Since 2023, there has been a noticeable trend among high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) from India seeking overseas migration opportunities. Traditionally favored destinations like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia have continued to attract significant numbers of Indian HNWIs due to their robust economies and business opportunities.
However, a noteworthy shift in this landscape is the increasing interest among Indian HNWIs in obtaining a Portugal passport through Portugal’s Golden Visa program. This program provides a clear pathway to obtaining a Portugal passport for Indian nationals through investment or other qualifying assets.
Portugal’s appeal lies in its favorable tax environment, strategic EU membership, and the flexibility provided by the Golden Visa program, which allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
Where are Indians migrating to?
Overall, while traditional destinations remain strong contenders, the emergence of programs like Portugal’s Golden Visa underscores a diversification in destination choices among Indians migrating abroad. High net worth individuals from India are increasingly seeking opportunities to secure a Portugal passport for Indian citizens and leverage the benefits of EU citizenship. This diversification is driven by a desire for global mobility, access to superior healthcare and education, and strategic investment opportunities in stable and welcoming environments.
Indians in Portugal
The growing presence of Indians in Portugal highlights a significant trend in migration patterns. As of 2023, there are approximately 90,000 Indians residing in the country, making them one of the largest foreign communities alongside Brazilians and other Europeans. This influx is largely attributed to favorable immigration policies, such as the Portugal Golden Visa program, which allows Indian nationals to obtain residency through investment in Portugal.
In 2020 alone, 6,484 Indians were granted residence permits, reflecting their increasing integration into Portuguese society. The program not only provides access to the benefits of EU citizenship but also fosters economic contributions and cultural diversity within Portugal. With a thriving community and supportive government initiatives, Indians migrating to Portugal are finding new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
NEW INVESTMENT PATHWAYS FOR PORTUGAL’S GOLDEN VISA (2025)
As of 2024, the Portugal Golden Visa program has undergone significant changes, eliminating real estate investments as an option. Prospective investors can now choose between two primary pathways: investing a minimum of €500,000 in a Portuguese Investment Fund or Venture Capital Fund, which must have a maturity of at least five years and invest at least 60% in commercial companies based in Portugal. Alternatively, individuals can opt to make a €250,000 donation aimed at supporting artistic production and preserving the national cultural heritage through qualified public entities or private foundations. These new investment avenues reflect Portugal’s commitment to fostering economic growth and cultural preservation while providing a pathway to residency for international investors.
WHY SHOULD I APPLY FOR THE PORTUGUESE GOLDEN VISA?
There are three main reasons for the rise of Portugal as a destination for Indian migrants. First, the Portuguese Golden Visa system is very straightforward and accessible for Indian nationals with minimal residency requirements Second, the destination itself is extremely attractive. Third, after 5 years you and your family can be eligible for Portuguese nationality.
CAN YOU BRING MY FAMILY TO PORTUGAL?
Your visa application can include your spouse, dependent children, both you and your spouse’s parents. Portugal grants your residence permit for 5 years. You then can renew it, giving you indefinite residency if you comply with the requirements.
WHAT ARE PORTUGUESE PASSPORT BENEFITS FOR INDIAN CITIZENS?
You gain a number of benefits as soon as you get your residency permit. First, you and your family can now live, study and work in Portugal. The education system in Portugal is excellent and heavily funded by the government, so it is virtually free up to age 18. Similarly, the health system is very good and affordable.
IS PORTUGAL A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE?
The infrastructure in Portugal is admirable. You can choose to live in the city or the country and still enjoy all services seamlessly and at reasonable cost.
The cities have every sort of shopping and entertainment that you could want. From golf to water sports, snow skiing to diving, it is hard to think of a recreational activity for which Portugal does not cater.
WHAT IS PORTUGAL LIKE AS A COUNTRY?
Portugal’s weather is a major recommendation, with average monthly temperatures basically varying from 17 to 26 degrees Centigrade (60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit). The country itself is beautiful, with rugged mountain ranges, stunning beaches, forests, farmland, and everything in between.
WHAT IS THE LIFESTYLE IN PORTUGAL LIKE?
As well as innumerable fascinating historical sites, there are vineyards, superlative restaurants, as well as art and culture of every description. Quite simply it is one of the most delightful places to live in Europe.
WHAT IS THE COST OF LIVING IN PORTUGAL LIKE?
From a cost-of-living point of view, it is also close to the least expensive in Western Europe, ranking 26th on the Numbeo.com index, with only places like Northern Macedonia below it. As a comparison, Portugal’s index score is 48, Germany is 66, the UK 70, France 74, the Netherlands 76 and Switzerland 123.
HOW IS PORTUGAL’S TAX RATE?
Perhaps the two biggest advantages for those considering this program are tax and travel. Portugal’s tax rates rank it 21st in Europe, so better than most western European countries. However, foreigners may be able to take advantage of a ten-year Non-Habitual Resident Tax exemption that exempts up to 100% of their income from Portuguese tax.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A PORTUGUESE CITIZENSHIP?
In terms of travel, the Portuguese passport is one of the best in the world. The residency permit gives you the right to travel anywhere in the Schengen area visa free for 90 in every 180 days.
Once you get Portuguese citizenship and its passport, then things get even better. According to Visaindex.com Portugal’s passport ranks 5th in the world and gives visa free or visa on arrival access to 189 countries.
Only 57 countries give the Indian passport visa free access, ranking it 84th.
If you are considering the Portugal Golden Visa as a pathway to European residency and potential citizenship, now is the perfect time to explore this opportunity. With recent updates simplifying the application process and offering clear investment options, you can benefit from minimal stay requirements while paving your way to a powerful Portuguese passport.
If you’re interested in pursuing the Portugal Golden Visa or exploring other citizenship and residency by investment programs, we invite you to contact our office in Ahmedabad.
We are dedicated to providing expert guidance tailored to your unique needs. You can reach us at:
Address:
A-608, Privilon, Ambli Bopal Road, Behind Iskcon Temple, Vikram Nagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380059
Phone:
(+91) 079 4919 1718
(+91) 08 5115 91117
Email:
[email protected]
Our experienced team is ready to assist you in navigating the complexities of the Golden Visa process and ensuring a smooth application experience.
Read Also : Europe Golden Visa Programs: Status Update for 2025
