Solidifying a Plan B: Your Gateway to European Citizenship
More than ever, in an increasingly fast-changing world, having options for alternative residency has been on the minds of many. Portugal offers the best option by far, but navigating Portugal’s Golden Visa process can be complex. Our team provides expert, end-to-end support, managing every step from investment selection and application filing to residency card issuance. With personalized guidance and a dedicated focus on your individual goals, we simplify your path to residency in Portugal. Let us handle the details, so you can confidently enjoy the benefits of this unique residency-by-investment program.
What is the Golden Visa?
We operate on a fee-only basis, charging solely for our time and expertise. This model eliminates any commission-based conflicts, aligning our success directly with your financial progress.
When did it start?
As fiduciaries, we are legally obligated to prioritize your financial well-being above all else. This means every recommendation we make is based on what’s best for you, not for us. Our fiduciary duty ensures you receive advice that is unbiased.
Who is eligible?
Every advisor at United Financial Planning Group proudly holds the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, ensuring that every recommendation is made solely in your best interest. We are committed to transparency and integrity — never selling products or earning commissions, but focusing entirely on delivering unbiased financial guidance tailored to your goals.
What Does the Process Look Like?
Pre - Application
Acquisition of Tax Numbers and Tax Representation for all applicants. Establishment of a Portuguese bank account and transfer of investment funds. Completion of Investment Fund registration or Cultural Institution donation. Compilation of all required documentation and preparation of application materials.
Pre - Approval
Submission of applications for primary investors for pre-approval. Once confirmed, we gather documents for additional family members' applications. Remittance of analysis fees (detailed in the fee schedule).
Biometric Phase
Applicants visit Portugal following AIMA appointment confirmation for biometric data collection. Payment of final government fees (detailed in the fee schedule). Residency cards are processed, collected by legal representatives, and delivered to applicants.
Renewals
After your initial visas are issued, you will need to return to Portugal for renewals in years three and five. In year five, when you are granted permanent residency, you can begin the process of requesting nationality.
Two Authorized Paths to the Golden Visa
One-Time Donation €250k
This option involves donating to an authorized cultural institution focused on heritage preservation, arts, cinema, music, or traditional crafts. All donations require approval from Portugal’s Ministry of Culture.
Key considerations for the cultural donation path:
- Non-refundable contribution with no financial return
- No control over how funds are utilized
- No economic benefits or capital appreciation
- Additional processing time due to the Ministry of Culture approval
Return on Investment €500k
This option requires investment in a CMVM-regulated fund, which must have a minimum 5-year maturity at investment time, with at least 60% of investments in commercial companies headquartered in Portugal.
Key considerations for the cultural donation path:
- Non-refundable investment with varying financial returns
- Funds utilized as detailed by managers
- Economic benefits and/or capital appreciation
- Faster processing time
How Our Team Guides Your Golden Visa Success Every Step of the Way
Learning About You
Schedule a 45-minute call with our professional to discuss your goals and how we can help. This phone or Zoom call also outlines who we are and our process when working with us for Golden Visa submissions.
Presentation of Eligible Options
We have the official list of cultural donations and investment funds, all pre-vetted for credibility and competence. We help you choose an option that best fits.
Admin + Legal
Our lawyer will begin gathering all required documents and certificates for the individuals and also begin the onboarding process for the transaction, and obtain paperwork needed from them.
Submission of Application
Submittal of all documentation on legal portal and support throughout the completion of process until the visas are issued.
See What Our Clients Are Saying
“Working with the Waypoint team for the Golden Visa process was incredible. As a South African family with complicated travel planning when going to Europe, we see the benefit immediately not only for ease of movement in the Schengen Area, but also in leaving a future legacy for our children to live, work, and study in the EU with no constraints. Well worth it with the everchanging political landscape we are living in. ”