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Mercan Properties Group opens the new Holiday Inn Express Porto, its latest development under the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) brand. This project represents an investment of 21 million euros and will create 32 direct jobs.

Located in the heart of Porto’s business and entertainment district, the Holiday Inn Express Porto-Boavista is the newest addition to the city. Close to the transportation network that connects the entire city of Porto and the northern region, the latest hotel from Mercan Properties Group is designed for business travelers while also being the ideal choice for tourists visiting Porto, given its proximity to several cultural landmarks such as Casa da Música and Mercado do Bom Sucesso.

With 91 rooms, a restaurant, and a bar lounge, this hotel, managed by AHM – Ace Hospitality Management – a group company specializing in hotel management, ensures guests enjoy the best of Porto offerings. The new Holiday Inn Express Porto-Boavista is part of the urban rehabilitation development that Mercan Properties Group has been conducting in the Porto region, where it already operates eight hotels and has three more under construction.

“Porto was our home when we arrived in Portugal in 2015. It was here that we started developing our first projects, and it is where we have found the most urban rehabilitation opportunities. The Holiday Inn Express Porto aims to offer a new service to the city, being located in a predominantly business area but also with a strong cultural and tourist offer. We are therefore very pleased with this inauguration and with this contribution that we can continue to make to the city of Porto,” said Jordi Vilanova, President of Mercan Properties Group in Portugal.

The new Holiday Inn Express Porto is the second hotel inaugurated this year under the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) brand, joining the Holiday Inn Beja, inaugurated in August, and the Holiday Inn Express Évora, whose opening is planned for later this year.

Discover a New Path to Residency with Mercan Greece’s Golden Visa Program

Residency by investment (RBI) continues to grow in popularity, particularly within the European Union. Contemporary investors recognize that obtaining an EU residence permit offers significant advantages. For instance, securing a residency permit in Greece provides investors and their families with a sense of security and stability.

Say hello to Greece, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Europe has always been a dream destination for new beginnings, and thanks to the Golden Visa Program, this dream can become a reality.

The Greece Golden Visa Program offers an opportunity for non-European Union investors and their families to obtain residence permits in Greece through hospitality investments. Mercan Greece, a new venture from the Mercan Group, is navigating this path has never been easier.

The Greece Golden Visa Program: Your Gateway to Europe

The Greece Golden Visa Program stands out as one of the most appealing residency-by-investment options in Europe. Until August 31st, 2024, the program offers a unique opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Greece with a minimum investment of €250,000. Investors and their families will also benefit from access to Europe’s Schengen Area, facilitating seamless and convenient travel across the continent.

One of the key advantages of the Greece Golden Visa is the five-year validity of the residency permit, which is renewable. Additionally, there is no minimum stay requirement, and investors under this program also gain access to the same outstanding benefits as Greek citizens, such as quality education, excellent healthcare, safety, and a welcoming environment.

The Greece Golden Visa Program is more than just an investment; it is a gateway to a secure and stable future in Europe for you and your family.

Why Invest in Greece with Mercan?

Mercan has launched an investment opportunity in an operational 4-star Corfu Beach Resort, soon to be branded by Wyndham, a renowned international hospitality brand, ensuring guests an elevated experience. This established hotel, already operating successfully in the picturesque town of Acharavi, offers a secure and profitable opportunity. While your investment grows, you can enjoy the luxury of staying at the hotel.

The exceptional beach resort currently has 160 luxurious rooms and will be extended by a further 100 rooms. It features charming restaurants, recreation areas, golden beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Furthermore, its strategic location in the Ionian Islands offers significant advantages for both business and leisure travel, whether by plane or boat. Its robust infrastructure and connectivity make it an ideal base for exploring the wider region.

Life in Corfu: The Experience of a Lifetime

 Greece is a thriving hub of culture, commerce, and opportunity, offering a deep and meaningful historical and cultural experience. The Mediterranean climate, distinguished cuisine, and a slower pace of life contribute to a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Rich in history and natural beauty, Corfu warmly welcomes its visitors to discover its ancient monuments, castles, and historic churches set amidst cobblestone streets and houses painted in soft, appealing colors.

A Secure Investment with Mercan Group

Mercan Group simplifies the process every step of the way, from identifying prime hospitality and tourism opportunities to handling legal and administrative requirements, ensuring a smooth and efficient process and a secure investment with financial returns. We are committed to providing tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each investor.

With over 35 years of experience and a track record of successful projects around the world, Mercan Group brings unparalleled expertise and dedication to its clients, being a major partner with several international hospitality brands.

Mercan provides unique access to exclusive properties that meet the investment criteria for the Golden Visa Program. Beyond the initial investment, Mercan also provides ongoing support to help you make the most of your new investment, including property management services, legal assistance, and advice on integrating into Greek society.

Mercan Group connects you to the future itself. With us, investors can take this step with confidence, knowing you have a trusted partner with a proven track record of success.

A path of endless possibilities awaits you in Greece. Let us guide you on your journey to securing your Golden Visa and embracing a life of adventure, opportunity, and serenity.

The Mercan Group is expected to open new hotels over the coming months in Portugal and is set to open the highly anticipated Hard Rock Hotel in 2026.

The multinational company is now celebrating 35 years as it continues to excel in investment, permanent residence, employment, immigration, consultancy, and hospitality services.

Headed by CEO Jerry Morgan, the company has successfully built a strong network of offices in Canada, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Portugal, Greece, China, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Aside from their own offices, they have partners in over 50 countries, making them the number one choice for customers from 120 countries.

“We started our first projects in Canada, in my home province of Saskatchewan back in 1989, and over the years we have expanded into many countries throughout the world,” founder and CEO, Jerry Morgan, told The Portugal News.

“In hospitality, location is everything”

The founder went on to express what makes the Mercan Group what it is today, “I think it is just understanding what our customers are looking for. Obviously, they want to get the Golden Visa, but I think more importantly, they are looking for the security of their investment. We are providing safety above all and a pathway for investors to get their investment back. That has always been really our driving force and people like that.”

Adding, “We always partner with internationally branded hotels because that provides a certain sense of security, whether that is Marriott, Hilton, IHG, or Hard Rock. It’s a brand name that people can feel comfortable with. Separately, the other thing that is really important is location. In hospitality, location is everything, and our hotels are always strategically located.”

Jerry Morgan shared that “Portugal has been a big part of Mercan Group over the last 9 years, and it is probably our most important part of the company at this point in time.” He went on to highlight that diversifying has been key to the company’s success, “Immigration-related businesses are constantly changing so what we have always had to do is be able to diversify. In Canada, we are involved in all aspects of immigration as well as the investor program. We established ourselves in the US and then our customers wanted more than North America, they wanted Europe and that is when we looked at Portugal due to its popularity and attractive investment program.”

Jerry Morgan told The Portugal News that the company ended up landing in Porto as their headquarters because there were several projects that were very interesting. “Our first project was renovating an old port wine storage facility that belonged to the Portuguese Royal Family on Rua das Flores, one of the most iconic and historical areas of Porto. This was such a unique project of a building almost 300 years old and converting it into the 5-star Casa da Companhia Hotel.”

Investing in Portugal

When it comes to investing in Portugal, the CEO made it clear that “the investment environment is very good in Portugal. I think there are still a lot of very good opportunities, and we still are attracted to the hospitality industry, which still has considerable room to grow. We are getting more travelers from North America, and I am always excited with more flights coming from Montreal, where there are now 3 flights a day. Our number one market for investors is the United States, and they have a very positive opinion of Portugal as a place to invest, and we hear more about their good experiences with the country.”

He went on to explain that the Mercan Group has plenty of plans for expansion in Portugal over the coming years. “We have about 30 properties in Portugal, and we will be opening three more in the next three months. Highlighting the unique Holiday Inn Beja, which is an investment of €16.8 million, and The Ocean View Hotel St. André located on the Alentejo coast. We are involved in a lot of the local communities in Portugal that normally don’t have these internationally branded hotels, so we are making a positive contribution to the community in these places.”

Adding, “We also have a property in Amarante and Madeira, and then in the Algarve, we will have the 5-star Hard Rock Hotel in Portimão in 2026, and we are also building a five-star Hilton down there. In Faro, we are building a large property and we just opened the Hotel California Urban Beach in Albufeira, in an investment of more than €20 million.

“We have two residential projects in Lisbon, and we have a huge mixed development for Évora, which will be mixed-use, residential and commercial, and we are looking at another huge project in Porto and several large five-star hotels and branded residences in Lisbon. We have plenty of projects on our plate, and we will continue to expand as new opportunities arise across the country.”

Mercan Group arrives in Greece

“Our biggest diversification is that we have just done our first hotel in Greece, so we will be launching a number of hotels in Greece under the Greek Golden Visa program. We anticipate huge growth for us in the next two years in the Greek hospitality market. This is done through our Portugal division, so it is a big expansion that will add to our hospitality and hotel investments. Separately, we are also looking at Hungary and their possible new program, so that could be on the horizon by the end of the year.”

Mercan Group is excited to announce that automatic renewals for expired residence permits under the Residence Authorization for Investment (ARI) have resumed. After a temporary pause, the renewal process is now fully operational, providing a more streamlined and efficient experience for permit holders.

In the coming days, our team will actively reach out to clients currently undergoing the renewal process. Mercan remains dedicated to offering the necessary guidance and support to ensure a smooth transition.

We truly appreciate your patience and cooperation during this period, and look forward to assisting you with your renewal process and efficiently meeting all your requirements.

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On June 26, Mercan Group proudly participated in the BOSCO Conference roadshows in Kazakhstan.

Renowned for its influential meetings and insightful discussions, this event serves as a pivotal platform for industry leaders, investors, and professionals to network, exchange knowledge, and explore new opportunities in the global real estate and investment sectors.

During the event, Mercan underscored its unwavering commitment to fostering international partnerships and discovering new avenues for growth.

By engaging with industry experts and potential partners, Mercan is actively working to expand its presence in the hospitality and tourism market in Portugal. Our dedication to positioning Portugal as a future hub for investment and financial opportunities in this sector was evident throughout the event.

Stay tuned and follow us on social networks for more updates and information about Mercan Group.

Mercan Portugal is thrilled to celebrate two years of operation at Sé Catedral Hotel, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Four Points by Sheraton Matosinhos, and Fontinha Hotel, a Trademark Collection by Wyndham, along with the very first anniversary of Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel.

Congratulations to our outstanding projects, esteemed guests, and dedicated team for making this possible！

 The privilege of unrestricted movement within the Schengen area is a significant benefit for holders of European Union (EU) passports or residency. However, this right, established in the 1990s with the signing of the Schengen Treaty in Luxembourg, comes with complexities and limitations. In this guide, we delve into the intricacies of Schengen visa requirements and regulations essential for seamless travel within this exclusive zone.

Origins and Development of the Schengen Treaty

The Schengen Treaty, signed in 1985, initially involved Belgium, West Germany, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, with Portugal joining shortly after in 1990. However, full implementation occurred on March 26, 1995. While integrated into EU Regulations, participation remains voluntary for member states. The Schengen Area recently expanded with Bulgaria and Romania joining on March 31, 2024, leaving Ireland and Cyprus outside its scope. Additionally, non-EU nations like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are part of the Schengen Area, highlighting its international significance. Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City, while not formal signatories, maintain open borders within the Schengen Zone.

Understanding Schengen Visa Regulations

Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 outlines the legal framework governing the Schengen Area, facilitating short-term stays for EU nationals, residents, and third-country nationals for various purposes. Third-country nationals typically apply for a Schengen visa in their country of residence. However, some nationals benefit from visa exemptions for tourist stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Nonetheless, possessing a visa does not guarantee entry, as border authorities retain discretion to refuse entry based on documentation and compliance with entry requirements.

Key Considerations for Schengen Visa Holders and EU Residents

The duration of stay within the Schengen Area depends on the visa’s stipulations, with exceeding permitted durations or violating entry conditions resulting in legal ramifications. Both visa-exempt citizens and legal residents must adhere to the 90/180-day rule. Moreover, an expired residence permit does not grant permission for movement within the Schengen Zone, emphasizing the need for valid documentation throughout one’s stay.

In conclusion, the Schengen Area offers a welcoming and free travel space while ensuring safety and security. To preserve these features, visitors must be aware of all regulations, visa procedures, and permanency limits.