Portugal Golden Visa Program - Hodophiles Xplorevisas

Mercan Private Equity Fund II

Portugal Golden Visa
Investment Program

Secure EU residency through a CMVM-regulated hospitality investment fund. The next chapter in Golden Visa fund investment.

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Mercan Private Equity Fund II (MPEF II)

Hospitality Investment Fund

Eligible for the Portuguese Golden Visa Program, the Mercan Private Equity Fund II is a CMVM-regulated closed-end private equity fund focused on hospitality investments across Portugal and Greece. With over 35 years of expertise and €1.3 billion invested, Mercan Group is the world’s most trusted Golden Visa partner.

CMVM Regulated

Registered under no. 2331, issued by the Portuguese Regulator

Upto 30% Annual Return

Projected annual return, tax-free for non-tax residents

34 Hotels & Projects

Across Portugal and Greece with €1.3B total investment

100% Buybacks Fulfilled

All buybacks due under agreements have been fulfilled

+4,100

Golden Visa Investors

Why Portugal

Why investors choose Portugal

Clear pathway to EU citizenship

A structured route to a Portuguese passport — permanent residency available after 5 years of legal residence, citizenship via a 10-year residency timeline.

Minimal residency burden

Only 7 days per year required. Maintain your primary residence and career elsewhere while building toward EU rights.

Family-wide coverage

Single investment covers spouse, dependent children, and parents. Every family member receives identical residency rights.

Visa-free Schengen travel

Your residence card grants immediate access to 29 European countries. Citizenship unlocks full EU labor mobility.

Favourable tax treatment

Holding a Golden Visa does not trigger Portuguese tax residency if you spend less than 183 days per year in Portugal.

One of Europe's strongest passports

A Portuguese passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to the majority of the world's destinations and full freedom of movement across the European Union.

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements

Non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizen

Open exclusively to third-country nationals. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens already enjoy freedom of movement and do not qualify for the program.

Minimum age 18

All primary applicants must be adults. There is no maximum age. Children qualify only as dependents included under the primary applicant's investment.

Clean criminal record

Police clearance certificates required from your country of origin and any country of residence in the last 5 years. Portugal runs independent security vetting.

Qualifying investment

EUR 500,000 into a CMVM-regulated venture capital fund, OR EUR 500,000 into a business creating 5+ jobs, OR EUR 250,000 into cultural heritage donation, OR EUR 500,000 into research funds.

Minimum stay commitment

Demonstrate intent to visit Portugal: 7 days in Year 1, then 14 days per two-year period. Travel records (flights, hotels) serve as proof during renewal.

The process

How the application worksPermit

Mercan manages every step, from fund subscription to final card delivery. Typical end-to-end timeline: 12-25 months.

Bank setup and tax identification

Open a Portuguese bank account (often remotely via a legal representative) and obtain your NIF tax number. Mercan's legal team handles both from the Montreal office.

Document compilation

Gather police clearance certificates, passport copies, proof of health insurance, and supporting application documents. Mercan provides a detailed checklist and assists with notarization and translations.

Fund subscription

Subscribe to the Mercan Hospitality Fund, review subscription documents, and transfer EUR 500,000 to the fund's designated account. Receive your official subscription certificate as proof of investment.

AIMA submission and biometrics

Mercan files your Golden Visa application via AIMA's ARI portal. AIMA pre-approves in principle, schedules your biometric appointment in Portugal (a 3–5 day trip), then issues final approval and the residence card.

Citizenship application

After a 10-year residency period (counted from the date your residence permit is issued, per the May 2026 Nationality Law update), apply for Portuguese citizenship. Requires A2 Portuguese language certificate, clean record, and good standing. Dual citizenship is permitted. Permanent residency remains available after 5 years of legal residence.

Bank setup and tax identification

Open a Portuguese bank account (often remotely via a legal representative) and obtain your NIF tax number. Mercan's legal team handles both from the Montreal office.

Document compilation

Fund subscription

AIMA submission and biometrics

Citizenship application

Compare

Portugal vs. other golden visa programs

Feature

Portugal

Greece

Panama

Minimum investment

EUR 500K

EUR 250K

USD 300K

Path to citizenship

10 years

7 years

5 years

Residency required

7 days/year

None

1 week / 2 years

EU residency

Yes

No

Family included

Yes

Processing time

12-25 months

4-8 months

30 days

Growth Together

Frequency Ask Questions

We understand that the visa and immigration process can be complex. To help you get started, we’ve answered some of the most common questions our clients ask.

How much do I need to invest?

EUR 500,000 for the fund investment route, EUR 500,000 for business creation (with 5 new jobs), EUR 500,000 for research donations, or EUR 250,000 for cultural heritage donations. The fund route is the most popular and the one Mercan offers directly.

Who can be included as family?

How long is the residency requirement?

How long does the application process take?

Can I get Portuguese citizenship?

What are the benefits of EU residency through Portugal?

Is my investment protected?

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Hodophiles Xplore Visas stands out with personalized guidance, expert consultants, and a proven success rate in immigration services. We simplify complex visa processes, ensuring hassle-free experiences.

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Mercan Private Equity Fund II

Portugal Golden Visa Investment Program

Get Free Visa Consultation

Mercan Private Equity Fund II (MPEF II)

Hospitality Investment Fund

CMVM Regulated

Upto 30% Annual Return

34 Hotels & Projects

100% Buybacks Fulfilled

+4,100

Why Portugal

Why investors choose Portugal

Clear pathway to EU citizenship

Minimal residency burden

Family-wide coverage

Visa-free Schengen travel

Favourable tax treatment

One of Europe's strongest passports

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements

Non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizen

Minimum age 18

Clean criminal record

Qualifying investment

Minimum stay commitment

The process

How the application worksPermit

Bank setup and tax identification

Document compilation

Fund subscription

AIMA submission and biometrics

Citizenship application

Bank setup and tax identification

Document compilation

Fund subscription

AIMA submission and biometrics

Citizenship application

Compare

Portugal vs. other golden visa programs

Feature

Portugal

Greece

Panama

Minimum investment

EUR 500K

EUR 250K

USD 300K

Path to citizenship

10 years

7 years

5 years

Residency required

7 days/year

None

1 week / 2 years

EU residency

Yes

Yes

No

Family included

Yes

Yes

Yes

Processing time

12-25 months

4-8 months

30 days

Growth Together

Portugal Golden Visa
Investment Program