PORTUGAL CULTURAL GOLDEN VISA: ARTISTIC PRODUCTION & HERITAGE PRESERVATION
MINIMUM CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION: €250,000 (€200,000 IN NUTS III AREAS)
The Portuguese film industry, as a single example, could benefit massively from the Cultural Golden Visa as a funding mechanism - provided that the relevant authorities can start approving eligible film production projects more efficiently...
It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that Portugal’s Cultural Golden Visa is THE most under-utilized mechanism for driving foreign direct investment in the history of European Golden Visas. Here’s what you need to know about the program in 2024/2025…
As with all the other Portuguese Golden Visa options past and present, the market developed numerous compelling for-profit products that met the criteria for the Cultural Golden Visa (AKA the Artistic Production / Cultural Heritage Preservation Golden Visa) since property investments became ineligible.
And all other things being equal, a for-profit Cultural Golden Visa should have been the top-selling Residency By Investment Program in Portugal since 2023 (and in the EU, for that matter).
Over the past two years, we’ve spoken with over 450 prospective Golden Visa applicants, the majority of whom were initially considering Golden Visa Fund participation. Unsurprisingly, ALL of them were ideally looking for a more affordable Golden Visa option.
And it makes a lot of sense…
Globally, there is a LOT of systemic risk across the financial markets. Shrewd prospective Golden Visa applicants are therefore keen to sit on their money, and find ways to minimise capital outlay and opportunity costs.
Yet simultaneously, EU Golden Visa Programs are being shuttered apace, hence it is key to lock in the available optionality – while you still can today.
And this is exactly where the Cultural Golden Visa program can help:
With a minimum capital contribution of €250,000 for urban (non-NUTS III) projects, and just €200,000 for rural (NUTS III) projects, the program is one of THE most cost-effective programs of its kind. The Cultural Route offers true Golden Visa benefits:
- The flexibility of low minimum in-country presence requirements – just 7 days per year, on average, until you reach Permanent Residency and/or Citizenship.
- No requirement to settle in Portugal permanently, but the option to do so if you wish.
- A proven route to obtaining one of the best passport in the world.
- Potential tax benefits under the new Non-Habitual Residency Program.
Contact us now to inquire about the current availability on approved Cultural Golden Visa projects for 2024, or learn more about this exciting program option below…
Key Cultural Golden Visa Benefits
THE ULTIMATE
PLAN B
Own the Portuguese lifestyle with this flexible residency program, and start creating the real-world ties that can support your eventual citizenship application.
REDUCED
CAPITAL OUTLAY
Portugal’s Golden Visa Fund option is now priced at €500,000 excluding subscription and service fees. At €180,000 ALL-IN, the Highly Qualified Investor program is exceptionally well priced.
FAST VISA
PROCESSING
Given the high-priority nature of this residency category,Cultural Golden Visa applicants are frequently approved far faster than Fund based applicants.
VISA-FREE
SCHENGEN TRAVEL
As a legal resident, you and your family can live, work and study in Portugal, while enjoying visa-free access to all 26 other Schengen countries for 90 out of every 180 days.
FUTURE-PROOF
PROGRAM
The Cultural Golden Visa delivers a far more tangible socio-economic impact than real estate investments, thus aligning with the Portugal’s stated development objectives.
POTENTIAL
TAX ADVANTAGES
The updated Non-Habitual Residency Program offers compelling tax advantages for applicants seeking to settle in Portugal on a longer-term basis.
What types of projects qualify for the Cultural Golden Visa (and where)?
Before we look at the types of projects that could be eligible under the Cultural Golden Visa, let’s recap the official program requirements – presented verbatim from SEF’s program guidance:
“Capital transfer on the amount equal to or above €250,000a for investing in artistic output or supporting the arts, for restoring or maintenance of the national cultural heritage, through local and central administration services, public institutions, public corporate sector, public foundations, private foundations of public interest, network local authorities, local corporate sector organisations, local associations and public cultural associations, pursuing activities of artistic output, and restoring or maintenance of the national cultural heritage.”
[And]
“The amount of this investment may be reduced in 20% (200 thousand euros) when in a low density territory (NUTS III).”
To summarize:
| CULTURAL PROJECT LOCATION | NON-NUTS III AREAS | NUTS III AREAS |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Capital Transfer | €250,000 | €200,000 |
Given the above sector guidelines, potentially qualifying projects should include:
The Cultural Golden Visa Application Process At A Glance…
Why Choose To Work With Us?
Our mission is to radically reduce the economic asymmetries between Portugal’s coast and rural heartland by facilitating high-impact Golden Visa investments in the country’s interior.
If you’re looking to secure your Portuguese Plan B while making a tangible contribution to the country’s sustainable future, we invite you to get in touch today.
Who is Jose Mineiro?
Mr Mineiro is a veteran Portuguese film producer and architect of Portugal’s Cultural Production Golden Visa. Born in Obidos and based in Porto, Mr Mineiro speaks five languages (Portuguese, English, French, Spanish and Italian).
Mr Mineiro has been involved with national and regional policies contributing to the development of international projects involving official entities in Portugal for several decades.
He identified the potential of the Portuguese Golden Visa program as a valuable development tool in 2019. Consequently, he established a network of regional state entities in order to facilitate Golden Visa Investments with a positive, measurable and sustainable socio-economic impact. He has also been instrumental in the development of the HQA Research Residency Program.
Working alongside his team, Mr Mineiro has identified and/or developed numerous high-impact opportunities for investment in cultural production and urban rehabilitation. These opportunities align with territorial development strategies in Portugal within the scope of the DORO development association. (Mr Mineiro is the president of its board of directors.)
He has been a member of the juries of the Portuguese Film Institute, director of regional tourism agencies, founded the Centro Film Commission and served as its president. He also served as a member of the board of directors for Obitec.
He is an active member of the Portuguese Producers Association, and serves as Executive Producer of CheckTheGate Films.
