Portugal's golden visa program allows non-Europeans to buy residency and potentially citizenship. However, recent rule changes have sparked a legal fight.
Key facts
- •Portugal's golden visa program offers residency and potential citizenship in exchange for investments ranging from €50,000 to €500,000
- •The government has changed the rules, extending the waiting period for citizenship to 10 years for non-EU citizens
- •Many applicants have experienced significant delays in their applications, with some facing waits of up to 10 years
- •Around 12,000 golden visa applicants are planning to take legal action against the state
- •A petition with 1,200 signatures has been submitted to Portugal's Justice Ombudsperson
- •A class action lawsuit is expected to follow
Portugal's golden visa program, which allows non-Europeans to buy residency and potentially citizenship, has been marred by delays and rule changes. The government has changed the rules, and many applicants are now planning to take legal action.
By the numbers
Golden Visa Program
The golden visa program, available in several EU countries, including Greece, Italy, and Latvia, offers residency and potential citizenship in exchange for investments ranging from €50,000 to €500,000. Portugal has been issuing golden visas since 2012, but the program has been controversial due to concerns about attracting people with questionable backgrounds.
Applicant Delays
Many applicants, including American investor Luke Strzegowski, have experienced significant delays in their applications. Strzegowski invested €350,000 in a home near Lisbon and applied for a golden visa, but is still waiting for his initial residence permit. The delays have pushed back the timeline for permanent residency and citizenship, with some applicants facing waits of up to 10 years.
Legal Action
Around 12,000 golden visa applicants are in the same situation as Strzegowski, according to immigration lawyer Madalena Monteiro. Many feel they have been cheated by the change in the law and are planning to take legal action against the state. A petition with 1,200 signatures has been submitted to Portugal's Justice Ombudsperson, and a class action lawsuit is expected to follow.
Timeline
- 2012Portugal starts issuing golden visas
- 2021American investor Servet Tasman invests €350,000 in two houses in Evora
- 2028Tasman would have become eligible for citizenship under previous law
- 2030Tasman will qualify for permanent residency under new law
- 2037Tasman will become eligible for citizenship under new law
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Deutsche Welle Business.
