Commonly referred to as residency by investment or citizenship by investment, Madeira’s Golden Visa is a European directive, designed to attract foreign national wealth to EU nations. Golden Visa candidates are granted full residency or citizenship in exchange for a defined economic contribution.
In volatile financial marketplaces, Golden Visas are key to optimising a high-net-worth portfolio as well as acting as an insurance policy against economic and political risk. They offer the holder enhanced global mobility as well as the option of relocation to a more favourable jurisdiction (either now or at retirement) and accessing full rights as a resident. This includes the right to live, work, study and receive health care, typically unavailable to non-residents and tourists.
A Golden Visa provides an investor and their families with access to new marketplaces, as well as a host of career, educational, tax and healthcare opportunities. These opportunities are in turn available for future generations to benefit from. Typically, as a Golden Visa Holder, you can:
- Secure an alternative safe-haven
- Expand and enrich your business opportunities and lifestyle
- Access local healthcare facilities
- Access to local educational institutions
There is Golden Visa legislation in place in over 100 countries, on five continents, including over 60% of EU member states. The Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal (RAM) boasts an excellent reputation, with a rich history, excellent quality of life and lively culture, as well as stunning natural beauty.
Short Stay Requirement
Remain in Madeira or Portugal for at least 7 days, in the first year and 14 days, in each of the subsequent periods of 2 years.
Real Estate Investments
Investing in property in Madeira grants you residency through your investment. Available to Non-EU/EAA and Swiss Citizens
Portuguese Citizenship
Portuguese Citizenship and Passport after five years for you and your family through naturalisation
Visa-free Schengen Travel
Access to the 26-nation European bloc and visa free travel to 183 nations.
Applying for a Golden Visa in Madeira typically involves obtaining a Portuguese Bank Account and Fiscal Number (NIF), followed by the real estate investment transaction. Once the investment/transfer of capital has been completed, an application for a Golden Visa is submitted to Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras, followed by a biometric appointment. Once your Golden Visa is granted, you are a legal resident of Portugal and can obtain your Portuguese Citizenship through Naturalisation after five years.
Why work with MC Contabilidade?
Madeira Company, MC Contabilidade, is a leader in residency, and citizenship by investment, with a professional and experienced team who can competently guide you through the process. Located in Funchal, the capital of Madeira, MC Contabilidade has a real estate partner, Madeira Estate, who can work with you to find a qualifying property that meets all your requirements. For more information, contact a member of our team today and discuss your individual requirements with us.
How does the Golden Visa Application work?
Once you decide on your investment, you must collect the paperwork for yourself and any dependants you’ll be including in the application. Our team can ensure the correct paperwork is in order, and we’ll submit it for review on your behalf.
Financial Document Procurement - Madeira Company will register you with the Portuguese Tax Authority and open a bank account on your behalf
We can begin securing your investment and will guide you through the necessary paperwork required, either as a real-estate acquisition or transfer of capital.
Once you schedule an appointment with Portugal’s Immigration Service (SEF), it takes around 2 months until you can attend a bio metrics collection session in person.
Your application will be pre-approved by the Portuguese Tax and Border authorities; on the basis you adhere to the necessary requirements.
Once you register your Bio-metrics, it takes around 4 months for your Golden Visa to be approved by SEF. Pay the government permit issue fee. Our team will collect your residence cards on your behalf and send them to you.
Requirements of Madeira’s Golden Visa
Applicants can choose any one option in any of the three categories: capital transfer, property acquisition, business:
Capital Transfer
One of the following options:
- EUR 1.5 million minimum capital transfer into a Portuguese bank account or approved investments
- EUR 500,000 for the acquisition of investment fund or venture capital fund units committed to the capitalisation of companies incorporated under Portuguese law, with a maturity of at least five years and with at least 60% of the investment portfolio in companies with a registered office in the national territory
- EUR 500,000 for research activities of public or private entities that are part of the national scientific and technological system
- EUR 400,000 in a low population density area*
- EUR 250,000 in support of artistic production or in the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage
- EUR 200,000 in a low population density area*
Property Acquisition
One of the following options:
- EUR 500,000 minimum real estate purchase (residential property is limited to designated interior areas)
- EUR 400,000 in a low population density area*
- EUR 350,000 minimum real estate purchase for the refurbishment of residential properties older than 30 years or in an area of urban regeneration, including the cost of renovations (residential property is limited to designated interior areas)
- EUR 280,000 in a low population density area*
Business
One of the following options:
- Creation of a minimum of ten new jobs
- Eight new jobs in a low population density area*
- EUR 500,000 for the incorporation or increase of the share capital of a company that is registered in Portugal, creating or maintaining a minimum of five permanent jobs for a period of three years
*A low population density area is defined as less than 100 inhabitants per km² or with a GDP per capita below 75% of the national average.
Why Madeira?
One of Europe’s most popular Island destinations
Just 900km from Lisbon, Madeira is an island paradise providing a high quality of life, low cost of living, sub-tropical climate and low crime rate. An ideal destination for your family, during your retirement, or to move your company operations.
Tax Incentives for new company formations in Madeira’s IBC
The Madeira International Business Centre (MIBC), or Madeira Free Trade Zone as it is commonly referred to, offers a series of benefits for new companies formed in Madeira, predominantly tax benefits approved by the European Union and guaranteed until at least 2027. Learn more about Madeira’s IBC in our Blog.
Our Services
Company Formation
Madeira Company specialises in the incorporation and registration of new businesses and companies in Madeira and Portugal. We have an experienced team ready to assist you with all aspects of company formation. Whether you choose a Public (S.A) or Limited (LDA) company, our team offer thorough guidance and expert support with name registration and approval, certificate of incorporation, fiscal number, and opening a company bank account.
Tax Consulting
Our dedicated team offers advice on compliance with local taxation requirements, and assistance in tax refunds and tax litigation. Madeira Company works with you to mitigate your tax risks and improve the efficiency of your local and international operations in Madeira. Our in-house team of experienced tax professionals are ready to assist with Personal Income Tax, Non-Habitual Residency and Fiscal Representation.
Accounting
Madeira-based Bookkeeping and accounting services, including VAT, Profit Tax returns and the preparation of financial statements. Our expert team can discuss the level of support required for your business. We will assist you with VAT and tax returns to your local authority, periodic and annual reporting as well as your End of Year accounting. Contact us today to find out how our team of experienced accountants can help you and your business.