Portugal introduces “Startup visa” for Foreign entrepreneurs

Portugal has made amendments to Law n. º 23/2017 of 4 July concerning immigration and investment in Portugal.  The following changes has been made under the latest amendments

• Introduction of “Startup Visa” scheme under Decree Order n. º 344/2017 of 13 November to encourage foreign immigrant entrepreneurs to startup new business models (incubator) in the fields of technology and innovation.
• Introduction of two new categories of investment for the granting of the residence permit for investment (ARIs)
•  Introduction of residence visas and authorisation permits for teaching activity and for cultural activity

The Capital transfer route is the cheapest way to obtain Portuguese golden visa. Foreigner investors can apply for ‘Golden visa’ in Portugal under the following four capital transfer routes..

• Capital transfer with a value equal to or above €350,000 Euros for investing  in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions involved in the national scientific or technologic system;
•  Capital transfer with a value equal to or above €250,000 Euros for investing  in artistic output or supporting the arts, for reconstruction or refurbishment of the national heritage, through the local and central authorities, public institutions, public corporate sector, public foundations, private foundations of public interest,  networked local authorities, local corporate sector organizations, local associations and public cultural associations, pursuing activities of artistic output, and reconstruction or maintenance of the national heritage;
•  Capital transfer of the amount of €350.000, or higher, for the acquisition of units of investment funds or venture capital fund of funds dedicated to the capitalisation of companies, capital injected under the Portuguese legislation, whose maturity, at the moment of the investment, is, at least, of five years and, at least, 60% of the investments is realized in commercial companies with head office in national territory;
• Capital transfer of the amount of €350.000, or higher, for constitution of a commercial society with head office in the national territory, combined with the creation of five permanent working jobs, or for the reinforcement of the share capital of a commercial society with head office in national territory, already existing, with the creation or keeping of working jobs, with a minimum of five permanent jobs, and for a minimum period of three years.