THE PORTUGUESE GOLDEN VISA

• Who is eligible for a Portuguese Golden Visa?

Non-EU-EEA and non-Swiss citizens with a clean criminal record can apply for the Portugal Golden Visa. Additional requirements, such as proving financial expertise and access to sufficient funds may be required by the fund management company.

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• Can American citizens invest in Portuguese funds?

Yes, American citizens can invest in Portuguese Investment Funds to obtain a Golden Visa. However, they must be mindful of IRS regulations requiring foreign financial institutions to disclose the foreign assets of U.S. account holders.

 

• Who oversees and regulates these funds?

The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) oversees investment funds in Portugal, similar to the U.S. SEC. For American investors, fund units must comply with FATCA rules when held by remote account openers. All active Portuguese Funds are subject to annual audits to meet FATCA requirements.

 

• What happens if the Golden Visa program is canceled?

If the program is canceled, existing participants are protected, as Portugal's constitution prohibits retroactive changes to laws. However, the fund investment route remains highly popular due to its tax efficiency.