PORTUGAL
lies in its location as a springboard into the rest of
Europe. The Portuguese passport has long been
coveted as one of the most valuable in the world,
letting its holders visit 170 countries without the
need for a visa. For many executives, the Passaporte
Português is the gateway to the European Union,
and the travel, safety, and opportunity that EU
nationality affords.
A golden key to EU nationality
A South African passport can be limiting for
executives who wish to conduct their business on a
global scale. It is increasingly common to live one’s life
‘globally,’ moving from one international destination
to the next as life, business and family dictate.
Now, investors can embark on a route to EU
citizenship through an investment in Portugal via
the Golden Residence Permit, which gives investors
residency within three months and the right to
apply for European citizenship after f ive years.
Affectionately known as the ‘Golden Visa,’ the initial
residency permit entitles investors and their families
to visa-free travel through the 26 countries of the
Schengen Area. An EU passport provides the right
to live and work in the European Union, including
the UK and Ireland. This is especially attractive for
executives who have the long-term aim of working
in the EU.
Immelman has noticed a positive uptake among
property investors since the introduction of the
Golden Residence Permit, which “has injected much
excitement in the market around 500K”. However,
what makes this solution viable from a nationality
and investment perspective is the fact that there is
no requirement to permanently live in Portugal. The
Golden Visa is not an isolated property investment,
but a lifestyle investment for the future.
It caters for those with one or all of the following
objectives:
52
Offshore Handbook 2014
• dual citizenship for you and your family;
• visa-free travel throughout Europe;
•
•
•
overseas property ownership;
a foreign currency income -earning asset;
a ‘Plan B’ in terms of safety, security, education
and lifestyle.
Portugal has changed a lot since the 19th century,
but one thing is certain: there are few places in the
world that occupy such a soft spot in the hearts of
global citizens. And, if that experience comes with
the opportunity to obtain a foothold in the world’s
most integrated economic bloc for you and your
family, it’s an opportunity ripe for the picking. In the
words of Cliff Richard, “I’ve got two places I like to
be. Portugal is one.”
On the ground, end-to-end assistance
Work ing in tandem w ith Pam Gold ing and
carefully-selected Portuguese partners, The Sable
Group, which has helped global citizens and
their families relocate since 1995, can facilitate
participation in the Golden Visa programme.
Sable will liaise with its legal, f iscal, property,
banking and governmental partners to prepare
applications, book appointments, and take care
of any administration before you depa r t for
Portugal. Sable’s Portugal-based partner, David,
will meet you at the airport and accompany you
on all aspects of your trip. An expat who has been
living in Portugal for over 30 years, David is fluent
in Portuguese and has unparalleled insight into
Portugal, its people, Golden Visa legislation,
and the local propert y market. The ser vice is
fully comprehensive throughout the Golden Visa
programme, including the ongoing annual Golden
Visa requirements, with a final fee only billed upon
citizenship application.
RESOURCES
Sable Group
Pam Golding Property International Division
www.reimag.co.za