Inward investment via Portugal’s so-called Golden Visa scheme fell 20 percent month-on-month in April to 82.4 million euros (US$92.3 million), according to data from the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service. Investment in March via the scheme had reached a monthly record in terms of actual visas issued.

Citing official figures from the bureau, the Portuguese news agency Lusa reported on Monday that a total of 130 residency permits were attributed in April to foreign investors under the scheme, compared to the monthly record of 168 Golden Visa attributed in March.

Since the scheme was launched in October 2012, Portuguese authorities have granted 3,295 residency permits under the programme. Chinese nationals accounted for the majority of those permits (2,545 until the end of April), followed by nationals of Brazil (151) and Russia (111), the news agency added.

The amount invested by foreign citizens in Portugal under the scheme since the programme was launched has surpassed 2 billion euros, the report said.

The scheme enables non-European Union passport holders that are willing to spend a minimum of 500,000 euros on real estate in Portugal to be granted a Golden Visa and thereafter apply for permanent residency. Other types of investment that give access to a Golden Visa include a capital transfer to Portugal of at least 1 million euros or the creation of 10 jobs in the country.