The allure of Portugal has captivated people worldwide, each finding their unique path to making it part of their lives. For Frances Great, a seasoned global citizen with roots spanning the UK, Asia, and now the United States, Portugal has long held a special place. Her journey to Portugal began with a teenage summer holiday in the Algarve, but it was her family connections and frequent visits that deepened her bond with the country over the years.
Frances’s background reflects her love for travel and cultural discovery. Originally from the UK, where she spent her early years, Frances grew up in a family with a mix of British and Singaporean Chinese heritage. Her adventurous parents gave her the opportunity to travel the world from a young age. Frances also lived in France and Italy during her college years before moving to Singapore to pursue her advertising career. Living in Singapore allowed her to reconnect with her Asian roots and sparked a curiosity that fueled further travels. In 2015, she moved to Los Angeles, where she now lives with her husband and son. Despite her life spanning continents, Portugal remains a place of comfort and connection, with her sister’s marriage to a Portuguese native reinforcing her ties to the country.
Discovering Portugal's Lifestyle and Culture
Beyond her personal connections, Frances has developed a deep appreciation for Portugal’s lifestyle and culture. The country’s unique blend of historical richness, striking architecture, and coastal beauty resonates with her global perspective. She finds that Portugal’s Atlantic coastline, with its rugged charm, even reminds her of California—a connection that also speaks to her husband, a fan of Portugal’s thriving surf culture. And then there’s the food: Portuguese cuisine has become a cherished part of her visits, with a special fondness for pasteis de nata, the iconic custard tart that is a staple of Portuguese cuisine.
Choosing the Golden Visa Program: Family and Flexibility
The pandemic offered Frances a moment of pause and reflection, prompting her to seriously consider the Golden Visa program as a way to secure her family’s future in Portugal. With her sister and brother–in-law planning a return to Portugal, the Golden Visa program provided an ideal path, offering Frances and her family the option to live and work in Portugal and stay connected with family at a future point in time.
When it came to choosing an investment path, Frances opted for the fund-based route, which aligned well with her lifestyle goals. This option also offered a more hands-off approach, allowing her to fulfill the Golden Visa requirements without the need for ongoing management. An investment fund allowed her to meet the Golden Visa requirements with a lower financial commitment than purchasing property, which aligned well with their lifestyle goals.
The ORM Experience: Simplifying Each Step
Frances first encountered ORM through Patricia, ORM’s founder, during their time in Singapore. When it came time to begin her Golden Visa application, Frances turned to ORM for their in-depth knowledge and hands-on guidance. “ORM helped us navigate each key stage and ensure we had the relevant paperwork and funds to meet the criteria,” Frances shares. "ORM’s comprehensive guidance through the Golden Visa process, along with their connections to trusted legal and financial partners, was a huge advantage."
With the Golden Visa secured, Frances envisions Portugal as a place her family could one day call home. For now, the flexibility to transition gradually suits their lifestyle, and they look forward to the possibility of embracing the Portuguese lifestyle permanently in the future.
Tips for Future Investors
Reflecting on her experience, Frances offers valuable advice for those considering the Golden Visa program. For those choosing the investment fund route, she recommends doing thorough background research on each fund and understanding any tax implications. "If you’re a U.S. citizen or resident, you’ll need to declare any earnings to the IRS, which requires the fund to publish specific financial information—not all funds meet this requirement,” she explains.
Inspired by Frances’s journey? At ORM, we provide an unparalleled level of support, connecting you with trusted partners and guiding you through each step of the process to make your Golden Visa application as seamless as possible. If you’re interested in exploring your own path to residency in Portugal, reach out to ORM to schedule a consultation. Let us help you bring your vision of life in Portugal to reality with confidence.
