Investor / Golden Visa in Portugal
One documented route of this kind in Portugal, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Golden Visa - Residence for Investment Activity (ARI)
Portugal's Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI). Real estate investment no longer qualifies following the Mais Habitação Law (Law 56/2023, October 2023). Current qualifying routes are: (1) cultural heritage/arts donation — minimum €250,000 (€200,000 in low-density areas); (2) qualifying investment fund — minimum €500,000; (3) scientific research — minimum €500,000; (4) job creation — 10 full-time positions (8 in low-density areas); (5) company investment with job creation — minimum €500,000 plus 5 permanent roles. Government fees per applicant over the 5-year lifecycle: application €842.80 + permit issuance €8,418.90 + two renewals at €4,210.30 each = approximately €17,682 total (single applicant).
- Processing time
- Varies; depends on AIMA processing
- Validity
- ARI residence permit with renewals; low physical-presence requirement
- Language requirement
- No language requirement for the permit; A2 Portuguese required only for later naturalisation
- Permanent residence
- Permanent residence after 5 years of legal residence
- Citizenship
- Naturalisation generally after 5 years of legal residence
Requirements
- Qualifying investment (e.g. EUR 250,000 donation/investment into arts, heritage or culture, or qualifying fund investment)
- Passport valid at least 3 months beyond intended stay
- Valid medical insurance
- Criminal record certificate
- Maintenance of the qualifying investment over the required period
Required Documents
- Proof of qualifying investment required
- Passport valid at least 3 months beyond intended stay required
- Valid medical insurance required
- Criminal record certificate required
Official fees
- Cultural donation/investment route 250,000 EUR
- In-person residence-permit collection fee 28.5 EUR
Process Steps
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1
Make qualifying investment
Complete a qualifying investment such as a EUR 250,000 cultural donation/investment or a qualifying fund investment.
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2
Apply with AIMA
Apply for the ARI residence permit directly with AIMA - no consular D-visa is required.
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3
Biometrics
Attend the biometrics appointment.
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4
Permit issued
Receive the ARI residence permit.
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5
Renew with AIMA
Submit renewal requests to AIMA, which is the body responsible for receiving ARI renewal requests.