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If you’re a South African farmer and have been thinking about emigrating we’ve got some good news for you. The Alqueva region in Portugal is looking for people with your skills. Through a qualifying investment in land within this region, farmers can gain Portuguese residency. This can be done through the Golden Residency Permit Programme, or Golden Visa. This visa will provide you, and your family, with a solid “plan B” as well as EU residency.
A fresh start for farmers
The Alqueva Project is an agricultural project located in Alentejo, southern Portugal. It’s made up of 120,000 hectares of irrigated land which will increase to 170,000 by 2020. The availability of water resources in Alqueva is something that differentiates it from other irrigated areas in Europe. The water resources give the land the autonomy to sustain itself for four years without rain, even in times of extreme drought.
The Alqueva region offers some of the greatest agricultural production potential in Portugal. The combination of constant water availability, dynamic farming techniques, land availability and the EDIA organisation that actively supports new projects and investments, creates a unique opportunity for farmers with the skills and means.
A route to EU residency for farmers and their families
Farmers can make Portugal their home through the Golden Visa programme, which is a residency-by-investment programme. Through a €350,000 investment into Portuguese property within the Alqueva region, South Africans can secure EU residency for themselves and their families. This is a more affordable option than the usual €500,000 minimum investment price.
Once you have made your €350,000 investment into farmland in Alqueva, you and your family will be awarded with Golden Visas. With these visas, you will be allowed to live and work in Portugal on your new land. The Alqueva region’s EDIA organisation deals with all investors and the establishment of new projects. The EDIA acts as a facilitator, collaborating with you and the relevant parties to streamline processes. They support all entrepreneurs and farmers looking to invest in Alqueva.
Your Golden Visa also allows you and your family to travel visa-free across the entire EU and Schengen area. After five years, you will all be able to apply for Portuguese permanent residency. After six years, you will become eligible for Portuguese citizenship.
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Why Portugal?
The Portuguese passport the fourth most powerful passport in the world. The country’s location within the EU ensures that farmers in Portugal have access to one of the world’s largest markets. The well-developed infrastructure and educated population also make conducting international business as a Portuguese resident easy to do.
Portugal scores highly in terms of safety, family friendliness, education and political stability, making it the perfect place to raise a family. Respect of property rights, human rights and religious freedom are also highly valued and upheld rigorously in Portugal.
Before you embark on this journey, ensure you have the right partner
Sable International have expert teams in South Africa and Portugal, as well as international property specialists and attorneys, who will ensure that your property investment, visa and residency applications are done as efficiently as possible. Their service includes everything from opening your bank accounts to tax advice, fiscal applications, property selection and management, as well as residency applications and renewals.
If you’re interested in this programme, simply send an email to the Golden Visa Portugal team on goldenvisa@sableinternational.com or take this simple pre-qualification questionnaire to see if you qualify.
