The changes to the qualification of investments, provided for in Decree-Law 14/2021 of February 12th, came into force on January 1st, 2022, to the regime of Residence Permit for Investment, commonly known as "Golden Visa", which, especially quite surgical, prove to be of great impact.

The aforementioned amendments, which will now apply to all applications for a residence permit that are submitted from 1 January onwards, fundamentally affect the increase in the minimum amounts related to some types of investments to be made, as well as the application of restrictions on areas where the acquisition of residential properties is still possible.

Thus, the minimum investment amount for capital transfers to credit institutions registered with the Bank of Portugal; for investment in securities, or investment in public debt instruments, is now €1,500,000.00.

On the other hand, the minimum value of the capital transfer for investment in research activities developed by institutions integrated with the SCTN (National Scientific and Technological System); acquisition of participation units in investment funds or venture capital funds aimed at the capitalization of companies or for the constitution of a commercial company with the creation of five jobs, now goes from the previous € 350,000.00 to € 500,000, 00

Finally, if it is true that, concerning investment through the acquisition of properties, the minimum investment amount remains unchanged at € 500,000.00 or, in the case of properties built more than thirty years ago or located in areas of rehabilitation urban area, at € 350,000.00, there was, however, a restriction regarding its location, in the case of residential properties.

Indeed, if it is certain that investments made in real estate intended for services, commerce, and tourism acquired in any area of the country remain eligible, in the case of real estate intended for housing, only become Eligible properties located in the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira, as well as in the interior territories, identified in the annex to Decree 208/2017 of 13 July, which includes all the municipalities of the Alentejo Litoral, except Sines.