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Real Estate Acquisition Still Dominates the Golden Visa Program

19 November 2019 – The acquisition of real estate properties has been powering Portugal’s golden visa program since its inception in October 2012. The Portuguese government has granted a total of 8,061 Residence Permits – Investment (ARIs), bringing in investments of approximately 4.9 billion euros to the country. The acquisition of real estate accounted for 90% of the total, or 7,594 golden visas, according to the Foreigners and Border Service (SEF).

Golden visas granted through capital transfers accounted for 450 visas or 477,658,122.9 euros. The government only granted 17 through the creation of at least ten jobs.

China topped the list of visa holders (4,424), followed by Brazil (844), Turkey (370), South Africa (318) and Russia (290).

Investment captured through the program fell by 19% in October, compared to the same month in 2018, to 59.9 million euros.

Original Story: Idealista

Adaptation/Translation: Richard D. K. Turner