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Category: News

  • Portugal Reviews ARI Processing: What Investors Need to Know About Biometric Appointment Updates

    The Portuguese government has recently implemented changes to the processing of Investment Residence Authorization (ARI) applications, specifically targeting investors awaiting biometric appointments. These modifications aim to enhance efficiency and address existing backlogs within the system.

    Key Changes

    The updates focus on prioritizing pending biometric appointments and streamlining the overall application workflow. This initiative seeks to expedite processing times for older applications while ensuring adherence to procedural requirements.

    Who Is Affected?

    These changes primarily impact investors whose applications are pending biometric appointments. Investors with applications that have already been formalized or completed remain unaffected by this update.

    Next Steps for Investors

    • Await Guidance: If your application falls into the affected category, our legal team will contact you next week with detailed instructions on how to proceed.
    • Direct Communication: Our lawyers are closely monitoring these developments and will provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation.

    We are committed to keeping all investors informed and supported during this transition. Our team is actively working to adapt to these changes to ensure your application is handled efficiently.

    For any questions, please contact your lawyer or our support team directly.

    Stay updated by following our website for the latest news and developments regarding ARI application processing.

  • Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel nominated for SIC Expresso Real State Awards

    This year, the prestigious SIC Expresso Real Estate Awards are set to showcase the best in the industry, with a remarkable record of 72 applications submitted, reflecting an increase of 18 entries from 2023. Among the distinguished contenders is the Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel, recognized for its exceptional contributions to the tourism sector, nominated for the Rehabilitation Category.

    As the sixth edition of the awards approaches its conclusion on October 24th, anticipation builds for the ceremony in Mafra, where the winners across eight categories will be announced. The evaluated projects span the mainland, Azores, and Madeira, highlighting the diverse landscape of real estate development in Portugal.

    The Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel distinguishes itself through its sophisticated design, luxurious features, and dedication to exceptional hospitality. Nominated in the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction category for public spaces and interiors, this Mercan Properties’ hotel is set to be recognized for its unique blend of modern amenities and rich cultural experiences.

    With the Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel among the finalists, it embodies the spirit of innovation and quality that defines the Portuguese hospitality industry. As the awards night approaches, all eyes will be on this exceptional establishment, celebrating its achievements and contributions to the vibrant tourism scene in Portugal.

  • Mercan Properties Worldwide Roadshows: unlocking potential in West and South Africa

    Mercan Properties Group, in collaboration with Henley & Partners, is set to host exclusive roadshows across West and South Africa, focusing on investment opportunities and residency solutions, particularly in Portugal.

    Mercan Properties, known for its expertise in global real estate and residency-by-investment programs, partners with Henley & Partners, the global leader in citizenship and residency planning. Together, they offer tailored solutions for individuals and investors seeking to secure residency or citizenship through real estate investment.

    In Nigeria, Mehdi Kadiri, Executive Vice-President of Mercan Properties, along with David Fitas, will lead the events. In South Africa, specialists Mariana Monteiro and Raquel Babo will share insights.

    These roadshows provide participants with valuable knowledge on global residency and citizenship programs and investment opportunities in Portugal. They’re a great opportunity for those looking to explore international real estate and secure European residency through strategic investment. Mercan Properties’ presence in Nigeria drew the attention of the media, where Mehdi Kadiri made some statements about the importance of investment mobility 

  • Mercan Properties lays the foundation stone of the future Lagos Marina Hotel

    October 8th marked the first chapter in the Algarve region for Mercan Properties Group, with the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the first stone of the Lagos Marina Hotel project targeting an investment of 107.8 million euros. This development in Lagos, Algarve, will result in two hotels: the five-star Lagos Marina Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, and the four-star Hilton Garden Inn Lagos.

    The project, which is the result of urban rehabilitation work and has an opening date scheduled for 2026, joins the pipeline of four other developments that Mercan has under development in the region—such as the Alvor Beach Hotel, the Hotel Indigo Faro Ribeirinha, the Marriott Lagos, and the Hard Rock Hotel Algarve. It is worth remembering that the group also has another development already in operation in the Algarve, the Hotel Califórnia Urban Beach, located on Praia dos Pescadores in Albufeira. 

    The construction phase, which is expected to last for around two years, is expected to create around 150 jobs. The future operationalization of the assets, which will be managed by AHM – Ace Hospitality Management, is expected to create approximately 188 jobs. The future Lagos Marina Hotel will have 180 rooms spread over four floors and a total area of 14,776 square meters. The hotel will have a restaurant and two bars, one of which will be located on the terrace with an infinity pool, a spa, fitness facilities, and a second pool on the ground floor.

    The Hilton Garden Inn Lagos will offer 90 rooms, 27 of which will be suites with kitchenettes, in a total gross area of 7,505 square meters. Facilities such as a bar, restaurant, self-service shop with 24-hour service, gym, and outdoor pool are also planned. The hotels will also have meeting spaces, as well as more than 160 parking spaces.

    With these two hotels, the Mercan group claims to “reinforce” its partnership with the Hilton brand, following the launches of the Sé Catedral Hotel Porto, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and the Hilton Garden Inn Évora, as stated in a press release. Operating in Portugal since 2015, the Mercan Properties Group, which originated in Canada, claims to have already invested around 1.2 billion euros in the country, through 32 projects in the tourism and hotel sector spread across several regions of Portugal. The group also claims to have created “more than 600 permanent jobs” over the years.

  • Lagos Marina project highlighted on Algarve magazine: Investment of over 100 million euros begins to take shape

    Source: algarvemarafado.com

    In Lagos, in the area located between the new station, the old station building, and the Naus school, the land has begun to be prepared for the construction of two new 5-star hotels from the Hilton group.

    One of the hotel units will have 180 rooms, while the other will have 90.

    If everything goes as planned, the buildings should be completed by May 2026, likely in time to open during the high tourist season.

    When, at the end of 2023, the Hilton and Mercan groups announced the future construction of these hotels, they mentioned that it would be a substantial investment, in the order of 108 million euros.

    At the time, it was also announced that one of the developments, the Lagos Marina Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, would occupy 14,776 square meters and have 180 rooms, a restaurant, two bars, pools, a spa, and a fitness area.

    The other hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn Lagos, which will have 90 rooms, will occupy 7,505 square meters of total gross area. It will feature a bar, restaurant, 24-hour self-service shop, gym, and outdoor pool.

    Read more, here! 

  • Oktoberfest in Porto: Mercan Hotels join the celebrations with a very special taste

    Source: Travel MAGG

    Until October 6th, Porto City joins the celebrations for Oktoberfest with very exciting ways to celebrate this German-inspired festival, with beer, traditional food, music, and entertainment taking center stage.

    At Arts Hotel Porto, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, guests can enjoy the ultimate “All You Can Drink Beer” offer—unlimited beer for three hours plus a traditional Knockwurst Hot Dog, a perfect nod to German cuisine.

    Meanwhile at Fontinha Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, the on-site traditional pizzeria has designed a special Oktoberfest menu featuring a Neapolitan pizza with a soft, airy crust, topped with a tomato-beer sauce, mozzarella, cheddar, Italian sausage, and cherry tomatoes. This delicious dish is perfectly paired with a rich, malty, and refreshingly creamy beer.

    Oktoberfest is more than just savoring the historical and traditional craft of ”beering”, it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in Bavarian culture with traditional music, food, and a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re enjoying the endless beer at Arts Hotel or savoring the beer-infused pizza at Fontinha, both venues promise an unforgettable experience filled with the best Oktoberfest vibes.

    Read more, here! 

  • Holiday Inn Express Évora Opens Its Doors

    On September 25, the historic city of Évora, in the Alentejo region, welcomed a new hotel: the Holiday Inn Express Évora. This hotel project, a result of a €16.8 million investment by Grupo Mercan Properties, will operate under the IHG Hotels & Resorts brand, one of the most prestigious global hotel brands, and will create 30 permanent jobs.

    Located near the Portas de Avis, the Holiday Inn Express Évora benefits from a prime location in an area rich in history and culture, close to the central square of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

    The new hotel from Grupo Mercan Properties combines classic and modern design. While preserving the original facade of the building, which was renovated as part of an urban redevelopment project, the interior has been transformed into a contemporary and elegant space. With 76 rooms, a pool, restaurant, lounge bar, and meeting rooms, the Holiday Inn Express Évora is the perfect choice for both leisure and business visitors to Évora.

    Following the opening of the Hilton Garden Inn Évora, this is the second hotel from Grupo Mercan Properties operating in the city of Évora and the third tourist development in the Alentejo region, where the group also owns the Holiday Inn Beja, inaugurated in August.

    The hotel management will be handled by AHM – Ace Hospitality Management, a group company specializing in hotel management.

    “We strongly believe in the tourism potential of the interior of Portugal, and the group’s investment in the Alentejo demonstrates our confidence in the inherent characteristics of this region. The Holiday Inn Express Évora reflects our commitment to the country and, above all, to urban rehabilitation projects, an area we have focused on since we arrived in Portugal in 2015. We are very happy with this opening, and we are certain it will be a success and a valuable addition that perfectly complements the cultural and historical prestige of the city of Évora,” said Jordi Vilanova, President of Grupo Mercan Properties in Portugal.

  • Portugal Investment Fund: A New Era of Opportunities

    On June 19th, 2024, Mercan Group, in collaboration with the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce, launched the inaugural event of the new Portugal Investor Forum series in central London, UK.

    These exclusive, invitation-only gatherings are specifically designed for private client professionals who advise family offices and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) on global business investments and tax affairs. The event featured a comprehensive exploration of the legal aspects of Portugal’s Golden Visa program and the available investment fund options.

    The Forum delves into various aspects of investing in Portugal, with each event crafted to provide detailed insights into profitable investment opportunities and to enhance economic ties between the UK and Portugal.

    Topics at the Forum include lesser-known facets of Portugal’s tax system that facilitate international tax planning, a broad array of investment funds that pave the way to Portugal’s renowned Golden Visa ‘residency by investment’ program, and expert advice for UK-based ‘non-doms’ on why they should consider Portugal for their future plans.

    What’s Next?

    The next Portugal Investor Forum will be held in central London in September 2024. Future forums will offer attendees opportunities to:

    Gain valuable insights into the financial landscape of the Portuguese market, highlighting its intrinsic value and numerous investment opportunities.

    Explore various investment sectors in Portugal, including venture capital, real estate, private equity, and hedge funds.

    Stay informed about the latest investment trends and learn why Portugal is an ideal location for investment.

    The Portugal Investor Forum events are closely aligned with the Chamber’s well-known “Moving to Portugal” Shows and Seminars, which regularly take place in the UK and Ireland. These events introduce UK buyers to Portugal’s diverse property market and provide essential advice on relocation, tax, finance, and visas.

  • Mercan Group Announcement: Extension of Residency Titles Validity in Portugal

    We are pleased to inform you that the Portuguese Government has extended the validity of all residency titles until June 30th, 2025. This decision, made after the Council of Ministers’ meeting, is part of a broader Public Administration Reform and Migration Action Plan.

    Public Administration Reform

    This reform, set to be implemented over the next four years, focuses on:

    • Enhancing unity and effectiveness of administrative actions;
    • Promoting cost-efficiency through shared resources;
    • Encouraging innovation and specialization;
    • Improving organizational and operational models.

     Migration Action Plan

    The Migration Action Plan includes three key pillars:

    • Proactive Immigration Attraction: The Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum (AIMA) will proactively attract immigrants.
    • Migration Observatory: Establishing the Migration Observatory to value migration data and insights.
    • Extension of Documents and Visas: Extending the validity of documents and visas related to staying in Portugal until June 30th, 2025.

    Additionally, a Task Force for the Recovery of Pending Processes at AIMA has been created. This task force, operating until June 2, 2025, will focus on analyzing and deciding on pending processes for the regularization of foreigners, with up to 300 personnel dedicated to administrative processing and applicant assistance.

    At Mercan Group, we consider this extension very positive news for our investors. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to the rights and expectations of all individuals who have chosen Portugal for their residency.

    We understand the significance of this development for our clients and remain committed to providing continuous support throughout the process. Please rest assured that we are closely monitoring the situation and will provide timely updates as new information becomes available.

  • Mercan Group’s Landmark Seminar in London: Elevating Portugal’s Tourism and Hospitality

    On June 19th, Mercan Group, in collaboration with the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK and IAS, hosted its first special seminar in London! 🎉

    The event showcased Mercan Group’s significant contributions to Portugal’s tourism and hospitality sectors, attracting a diverse audience of partners and business leaders.

    Jordi Vilanova, President of Mercan Portugal, led the seminar, highlighting Mercan’s impact on these sectors and its collaboration with internationally awarded brands that have elevated Portugal’s global tourism appeal.

    The seminar also unveiled Mercan Group’s future strategies, including the Investment Fund Program, aimed at fostering sustainable growth and innovation in Portugal’s hospitality sector. 

    Stay tuned for more updates on our journey to drive investment and development in Portugal!