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Portuguese citizenship, as well as other European citizenships, offer several advantages to foreigners who intend to move to the United States. Recently, we highlighted in an article the benefits of Italian citizenship for those who want to live in the USA. Like Italy, Portugal was included in 2019 in the select group of countries with E-2 treaties. This treaty allows Portuguese citizens to invest in a business in the United States and obtain authorization to live and work in the country through the E-2 Visa.
In addition, an immediate advantage of Portuguese citizenship is access to ESTA, which facilitates entry into the USA for stays of up to 90 days, without the need to go through the bureaucratic process of applying for a traditional visa.
Continue reading this article to understand more about the E-2 Visa and access to ESTA!
The E-2 Visa: See how it works
The great differential for those who have Portuguese citizenship is the possibility of applying for the E-2 Visa, an exclusive program for citizens of countries with trade treaties with the US. This visa is ideal for those who want to invest in a business in the United States and, at the same time, obtain authorization to reside and work in the country.
The E-2 is known for its flexibility. There is no fixed minimum amount for the investment, but it needs to be significant and proportional to the type of business. In addition, the visa includes benefits for the spouse, who can work in the US, and for children under 21 years of age, who can study in American schools or universities.
IMPORTANT: The E-2 visa, although it allows you to live and work in the United States, does not offer a direct path to permanent residence (Green Card). The visa can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains active and in compliance with the requirements established by the American authorities.
Learn more about the E-2 Visa and its benefits
ATTENTION: AMG International Realty is a real estate consultancy in Florida and does not provide legal or immigration services. The information in this article on the E-2 visa and the process of obtaining European citizenship is informative and does not replace the guidance of specialized professionals. We are available to connect you with trusted partners who can help you on these topics.
ESTA Visa: Advantage for those who have Portuguese Citizenship
One of the immediate advantages for Portuguese citizens is access to the Visa Waiver Program. The Portuguese can travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days only with an electronic authorization called ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
This authorization is quick to obtain, usually in a few hours or days, and dispenses with interviews at the consulate or long waiting periods. This makes short-term trips much easier, whether to explore opportunities, attend meetings or simply enjoy vacations in the country.
Attention: Portuguese Citizenship Needs To Be Formally Recognized
If you have Portuguese ancestry, it is important to remember that this alone is not enough to enjoy the advantages of citizenship. It is necessary to formalize the recognition process and obtain a valid Portuguese passport.
The procedure involves gathering documents that prove the direct descent of a Portuguese citizen, such as birth and marriage certificates. Without this formalization, even if you are a descendant, you will not have access to the advantages offered by citizenship, such as the ESTA or the E-2 Visa.
Are There Benefits for Portuguese in the Purchase of Real Estate in Miami?
The American real estate market treats all foreigners equally. Thus, the fact of being Portuguese, Italian or of any other nationality does not bring any specific benefit. Everyone is considered foreigners and follows the same rules.
Many people ask if there are any advantages, such as special financing conditions, for those who have European citizenship. The answer is: there isn’t! In fact, the best benefits are reserved for those who have had tax residence in the US for at least two years. In this case, it doesn’t matter if the buyer is a foreigner or not, as long as he meets the residence criteria.
The main differential in financing conditions is in the percentage required as a down payment. For non-residents, banks usually ask for between 30% and 50% of the value of the property. For long-term tax residents in the US, it is possible to get more favorable conditions, such as only 20% down payment.
This difference exists because banks consider it less risky to lend to those who live and have economic ties in the country. It is easier to access a resident’s assets in the event of default, and people living in the US usually have local income, which makes credit analysis simpler and safer for financial institutions.
Do you want to know more?
AMG International Realty is a global real estate consultancy, specialized in the Florida market and focused on serving foreign customers. We understand that the purchase of a property abroad goes far beyond a simple transaction: it can represent a strategic investment, the realization of a vacation dream or the beginning of a new stage of life in another country. Therefore, we offer full support at all stages, with personalized guidance before, during and after the acquisition of the property.
If you have Italian, Portuguese or any other country with an E-2 treaty with the US citizenship and are considering obtaining the E-2 Visa, we can connect you with offices and lawyers specialized in immigration to assist you in the process. In addition, we have developed a Practical Guide for those who want to move to Florida, with valuable information that makes the transition smoother and safer.
Do you need help or do you have questions? I’m at your disposal! Talk to me on WhatsApp: +1 305 761 2655 (Heloisa Arazi).
