Portuguese Golden Visa Program Restructured
The Portuguese government has made significant changes to its Golden Visa program by eliminating the option of obtaining a Golden Visa through real estate investments, both direct and indirect. However, alternative investment routes are still available, such as investing €500,000 in collective investment structures unrelated to real estate, contributing to job creation through investments in existing companies with a minimum of €500,000, or making donations and contributions in artistic and scientific domains. This restructuring comes after criticism from the European Commission and amid a housing crisis, leading to the program’s discontinuation announcement earlier this year.
Automatic Renewal of Portugal Residence Permit
Foreigners with residence permits expiring by September 30, 2023, can now renew them automatically online through the portal of the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF). This measure allows for easy renewal without the need to visit a service desk in person, and applicants can access the ‘Área Pessoal’ with their login credentials on the SEF portal and select ‘Renovação Automática’ (automatic renewal).
Spain Eases Temporary Residence Permit Rules
Spain has relaxed its temporary residence permit rules, announcing that foreigners with a temporary residence permit will no longer have their permits revoked even if they spend more than six months outside the country. This change provides greater flexibility for permit holders who can now travel abroad for over six months within a year without jeopardizing their permit status. However, the rule that restricts foreigners from staying outside Spain for more than ten months within a five-year period prior to applying for a permanent residence permit remains in place.
New Zealand Extends Maximum Continuous Stay Period
Starting November 2023, migrants seeking an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) based on a permanent role may be granted a visa valid for up to 5 years. After 5 years on an AEWV, they will need to leave New Zealand for at least 12 months unless they are on a pathway to residence or have a pending residence application. This revision aims to encourage migrants to gain work experience in New Zealand before applying for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category Resident visa.
UK Eases Visa Rules for Construction Workers
To address severe labor shortages in the building industry, the United Kingdom has made changes to its rules, making it easier for construction workers from abroad to work in the country. The government has added bricklayers, masons, roofers, roof tilers, slaters, carpenters, joiners, plasterers, and other construction workers to its ‘shortage occupation list’, allowing them to be sponsored for a visa by employers. The list already includes various healthcare roles, engineers, web designers, and laboratory technicians, among others. However, applicants must meet English language requirements and obtain a sponsored job offer from an employer.