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The Portugal Golden Visa program, launched in October 2012, is a residency-by-investment scheme for non-EU citizens. It has successfully attracted over €7.5 billion in international capital. The program offers a clear path to permanent residency or citizenship in just five years.
Speak to Andrew
Andrew Camilleri - Director
Hospitality Investment Fund
Option I
(Regular Income) offers a steady 2% return per year over 12 years.
Option II
(Capital Gain) provides no returns for the first 5 years, but increases sharply from year 6 (12%) to year 11 (26%), reaching 30% in year 12 with a 2% bonus added from year 8 onward.
This structure allows investors to choose between consistent yearly income or higher long-term gains.
Return on Investment
As part of the GRP program I needed to find a property to buy or rent in Malta. I established contact with Arcus Estates and visited Malta in Nov 2020. Mr Giovanni Gauci looked after me and went out of his way to not only do business, but to also familiarize me with Malta, its people and its rich history. From the start I felt like I was in the company of a friend, who took my requirements to heart, and introduced me to properties that appealed to my taste. I ended up buying an apartment in Mercury Towers and Giovanni and his Arcus team seamlessly took me through all the formalities to formalize the deal. Apart from fantastic and friendly service, I became best friends with Giovanni and we are still in regular contact. I can without a doubt highly recommend Arcus’s service to anyone interested in property in Malta and any of their other regions.
Mr Jean Rossouw
CEO Test Flying Academy of South Africa
What Our Customers Say
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With over 15 years of on-the-ground experience, we have developed a deep understanding of the European real estate and investment landscape, allowing us to guide our clients through complex processes with confidence and clarity. Our expertise in local markets, legal frameworks, and regulatory environments ensures a smooth experience for investors pursuing long-term, strategic opportunities across the EU.
At Arcus Estates, our consultancy approach goes beyond property sales. We stay at the forefront of new residency, citizenship, and investment programmes launched across multiple jurisdictions, including government-backed initiatives such as hospitality-focused investment funds. With access to a curated selection of high-quality developments, we help our clients identify secure, structured opportunities that align with their relocation, lifestyle, and financial goals.
ANDREW CAMILLERI
GIOVANNI GAUCI
Director
Director
About us
Discover Your Next Investment
Mercan Group is investing €140 million in three companies—Bridgeview Hotel, Alvor Beach Hotel, and Hard Rock Hotel—all of which are currently open for investment.
As a boutique real estate advisory firm with an exclusive property portfolio, we place our clients at the heart of everything we do, offering tailored property solutions while ensuring full compliance with legal frameworks.
GET IN TOUCH
PORTUGAL
Golden Visa Program
Golden Visa Eligible
MPEF I qualifies under Portugal’s Golden Visa framework as a venture capital fund, not a real estate investment.
Backed by Global Brands
Projects under the fund operate under prestigious hotel chains such as Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Wyndham, and Hard Rock.
€1.2 Billion
Total Investment
The fund is part of a broader portfolio contributing significantly to Portugal’s tourism infrastructure.
Guaranteed Returns with Buyback
Offers a clear return plan, backed by dedicated project companies, with a guaranteed buyback option.
With property acquisition officially removed from Portugal’s Golden Visa program as of October 2023, investors must now look beyond traditional real estate routes. This shift reinforces the government’s commitment to driving capital into innovation and sustainable economic growth. Among the remaining pathways, regulated investment funds stand out as the most practical and strategic option—offering flexibility, transparency, and a clear route to Portuguese residency. For forward-thinking investors, the Portugal Golden Visa Investment Fund is not just an alternative, it’s the opportunity.
The Portugal Golden Visa program, launched in October 2012, is a residency-by-investment scheme for non-EU citizens. It has successfully attracted over €7.5 billion in international capital. The program offers a clear path to permanent residency or citizenship in just five years.
What Type of Investments Qualify for the Golden Visa?
A minimum €500,000 investment in a qualifying Portuguese fund, excluding those with any real estate ties.
Fund Subscription
Company
Invest in a Portuguese business by creating 10 jobs, 8 in low-density areas, or invest €500,000 in an existing company that generates 5 new jobs for at least three years.
Donation
Invest a minimum of €250,000 in preserving national heritage in Portugal.
Invest a minimum of €500,000 in a research and development activity in Portugal.
The investment fund option is considered the most attractive route under the Portugal Golden Visa program due to its relatively low entry threshold of €500,000, strong potential for returns, and professional fund management. It offers a passive, regulated investment with minimal administrative burden and no requirement to actively run a business or manage employees, making it ideal for investors seeking both residency and long-term value.
The Mercan Hospitality Investment Fund has quickly made a name for itself by investing in three major hotel projects in Portugal’s thriving tourism sector. Supported by Mercan Group’s strong track record and €1.2 billion in developments, the fund targets popular areas that welcome over 30 million visitors each year.
Portugal Golden Visa Program - Hospitality Investment Fund
Company 1 - Available for Investment
4-Star Resort flagged by an International Brand
Under Construction - Bridgeview Hotel
Company 2 - Available for Investment
5-Star Hotel Flagged by an International Brand
Under Construction - Alvor Beach Hotel
Company 3 - Available for Investment
5-Star Hotel Flagged by an International Brand
Under Construction - Hard Rock Hotel
PORTUGAL
Golden Visa Program
As a boutique real estate advisory firm with an exclusive property portfolio, we place our clients at the heart of everything we do, offering tailored property solutions while ensuring full compliance with legal frameworks.
Get in touch today to learn more about the Portugal Golden Visa programme.
What Type of Investments Qualify for the Golden Visa?
Fund Subscription
A minimum €500,000 investment in a qualifying Portuguese fund, excluding those with any real estate ties.
A minimum €500,000 investment in a qualifying Portuguese fund, excluding those with any real estate ties.
Fund Subscription
Company
Invest in a Portuguese business by creating 10 jobs, 8 in low-density areas, or invest €500,000 in an existing company that generates 5 new jobs for at least three years.
A minimum €500,000 investment in a qualifying Portuguese fund, excluding those with any real estate ties.
Fund Subscription
A minimum €500,000 investment in a qualifying Portuguese fund, excluding those with any real estate ties.
Fund Subscription
GET IN TOUCH
The investment fund option is considered the most attractive route under the Portugal Golden Visa program due to its relatively low entry threshold of €500,000, strong potential for returns, and professional fund management. It offers a passive, regulated investment with minimal administrative burden and no requirement to actively run a business or manage employees, making it ideal for investors seeking both residency and long-term value.
Portugal Golden Visa Program - Hospitality Investment Fund
The Mercan Hospitality Investment Fund has quickly made a name for itself by investing in three major hotel projects in Portugal’s thriving tourism sector. Supported by Mercan Group’s strong track record and €1.2 billion in developments, the fund targets popular areas that welcome over 30 million visitors each year.
Golden Visa Eligible
MPEF I qualifies under Portugal’s Golden Visa framework as a venture capital fund, not a real estate investment.
Backed by Global Brands
Projects under the fund operate under prestigious hotel chains such as Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Wyndham, and Hard Rock.
€1.2 Billion
The fund is part of a broader portfolio contributing significantly to Portugal’s tourism infrastructure.
Investment
Guaranteed Returns with Buyback
Offers a clear return plan, backed by dedicated project companies, with a guaranteed buyback option.
WHAT TO
INVEST?
Capital Investment Fund
Capital transfer of €500,000 for the acquisition of shares or units in non-real estate collective investment schemes.
Donation
Invest a minimum of €250,000 in preserving national heritage in Portugal.
Invest a minimum of €500,000 in a research and development activity in Portugal.
Under Construction - Bridgeview Hotel
4-Star Resort flagged by an International Brand
Company 1 - Available for Investment
Under Construction - Alvor Beach Hotel
Company 2 - Available for Investment
5-Star Hotel Flagged by an International Brand
Under Construction - Hard Rock Hotel
Company 3 - Available for Investment
5-Star Hotel Flagged by an International Brand
Hospitality Investment Fund
Return On Investment
Option I
(Regular Income) offers a steady 2% return per year over 12 years.
Option II
(Capital Gain) provides no returns for the first 5 years, but increases sharply from year 6 (12%) to year 11 (26%), reaching 30% in year 12 with a 2% bonus added from year 8 onward.
This structure allows investors to choose between consistent yearly income or higher long-term gains.
Since October 2023, property acquisition is no longer eligible for Portugal’s Golden Visa. The focus has shifted to regulated options like the hospitality investment fund, which offers flexibility, transparency, and a clear path to residency—making it the most strategic choice for modern investors.
