MANILA, Philippines — Many Filipinos stand to benefit from a program launched by Portugal to allow foreign nationals to obtain residence permits and own property and businesses.
Dubbed the Golden Residence Permit (GRP) program, it aims to help immigrants to legally own property as a residence or for business.
Philippine Ambassador to Portugal Philippe J. Lhuillier said the GRP program will help Filipinos legalize their stay and open more possibilities for their growth in Portugal.
Lhuillier said a Portuguese residence permit entitles holders to travel to any of the 26 European states in the Schengen area.
The Schengen Area comprises the territories of twenty-six European countries that have implemented the Schengen Agreement, signed in the town of Schengen, Luxembourg in 1985.
The Schengen Area operates as a single international travel and immigration area with no border controls for people travelling between Schengen countries and only external border controls for those travelling in and out of the area.
Five years of continuous eligibility in the program can lead to the acquisition of a permanent residence permit, while six years can help the holder acquire a Portuguese citizenship. The GRP program also allows the application for family reunification.
Source: Manila Bulletin