Official figures indicate that most of the foreigners holding Portuguese golden visas, which let them live in Portugal if they invest there, are Chinese, Lusa reports.

The Portuguese news agency, citing figures given by the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service, says that by the end of last year 3,588 Chinese had obtained golden visas, properly called Residence Permits for Investment Activity in Portugal.

The report says 473 Brazilians and 218 South Africans had obtained golden visas.

Foreigners granted golden visas since they were first offered, in 2012, have invested over €3.4 billion (US$4 billion) in Portugal, putting almost €3.1 billion of the sum into parcels of real estate worth at least €500,000, Lusa says.