Portugal's Golden Visa
Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI) – Your Pathway to European Residency
Portugal's Golden Visa – officially known as the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI) – remains one of Europe's most attractive residency-by-investment programmes. It is tailored for non-EU nationals who want a straightforward path to European residency, offering:
- Full residency rights for you and your family: live, work and study in Portugal.
- Visa-free travel across the entire Schengen Area.
- A path to citizenship after five years of holding the visa, without the need to reside full-time.
- Access to the Portuguese lifestyle – warm climate, high quality of life, and a dynamic business environment.
Importantly, Portugal has removed the real-estate investment option since October 2023; the programme now centres on funds, donations, research and job creation.
Qualifying Investment Routes
To secure a Golden Visa, you must make one of the following investments. We recommend focusing on the options that suit your goals and risk profile:
Regulated Investment Fund
€500,000
Invest in a qualifying private equity or venture capital fund that channels at least 60% of its capital into Portuguese companies. This is the most popular route and the only truly passive option.
Cultural or Artistic Donation
€250,000
Make a non-refundable contribution to a government-approved heritage preservation or artistic project.
Scientific Research Contribution
€500,000
Fund research and development in science or technology at an accredited Portuguese institution.
Job Creation
Variable
Either create at least 10 full-time jobs in a Portuguese business, or invest €500,000 in an existing company and create 5 jobs.
We can help you evaluate each route and connect you with regulated fund managers or cultural partners.
Eligibility & Requirements
To qualify for Portugal's Golden Visa, you must:
Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a Portuguese bank account.
Provide a clean criminal-record certificate from your country of residence and Portugal.
Commit to the selected investment and maintain it for at least five years.
Spend an average of 7 days per year (or 14 days every two years) in Portugal to keep your residency active.
Include eligible family members: your spouse or partner, dependent children (including those in full-time education), and dependent parents.
Process & Timeline
Processing times can vary, but applications generally take several months from submission to approval. We manage the timeline and communication to ensure smooth progress.
Preparation & Pre-Approval
We help you obtain a NIF, open a bank account, and choose the right investment.
Invest & Submit Application
Make the investment and file your application with Portugal's Immigration & Borders Service.
Biometric Appointment
Attend an in-person appointment in Portugal to provide biometrics and sign paperwork.
Approval & Residence Permit
Once approved, you receive a two-year residence card, renewable every two years as long as you keep the investment and meet the stay requirements.
Citizenship Eligibility
After five years, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship, subject to language and integration requirements.
Why Choose the Portugal Golden Visa?
Low Minimum Investment
Starting at €250,000 for the donation route, compared with other EU programmes.
Minimal Physical Presence
Only 7 days per year (or 14 days every two years) required, allowing you to maintain your current lifestyle while securing EU residency.
Gateway to EU Citizenship
A Portuguese passport grants the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU.
Family-Friendly
Include your spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents in your application.
Stable and Transparent
Portugal consistently ranks highly for safety, healthcare, and overall quality of life.
How Residency Partners Supports You
We take a strategy-first approach. Our role is to:
Evaluate your personal and financial goals
Compare investment options and introduce you to vetted fund managers or cultural partners.
Coordinate with licensed Portuguese lawyers and advisors for legal and tax compliance.
Manage the application process from document preparation to renewals and eventual citizenship.
Provide long-term support for your family's residency and tax planning needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Portugal Residency FAQs
Related Programs
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