AN INTRODUCTION TO PORTUGAL
With its mild climate, 3000 hours of sunshine per year and 850 kms of splendid beaches bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is the perfect place to establish a second residence.
This is a country that has the oldest borders in Europe, with an exceptional range of different landscapes within a short distance from each other, lots of leisure activities and a unique cultural heritage, where tradition and modernity blend together in perfect harmony. Its superb cuisine, fine wines and hospitable people make this a tourist paradise of the highest quality.
Situated in the extreme south-west of Europe, just a few hours from any of the other European capitals, Portugal attracts visitors from all over the world. It has an excellent geographical location at the meeting point between Europe, Africa and America. With history, culture, food, security and a lifestyle that makes it one of the most attractive countries in Europe. In effect, Portugal is by many considered the continent best kept secret.
The breath-taking natural landscapes, a perfect climate to enjoy anything you’ve crave for the entire year, the quality of life, the modern and safe cosmopolitan atmosphere, the excellent communication network and modern airports with frequent connexions to all continents and daily connexions to numerous European capitals made the country a very attractive tourist destination - has received several awards for the best touristic destination (ex. recently by Condé Nast Traveller Magazine) and undisputed compliments around the world - and an ideal place to establish a second residence.
IMAGINE living in a country where you can find a huge diversity of landscapes and environments in a small area: sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, golden plains and mountains, vibrant and cosmopolitan cities and a millennial heritage. Here you can practice water sports, play golf on the best courses in the world, contemplate nature, experience the most novel well-being treatments, or just get out into the country and discover unbeatable heritage, wines and cuisine.
Portugal ranking high on ‘quality of life’ index last published by the Economist Intelligence Unit, is recognized as a peaceful and stable nation with excellent international relations.
Portugal is a full member of the European Union and a party to the Schengen agreement.
The country is known for tolerance towards immigration and embracing all cultures and religions and it is extremely safe.
Lisbon was recently ranked by the European Safety Observatory one of the safest capitals in Europe.
Being one of the Latin languages, Portuguese is the third most spoken European language in the world and the native language of about 250 million people. The Portuguese-speaking countries are scattered all over the world. Portuguese is spoken in Africa (Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and São Tomé e Príncipe), in South America (Brazil) and in Asia, (East Timor, the youngest nation in the world), and it is also the official language in Macao Special Administrative Region of China.
English and French are widely understood as second languages and the nation education system is prestigious and well regarded. International colleges, Universities of excellence (recognized by the European Union) and a world winning scientific research lab, make Portugal the educational destiny for more than 20 000 foreign students every year.
These two key relationships mean that residence permit via the Portugal Residence Investment Program (PRIP), also known as Golden Visa, provides the freedom to travel visa-free within the Schengen zone, and can also facilitate applicant eligibility to become an EU citizen.
