Golden Visa (ARI – Residency by Investment)
The Portugal Golden Visa (ARI) provides a fast-track residency for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their families in exchange for a qualifying capital investment in Portugal, offering a clear path to citizenship after five years. Unlike the D7 and D8, the Golden Visa has a minimal stay requirement (typically just 7 days per year) and does not require applicants to be tax residents in Portugal. Since the 2023 legislative changes, the most common investment routes are a minimum €500,000 capital transfer into qualified investment or venture capital funds, or a minimum €250,000 investment into artistic production or national cultural heritage. The process involves securing the Portuguese Tax Number (NIF), opening a Portuguese bank account, completing the investment, and submitting the application directly to AIMA for pre-approval before attending a biometrics appointment for the initial residence card issuance.
The Golden Visa (Residency by Investment) is designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who make a qualifying capital investment in Portugal. It is fundamentally different because the application begins directly with AIMA, bypassing the need for a consulate visa (Stage 2).
The process is generally divided into two main stages
- Obtain a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF): Essential first step for investment and banking.
- Open a Portuguese Bank Account: Required to deposit the funds before executing the investment.
- Select and Execute a Qualifying Investment: The key stage, where the applicant makes a capital investment into an approved route (e.g., investment funds).
- Gather Required Documents: Collect and prepare documents, especially those proving the investment has been executed and the funds originated legally.
- Submit Online Pre-Application: The application and documents are submitted electronically to AIMA (or via a dedicated portal).
- AIMA Pre-Approval: AIMA reviews the file and issues a pre-approval notification.
- Schedule and Attend Biometrics Appointment: Applicants must travel to Portugal to attend a mandatory in-person appointment with AIMA to submit biometrics (fingerprints, photo) and present original
- Final Approval and Fee Payment: AIMA issues the final approval, and the applicant pays the high issuance fee.
- Receive Residence Permit Card: The residence permit card is mailed to the Portuguese address. It is initially valid for two years.
- Maintain Investment: The qualifying investment must be maintained for a minimum of five years.
- Maintain Minimal Stay: The applicant must meet the minimal stay requirement (currently 7 days in Portugal per year or 14 days every two years).
Key Requirements and Documentation (Golden Visa)
Category | Requirement Details |
Eligibility | Non-EU/EEA/Swiss National with a clean criminal record. No income requirement. |
Investment Type | Capital Investment into a qualified route, as real estate is no longer eligible. |
Minimum Investment | Most common routes require a minimum of €500,000 (e.g., in qualifying Investment/Venture Capital Funds) or €250,000 (e.g., cultural production). |
Stay Requirement | Minimal Stay (e.g., 7 days/year) required to maintain the permit. |
Essential Documents | Valid Passport, Health Insurance, Criminal Record Certificate (apostilled/legalized), Portuguese NIF, Bank Confirmation of Fund Transfer, Proof of Investment (e.g., Fund Manager’s Declaration). |
Core ARI Proof | Official receipt/declaration confirming the qualifying capital investment was made. |
OUR GOLDEN VISA SERVICES
The Golden Visa is an investment-based residency program with minimal stay requirements. The focus of the services shifts to financial and investment diligence.
- INVESTMENT DUE DILIGENCE – Legal vetting of the chosen investment route (e.g., qualifying investment funds) and securing the official Declaration of Investment.
- PRE-APPLICATION & SUBMISSION (ARI) – Submitting the complete application and evidence of the investment directly through the AIMA online portal for formal pre-approval.
- LEGAL TAX NUMBER & REPRESENTATION – Obtaining the NIF and fiscal representation, though tax residency is not required for the Golden Visa itself.
- BIOMETRICS APPOINTMENT – Scheduling and supporting the initial and renewal biometrics appointments with AIMA in Portugal for all family members.
- BANK ACCOUNT (15 DAYS) & FUND TRANSFER – Coordination for opening a Portuguese bank account and facilitating the required transfer of capital for the investment.
- RESIDENCE CARD & RENEWALS – Managing the initial residence card issuance and the two-year renewal processes, which require proof that the investment is maintained.
- PERSONAL ACCOUNT ADVISOR – Dedicated advisor to manage the complex application timeline, including tracking government fees and investment maturity.
- FAMILY INCLUSION DOCUMENTATION – Preparation and legalization of all family documents (marriage/birth certificates) required for full family residency.
- MINIMUM STAY COMPLIANCE – Providing support and legal advice to ensure the applicant meets the 7-days-per-year minimum stay requirement.
- CITIZENSHIP PATH STRATEGY – Advising on the long-term strategy, including the option of applying for Permanent Residency or Citizenship after the 5-year period.