With its ancient cities, spectacular coastline, rich history and mouth-watering cuisine, it’s easy to see why Portugal has long been one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations. However, over the past few years, the country has also become increasingly popular with expats looking for a flexible, powerful and accessible second passport.
If you’re a Hong Kong citizen, obtaining a Portuguese passport will give you full, unrestricted access to the Schengen area and all of the exciting educational, cultural and employment opportunities it offers. Unlike many other EU countries, Portugal also recognises dual-citizenship, meaning that you can enjoy all of the benefits of an EU passport without giving up your Hong Kong citizenship or even a British passport if you have one.
If you’re interested in obtaining the many benefits afforded by the Portuguese passport, we can help. Planeur offers a range of exciting investment opportunities that provide an easy route to a Portuguese passport and EU citizenship. Read on to find out more.
What are the Benefits of a Second Passport?
There are significant advantages of holding a second passport and dual citizenship, especially as a Hong Kong citizen. Having a second passport can help mitigate risk and shield your wealth. You would also be able to expand, establish international businesses and open bank accounts within the chosen country. Dual citizenship and a second passport will allow you to move more freely around the globe and achieve safety if your home country is unstable. Gaining second citizenship will also protect your family both now and in the future.
The Benefits of a Portuguese Passport for Hong Kong Citizens
For many years, most Hong Kong citizens who wanted a second passport, access to the EU, would have applied for a British passport. However, with the UK having left the bloc, it’s likely to be more difficult for British passport holders to access the opportunities offered on the continent. As a result, an increasing number of Hong Kong citizens are looking towards mainland Europe as an opportunity to gain a second passport.
As a passport issued by an EU-member state, the Portuguese passport gives the holder the right to live, work and study anywhere in Europe. Becoming a Portuguese citizen also gives you access to high-quality healthcare, excellent schools and the right to vote in Portuguese elections.
Portuguese passport holders can enjoy visa-free travel to an incredible 186 countries around the globe. That makes it the world’s 6th most powerful passport. That’s considerably better than the Hong Kong passport which is currently ranked 18th globally.
Visa-free countries for Portuguese passport holders include the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Japan, Brazil and all of Europe.
What’s more, Portugal is also the third safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index. This makes the country an excellent choice for anyone who wants to give their family security and stability as well as a wealth of opportunities.
Find out the key benefits of a Portuguese passport.
PERSONAL FREEDOM
- European Residency
- Full family residency. You and your family enjoy European Residency status and all of its benefits
- No need to reside in the country
- Dual nationality allowed
- The scheme is open to most non-EU nationalities
FREE MOVEMENT
- Allows free travel within Schengen Area, no visa or further documentation required
- You can travel directly from your country of origin to any Schengen area country once your Permanent Residency has been issued, no need to travel to Portugal first
- Reside in any other Schengen area
BUSINESS ADVANTAGES
- Expand investments worldwide, establish businesses
- Golden Visa holders to only pay taxes on income related to activities in Portugal and not any other primary country of residence Only those staying in Portugal longer than six months a year and deemed resident in Portugal must pay tax over income obtained in Portugal.
- Take advantage of great infrastructure
FAMILY SECURITY
- The Portuguese Permanent Residency extends to Husband/wife and children below 18 years of age
- Adults above 18 years of age qualify as long as they prove financial dependency
- Parents of the main applicant also qualify and they too need to prove financial dependency
- The Portuguese Permanent Residency allows all holders to work and study in Portugal
- Highly developed country ranked the world’s 19th highest quality of life and one of the world’s most globalized and peaceful nations
- Ranked the third safest country in the world for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020) by Global Peace Index
- Political Stability
How to Obtain a Portuguese Passport for Non-EU Citizens
In order to obtain a Portuguese passport, you first need to become a Portuguese citizen. The easiest route to citizenship is Portugal’s Golden Visa scheme. This allows residents of non-EU countries and territories, including Hong Kong, to earn citizenship through investment.
In order to acquire a Golden Visa, you’ll need to invest a minimum of €350K in an eligible venture capital scheme. Investing in a private equity fund is another option, however may require a larger initial investment. All investments must be maintained for the duration of the 5-year visa.
Once you’ve made your investment and acquired your Golden Visa, a Portuguese Golden Residence Permit is granted for one year, renewable for two successive periods of two years. This covers the initial 5-year investment, at which point you will become eligible for citizenship.
However, unlike almost all other countries that operate their own Golden Visa schemes, Portugal doesn’t require Golden Visa holders to be permanently resident in order to be eligible for citizenship. In fact, you’ll need to spend just 7 days in Portugal in the first year of your visa and 14 days in the country in each subsequent year.
As long as you fulfil these minimum residency requirements, you’ll be eligible for citizenship at the end of your 5-year visa. This is a huge benefit to Hong Kong citizens who want to acquire an EU passport without permanently relocating.
Benefits of a Portuguese Golden Visa
- Eligibility for Portuguese passport after 5 years
- No need to relocate to Portugal
- Minimal residency requirements
- The opportunity to earn returns on your investment
- Visa benefits also apply to dependent children and parents
- Access to a favourable tax regime
- Access to exciting investment opportunities
There are other routes to a Portuguese passport. However, these largely require a longstanding connection to the country.
Once you’ve gone through the Golden Visa process and obtained citizenship, you can apply for your Portuguese passport at the Macau consulate. The cost of applying for a passport from abroad can vary, but it is normally around $100.
How Can I Acquire a Portuguese Passport? – Speak to Planeur Today
Investing in Portugal’s Golden Visa scheme is a fantastic route to a Portuguese passport and EU citizenship for life. Find out more about the benefits of a Golden Visa and learn how we can help you to secure a visa and start on the journey to citizenship, by exploring our site. Alternatively, contact a member of our team to discuss your specific needs and requirements.