Jordan, USA, Iran, Belarus and Yemen seeking residence in Portugal
Golden visas are in decline since 2018, but there is a shift in the investors' nationality. In addition to China, investors are starting to emerge from Jordan, the US, Iran, Belarus and Yemen.
Golden visas granted have been decreasing since 2018 but, despite this fall, they are still in demand. China continues to lead, but there has been a noticeable drop in its dominance, especially in the last year. In addition, according to Diário de Notícias, there has been a change in the origin of investors seeking these visas, such as Jordan, the United States, Iran, Belarus and Yemen.
The restrictions imposed by the pandemic, legislative changes, service delays and competition with other countries are some of the reasons. However, experts believe that many deals will still be done by the end of the year, judging by the requests for information. The law changes on January 1, 2022.
The €6 billion invested to obtain a residence permit were almost exclusively for the purchase of real estate (90.4%). Lisbon clearly leads the preferences, having attracted, between January 2020 and May 2021, 1,012 investors, nine times more than Porto (112). Cascais is the third city, totaling 104 foreigners.
