Rush for golden visas after Portugal's decision to end much-criticised scheme

FILE PHOTO: Tourists wait for a tram at Comercio square in downtown Lisbon, Portugal August 17, 2018. REUTERS/Rafael Marchante

LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal's plan to end its golden visa scheme for investors, yet to be officially approved, has led to a rush in applications according to advisory firms who have criticised the plan as populist.

The scheme, aimed at non-EU nationals ready to invest in Portugal, has attracted 6.8 billion euros ($7.30 billion) since its launch in 2012, with the bulk of the money going into real estate. Successful applicants are then given residency rights.