Back before, living in Europe for Filipinos was a pie in the sky. It was an ardent dream but remains very elusive.
However, now the increasing number of Filipinos have set their sights on moving out of their country. In 2023, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) recorded 96,111 registered emigrants. Filipinos migrate for several reasons including seeking new opportunities, a higher quality of life, access to better healthcare, and more.
These aspirations have also led many Filipinos to set their sights on migrating to Europe. A European citizen not only affords all of the benefits mentioned earlier but also makes visa-free travel possible as European passports are some of the most powerful in the world.
The Golden Visa
Although the process of acquiring European citizenship is daunting, it is very much possible for Filipinos. One route is to get a Golden Visa, a residency-by-investment program offered by various countries around the world. It allows individuals and their families to obtain residency rights and eventual citizenship by making an investment in the host country’s economy. The term “golden visa” typically refers to the attractive benefits and privileges associated with the program. The number of golden visa applications coming from the Philippines increased by at least 30% year-on-year, reflecting a growing interest among Filipinos.
Golden Visa Centrale (GVC), a leading international property marketing consultancy specializing in residency-by-investment, actually helps Filipinos make their European residency dreams a reality. Their team of experts along with Arish Captial Partners, a knowledgeable and innovative solutions provider in Portugal, UK, Spain, Greece and Turkey, offer comprehensive and personalized assistance, from start to finish and guide you through the process.
Hear from the Golden Visa Centrale Clients Themselves
They have successfully processed and facilitated hundreds of golden visa applications across various European countries and the U.S. To date, they have over 200 satisfied clients and are one of the leading providers of the Spain, Greece and Portugal Golden Visa to the Philippines.
Among the Filipinos who have started their Golden Visa journey is John Alonte, owner of activewear brand 2XU and property developer BREDCO and father of three, who wanted to ensure that he’s setting up his kids and his future grandchildren not only a bright future but also the freedom and the opportunity to live anywhere they choose.
For John, the Portugal Golden Visa program is the easiest way to achieve his goal and extend the privilege to his family. “With a single investment, we gain ease of travel, the option to live or retire in a better country, and an appreciating asset,” he said.
John chose this program for its unique benefits and flexibility: family residency or citizenship, owning a European investment asset, and enjoying these perks without the need for continuous residence. With the help of Golden Visa Centrale, they are progressing steadily. John remains patient, valuing the experience and privilege of moving, traveling, and living with ease, and extending these benefits to his family.
Atty. Aldrich and Ava del Rosario, a couple who received their Portuguese residency cards through the Golden Visa program, do not regret their decision at all and have applied for the same program for the same reasons. “As a current resident, the best thing about Portugal is the high quality of life with its excellent healthcare and educational opportunities. It is also ranked one of the safest countries in the world. Additionally, the country’s warm climate, the friendly and welcoming Portuguese people, coupled with the widespread use of English, make it easy to feel at home and integrate into the community,” the couple said.
According to them, there are several reasons why applying for the Golden Visa program is worthwhile, “Firstly, it provides us with the flexibility to travel freely within the Schengen Area, enhancing our ability to explore and experience diverse European cultures. Secondly, it allows us to access superior educational opportunities for our children, enriching their cultural and intellectual development. Additionally, the Golden Visa program offers a relatively straightforward path to residency without the need for immediate relocation, which is crucial for us as business owners in Manila. These benefits collectively ensure a better quality of life and expanded horizons for our family.”
Ultimately, the program allows the whole family to have access to better opportunities that you would otherwise not have in the Philippines. For Filipinos looking to broaden their experiences and secure a better future, the Golden Visa is an excellent choice.
Golden Visa Centrale’s Role
The process may be long but when backed by a team of international property marketers specializing in Golden Visa properties and residency by investment, the application process will also run smoothly. John testified to this when he shared his experience working with Golden Visa Centrale, “Their specific product offering and personal hands-on assistance in the entire process has been remarkable.”
When asked how Golden Visa Centrale has helped them in their European residency goals, Atty. Aldrich and Ava del Rosario said, “They provided us expert guidance on navigating the process, including selecting the right real estate investments to meet the program’s requirements. Their comprehensive support included handling documentation, ensuring compliance with regulations, and coordinating with local authorities. Despite the global disruptions, the agency’s professionalism and local expertise made the journey smooth and stress-free, allowing us to achieve our residency goals efficiently.”
Learn more about the Portugal Golden Visa program make your European Residency dreams a reality by joining Golden Visa Centrale’s roadshows on June 25, 5:30 p.m. at Rizal Room, Manila House, Bonifacio Global City; and on June 26, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Shangri-La at the Fort Horizon Lounge, Taguig City. Register your attendance by clicking https://bit.ly/GVCJuneEvents.