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By far one of the most exceptional residual income based model where your introduced educational institutions in your country can offer, UK accredited qualifications which are at a fraction of the cost of studying a fulltime UK degree which allows them exemptions on a bachelors degree for year 1, year 2 and year 3 with a distance learning top up which allows then to attain a a degree from a number of our UK partner Universities.
Once an introduction is done by our International Partner Representatives then Strategicano’s specialist University partner specialist team will then manage the whole process of the quality assurance process and get them up and running in offering the qualifications they are interested in.
Our International Partner Representatives then earn a nice commission per student enrolled at the educational institution they’ve introduced.
Astounding is an understatement as year in year our out you’ll be earning a compounding residual income which grows year in year out with the growing number of educational institutions you bring on board.
Educational institutions in the international hemisphere are always looking for a competitive edge in how to attract more students in the locality where they are based and this definitely gives them a competitive edge with their local competition and more importantly parents are ecstatic in enrolling children with an educational institution that offers UK accredited qualifications that are internationally recognised and more importantly allows them to be exempt on a first – second – or a third year of a bachelors degree and all that is needed is a distance learning top up with one of our partner universities. As well as with a attaining a Master’s degree with a 6 months distance learning top up and they will then attain a Master’s degree awarded by one of our partner universities.
An investment of €500,000 into a qualifying Private Equity investment fund or Venture Capital fund within Portugal will gain a golden visa residency permit for a family including dependent children. Although other methods are available including creating jobs or charitable donation (see FAQ below) the fund route is the only passive investment option offering clients a potential return on investment.
There are certain costs to consider in addition to the investment amount for the golden visa. They include:
In addition to the investment and fees applicants will need to open a Portuguese bank account. Investors are required to have a clean criminal record, full health insurance and to submit their applications along with full biometrics. This requires one visit to Portugal at the application stage.
The Golden Visa can be renewed at two-year intervals providing the applicant spends two weeks in the country every two years and maintains their investment.
All of the academic courses offered by our partner awarding bodies are Ofqual approved and universities will generally accept the credits awarded to students.
Students should make it clear to the University that the qualification is OFQUAL RQF validated, at the stated level/credit value. The College can provide students with the requisite Ofqual documentation and transcript.
Alternatively, students can visit the Ofqual website (https://register.ofqual.gov.uk/) to confirm the qualification. Each University will consider an application on its merits subject to their own specific entry requirements.
Students graduating from our partner awarding bodies can progress onto a University programme either to join at Undergraduate entry level, usually on completion of a Level 3 or 4 programme, or onto a “top-up” Degree, depending on the level of their completed programme.
Generally, Level 3 is Undergraduate entry, Level 4 first year Degree, Level 5 second year Degree, Level 6 Graduate level and Level 7 Post Graduate level.
University Top-up courses require you to have a qualification in a relevant subject. This means that the course of study that you choose should be closely tied to your previous qualification. However, it does not have to be the same subject.
In many cases, if the students at your introduced educational institutions have studied your level 3/4/5/6 or 7 qualifications in English, an IELTS may not be required.
There is wide flexibility and this flexibility allows your partner institution’s students to have a wide range of career or completion prospects upon graduation. Universities will generally look at your broader experiences and motivations as well as formal qualifications.
Strategicano offer a number of progression routes from our regulated qualifications directly into University. Below are examples that can save the learner significant time and costs.
We continue to extend our range of qualifications so for more options and further information please contact us.
Anglia Ruskin University, located in the UK, is known for its strong focus on employability and real-world skills. It offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines and emphasizes student support and innovation.
The University of East London is a diverse institution known for its commitment to social justice and community engagement. It offers a wide array of courses with a focus on practical experience and research, particularly in urban and social studies.
The University of Gloucestershire is recognized for its vibrant campus life and strong emphasis on sustainability and employability. It offers a range of programs across arts, business, and science, fostering a supportive learning environment
De Montfort University, located in Leicester, UK, is known for its innovative approach to education and strong industry connections. It offers a diverse range of courses and is particularly recognized for its creative arts, business, and engineering programs.
Arden University specializes in flexible, online learning, making higher education accessible to a diverse range of students. It focuses on career-oriented programs and personal development, with a strong emphasis on student support and employability.
The University of the West of Scotland is known for its strong focus on research and innovation, particularly in areas like health, engineering, and business. It offers a vibrant student experience with a commitment to community engagement and international collaboration.
The Open University is a pioneer in distance learning, providing flexible, high-quality education to students worldwide. It offers a wide range of programs and is committed to accessibility, allowing learners to balance their studies with work and personal commitments.
Birmingham City University is known for its strong emphasis on practical skills and employability across various disciplines. It offers a vibrant campus experience, innovative courses, and close ties to industry, particularly in the creative and professional sectors.
BPP University, based in the UK, specializes in professional education, offering programs in law, business, finance, and health. It is known for its strong ties with industries and focuses on career-oriented training.
Buckinghamshire New University, located in the UK, offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs with a strong focus on practical, career-oriented education. It is known for its creative arts, aviation, and healthcare programs.
Cardiff Metropolitan University, based in Wales, is known for its focus on applied research and practical education. It offers a diverse range of programs, especially strong in art, design, sport, and health sciences.
Glasgow Caledonian University, located in Scotland, is known for its commitment to social innovation and global impact. It offers a wide range of programs, with strengths in business, engineering, health sciences, and sustainable development.
Leeds Beckett University, based in the UK, is recognized for its vibrant student community and emphasis on employability. It offers a variety of programs, with particular strengths in sports, business, and creative industries.
Liverpool John Moores University, located in the UK, is known for its focus on research and innovation. It offers a broad range of programs, excelling in engineering, sports science, and maritime studies.
London South Bank University is renowned for its practical, career-focused education, particularly in engineering, health, and business. It has strong industry links, providing students with opportunities for hands-on experience and professional development.
Northumbria University, located in Newcastle, UK, is known for its high-quality research and global outlook. It offers a wide range of programs with strengths in business, law, engineering, and the creative industries.
Staffordshire University, based in the UK, is recognized for its focus on digital technology and innovation. It offers a wide array of programs, excelling in gaming, computer science, and creative arts.
Bath Spa University, located in the UK, is known for its emphasis on creativity and the arts. It offers a diverse range of programs, particularly strong in subjects like music, visual arts, and creative writing, fostering a vibrant artistic community.
The University of Bedfordshire, located in the UK, offers a range of programs with a strong focus on employability and practical skills. It is particularly known for its contributions to business, health, and the creative industries, along with a diverse student body.
The University of Bolton, located in the UK, is known for its supportive learning environment and strong emphasis on employability. It offers a range of programs, with notable strengths in engineering, health, and creative arts, fostering close ties with local industries.
The University of Law, based in the UK, specializes in legal education and training, offering a variety of law degrees and professional courses. It is renowned for its strong connections with legal practitioners and its focus on preparing students for successful careers in law.
The University of Cumbria, located in the UK, is known for its focus on education, health, and the arts. It offers a diverse range of programs with a strong emphasis on practical skills and community engagement, particularly in fields like teacher training and outdoor studies.
The University of Derby is a dynamic institution in England known for its career-focused programs and strong industry partnerships, providing hands-on learning in fields like business, arts, and health. Its supportive campus environment and commitment to employability prepare students for real-world success.
The University of Huddersfield is renowned for its emphasis on practical experience, offering a strong placement program across various fields. Known for innovative research and teaching excellence, it supports students with top-tier facilities and a vibrant campus environment.
The University of Chichester is celebrated for its close-knit community, student-focused approach, and strong arts, humanities, and sports programs. It combines quality teaching with a scenic campus environment in West Sussex, providing a supportive atmosphere for personal and academic growth.
The University of Lincoln is known for its innovative approach to teaching and strong industry connections, especially in engineering, media, and health sciences. Located in a historic city, it offers a blend of modern facilities and rich cultural experiences, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
The University of New England (UNE) in Australia is known for its flexible, high-quality distance education programs and strong research in areas like agriculture, health, and education. UNE provides a supportive and engaging learning environment, ideal for students balancing studies with other commitments.
The University of Portsmouth is recognized for its practical, career-oriented programs and strong research output in fields like engineering, business, and the sciences. Located on England’s south coast, it offers students an innovative and inclusive environment with extensive support for employability.
The University of Suffolk is a forward-thinking institution emphasizing employability and industry relevance, particularly in health, business, and the arts. Situated on England’s east coast, it provides a progressive education with strong community engagement and personalized support for student success.
Bangor University in Wales is distinguished for its research excellence and comprehensive academic offerings, particularly in environmental science, psychology, and oceanography. It offers a student-centered experience, with a scenic coastal campus and a commitment to sustainability and innovation in education.
The University of Wolverhampton is recognized for its diverse range of programs and commitment to social mobility, particularly in business, engineering, and health sciences. With a focus on employability and community engagement, it provides a supportive environment that fosters academic and professional growth.
Wrexham Glyndwr University is known for its student-centered approach and strong emphasis on employability, particularly in creative industries, health, and engineering. Located in North Wales, it offers a supportive environment with a focus on innovation and practical learning, preparing students for successful careers.
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), founded in 1828, is a modern, multi-campus university. It offers over 350 undergraduate and 200 postgraduate courses, serving a diverse community of over 42,000 students from more than 100 countries.
The University of Leicester, a public research university in England, gained university status in 1957. Known for genetic fingerprinting, it offers diverse programs and excels in research and teaching.
The benefits of Portugal’s Golden Visa scheme have helped establish it as arguably the world’s foremost residency by investment program. They include:
From 2012 through to 2023 it was possible to invest in real estate in Portugal to gain the golden visa. That all changed in October 2023 when a new law was passed introducing new rules. The law now restricts inward investment to direct company investment (creating jobs) or through Private Equity or Venture Capital Funds. Such funds must be registered under legislation in Portugal. They can not be invested in real estate and must have a minimum maturity of five years. 60% of the fund must be invested in companies with a head office in Portugal. We act as an introducer to regulated Fund Managers but we do not provide investment advice. Please read our disclaimer.
A few examples of qualifying Fund Investments for residency and citizenship investment in Portugal. For advice and details on each of these please contact us for an introduction to the relevant fund manager who is regulated to give advice on these. We have also written a general guide to Private Equity investing in Portugal.
Investment in this Agrobusiness fund qualifies for Portugal's new Golden Visa programme.
Portugal | €500,000
Previously it was possible to invest through real estate. That is no longer the case. Now investment must be through either:
Investing €500,000 through a Private Equity or Venture Capital Fund: These are funds regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM). Such funds are managed by a regulated Fund Manager. Funds can not be invested in real estate.
Company Investment: Either by establishing your own company and creating 10 jobs or investing a minimum €500,000 in an existing company creating 5 jobs.
Family reunification is a key benefit. The main investor applying for the programme can include:
▪ A spouse or partner
▪ Children under 18 years old
▪ Dependent children over 18 years old, as long as they are unmarried and enrolled in full-time education
▪ Dependent parents of either spouse or partner, over 55 years old. No need to provide evidence of dependency if they are over 65 years old
▪ Siblings under 18 years old of either spouse or partner if legally under their supervision
Children over the age of 18 years old can be included, however, they must remain dependent for each year until citizenship is achieved. There is no official age limit for dependent children, but we would advise no older than around 22 or 23 years as they need to remain dependent for the five-to-six-year period following. In reality, it can be much harder to prove a 28 year old child is still dependent, unmarried and in full time education, although it is possible.
For the initial residency application, there is no language test required. The language test is only applicable when applying for Citizenship, so applicants have 5-6 years to prepare for this step. Anyone under the age of 10 years old does not need to take the language test. The language test is an A2 level (conversational level) and most of the test is in a multiple-choice format.
Unless you reside in Portugal for 183 days of the year or more, you will not be taxed on your worldwide income. As a non-tax resident, you only need to pay tax in Portugal if you earn any income in Portugal, for example, a rental return from your property. If you do choose to reside in Portugal, please note the previous Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) program is no longer available from 2024. This granted certain tax exemptions for overseas income tax for the first 10 years of residence. For overseas investors there is no tax on investment gains or investment income from funds in Portugal but such income may well be taxed in your home country as overseas income.
No. It must be purchased personally.
As a Portuguese resident, you can gain access to Portugal’s national health service (SNS), providing you are a fiscal resident.
However, as part of the Golden Visa application process, you must provide evidence of a private health insurance policy to be granted the residency visa. Price can vary depending on the individual’s health and any pre-existing conditions. If you are not residing in Portugal full time, as many Golden Visa holders will not be, we would advise continuing with a private healthcare policy.
Yes, you can. This is now the only passive investment route for the golden visa unless you want to be investing in a specific company, your own or an established business, that will create jobs. Programme rules and benefits remain the same whichever route.
If you are cohabiting with a long-term partner, sometimes referred to as a common-law partner, it is possible to apply for most of the European Golden Visa programmes under one joint application. In Portugal, unmarried couples who have been residing together for a minimum of 2 years are eligible to apply together, providing they can supply evidence of their relationship. Official documents confirming they share an address, have joint assets or evidence that they have children together would be sufficient to support the case. It is also possible for same-sex couples to apply together under the same application.
Since Portugal introduced their Golden Visa programme in 2012, at the time of writing over 12,000 main investors have now been approved for Portuguese residency, with over 18,000 family members also being accepted. The total revenue generated by the programme is over €5.3 billion.
The Golden Visa programme in Portugal is open to all non-EU Citizens. This now also includes British citizens, following Brexit. There are no non-EU citizens that are prohibited from applying, however, certain nationalities such as Iranian citizens and Russian citizens may find it difficult to open a Portuguese bank account, due to the EU’s banking compliance process. This is not to say it is not possible. If you have any concerns, please contact La Vida’s experts for more advice.
In theory, the only reason an application would be rejected is if an applicant has a criminal record, has been dishonest on the application, or has not fulfilled the minimum investment requirements. It is a document-driven process and Our advisors, and legal partners will work closely with you throughout the process to compile your file to ensure your application is successfully approved.
▪ Valid Passport, Schengen Visa and travel documents
▪ Investment certificate
▪ Declaration from a bank in Portugal confirming the transfer of the funds
▪ Absence of criminal conviction in Portugal and of interdiction to enter the country
▪ Criminal certificate from country of origin (absence of conviction of relevant crime)
▪ Absence of notice from the Portuguese Immigration Authorities or Schengen Services
▪ Declaration from the investor confirming compliance with
the investment requirements
In the early days of the program China was the dominant source country. Today it is the USA. The growth in the US market has been quite staggering. Over 40% of all investors through us are now from the US. Other popular source countries include Nigeria, Lebanon, India, South Africa, Turkey and since Brexit, the UK.
Since the rule changes in October 2023 qualification for the Portuguese Golden Visa can be through:
▪ Fund Subscription: Minimum €0.5m
▪ Company creation: With minimum 10 jobs created
▪ Donating a minimum €250,000 to national heritage.
▪ Investing a minimum €500,000 in Research & Development
▪ If you are interested in any of these options, please contact us for further details.
No it is not. The government were proposing to close the golden visa for future applications following an announcement in February 2023. Since then consultation with many interested parties in business have taken place. The final bill, put forward in the Portuguese Parliament on 19th July 2023, proposed keeping the Golden Visa program but ending the real estate route, that is the €280,000 and €350,000 options. This bill was passed and the legislation came into effect in October 2023. The main route to the Golden Visa is now Fund Investment, which is set at €500,000.
There are several residency visas available in Portugal. However they are not part of the Golden Visa and carry different benefits. They include the D2 Entrepreneur or Start up Visa, D3 Tech Visa, D7 Retirement Visa and D8 Digital Nomad Visa. These visas tend to require residency, ie living and becoming tax resident in Portugal. They are very different to the Golden Visa which for most investors is held as an option to reside with minimal requirement to visit.
After five years of holding a golden visa in Portugal the holder can apply for citizenship and if successful then a Portuguese passport can be applied for. The applicant would need to retain their golden visa investment.
It’s not possible for golden visa investors to get immediate citizenship through investment in Portugal. Citizenship is only possible after a period of residency. If the investor holds a golden visa, which is a type of residency visa, for five years then they can apply for Portuguese citizenship (which is EU citizenship). Recent legislation in 2024 means that the five year time period now begins at the point of application for the golden visa. This is a positive development for anyone in the process of waiting for their GV application to complete.
The Residence Permit for Investment (ARI) regime is the official name for the Portuguese Golden Visa. The legislation allows Nationals from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland to obtain a temporary residence permit for investment activities in Portugal. Among the benefits it allows the granting of a Permanent Residence Authorisation under the terms of the Foreigners Law (Law no. 23/2007) and the acquisition of Portuguese nationality (citizenship), through naturalization under the Nationality Law (Law no. 37/81).
Unfortunately you can not invest with Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency. Investments need to be made in Fiat currency through the banking system and from a bank account opened in Portugal. It may be possible to pay some limitedamount of fees with Crypto.
The Residence Permit for Investment (ARI) (known as the golden visa) was launched in 2012. Since then, it has delivered €7.3bn in inward investment to the Portuguese economy. Chinese nationals were the dominant investors over this time period although in recent years this has switched towards the USA. In addition, Brazil, Turkey, Nigeria, Hong Kong and South Africa are also strong investors. Close on 85% of all investment (from 11383 main investors) was channelled into real estate until the change in the programme in 2023. A total of 723 investments were made into venture capital projects, 1312 by transferring capital and just 23 for creating ten jobs. These statistics will shift going forward from 2024 as real estate has been eliminated as a potential route.
There are still lengthy delays in processing golden visa applications in Portugal. One positive piece of news is the impending change to the citizenship laws. This will mean that wait times will count in the five year period before Portuguese citizenship can be applied for. The five year clock will start ticking from the point of application. The Portuguese Government has taken several steps to reduce the golden visa backlog by 50%.
Other residency routes exist as an alternative to the golden visa scheme. The Portugal HQA visa seeks entrepreneurs with a proven track record looking to start a business in the country through foreign investment. This may work for business people wishing to spend significant time in the country while establishing their new venture. The Portugal D7 visa requires the applicant to make Portugal their primary country of residence. Neither offers the flexibility of the portugal golden visa programme which is a passive programme allowing the golden visa holder to live elsewhere, having to visit Portugal for an average of just 7 days each year. Golden visa investors have far less restrictions on their lives than those on the D7 or HQA.
In the beginning, overseas institutions approached us for consultancy; to help develop their internal QA processes in line with best pedagogical practices globally. We were quick to recognise the demand for our services and the need for an international benchmark, drawing upon the expertise and heritage of the UK education sector whilst remaining open to learning from best-practice in other countries. Over time our remit and global footprint have grown. Our accreditation is now recognised worldwide as a benchmark of the highest quality.
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