brazilians?
- Portugal and Brazil relations go back to several centuries in history. In April 1500, Brazil was claimed by Portugal on the arrival of the Portuguese fleet commanded by Pedro Álvares Cabral. In 1530 Portugal established their first colony in Brazil.
- Brazilians can visit Portugal visa free for short stays because of the visa waiver agreement. This makes it easy for Brazilians to visit Portugal to make property investment.
- Portuguese is official language in Brazil and vast majority of Brazilians speak only Portuguese language. This makes it easy for Brazilians to acquire citizenship in Portugal.
- Brazilians make up the largest foreign community living in Portugal. Over 80,000 brazilians live in Portugal.
Special rules exist concerning the acquisition of Portuguese citizenship through connections with former colonies such as Brazil. Those born in the territory of the colonies, had maintained a special connection with mainland Portugal by having been long-term residents there.
Brazilians are also largest among foreigners acquiring citizenship in Portugal. Brazilians took one third of the citizenships granted in Portugal for the year 2018. More than 11,500 brazilians naturalized for Portugal citizenship last year.
According to nationality laws of Portugal, a person aged 18 or over may be naturalized as a Portuguese citizen after 5 years legal residence. There is a requirement to have sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language and effective links to the national community. Further a person married to a Portuguese citizen for at least five years may be able to acquire Portuguese citizenship by declaration. No formal residence period in Portugal is necessary however sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language and effective ties with the Portuguese community are required.
