What Jeff said above. I guess “sort of” my lawyer opinion but more just me thinking about the current state of the world and how laws can, and do, change. I’m happy we are hearing so many thoughts because we’re seriously considering dumping our GV and trying to do 3 years (6 months per year) if the article I posted becomes a reality. Of course this is a scary prospect, to start over, even though we don’t have pre-approval yet, so I’m curious how everyone else is seeing this situation. Our ultimate goals is free access to the Schengen zone for us and our kids. We want the path that leads to that. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.
I think we may end up being allowed to renew our visas with limited time in country but at the end of 5 years I fear we may be rejected for citizenship and/or permanent residence because we didn’t do the time. Costa used the words “GV investors don’t deserve special treatment” and the EU is making it clear that they also believe time spent on the ground is what equals free access to the shengen zone.
Of course this is all just me thinking but all signs point to this being the trend. I feel that the Portuguese government may honor our original contract because it’s unconstitutional not to and they will renew our visas for five years but that it won’t end up giving us what many of us want at the end.
Only time will tell but as I was doing research over the weekend I came across some articles that GV applicants were being rejected for citizenship because they couldn’t prove ties to Portugal. Yes, even owning the property and doing the minimum seven days per week in the country. This article was published last year. The decision ended up being reversed but it makes you realized that citizenship/permanent residency has different requirements and is separate from the five years that proceed it and it will depend on what the law is at that time. It feels like countries are making it harder and not easier.
The lawyer who went into detail about this issue made it clear that we should all be collecting evidence over the years to prove our connection to Portugal. For example, enrolling kids in local schools, purchasing season sports tickets, giving charitable donations and spending more than the required time in the country. She said that while right now 7 days in country and maintaining your investment is enough, in the future it may not be so… if the laws change. What will be enough? This is where it feels like playing by the same rules as everyone else (tax residency) may become an issue. It’s also what Costa clearly wants even though he may not be able to force the issue. So how to fix this? Fine, renew their visas but no citizenship at the end.
I guess the question is, will that be enough or will there be a rule that you had to be 183 days each year/tax resident like all the other people who did their time, aka no special treatment.