If your goal is to obtain a residence authorisation in Europe with total flexibility of stay, the Golden Visa (Residence Authorisation for Investment Activity – ARI) is the ideal prestige route. This practical guide explains the current rules, the permitted investment modalities and the step-by-step journey.
What is the Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a residency by investment programme designed to attract international capital and stimulate the Portuguese economy. Unlike other visas, this scheme stands out for not requiring full-time relocation, making it perfect for global investors.
The legislation provides for an incredibly low minimum stay requirement:
- Only 7 days per year (or 14 consecutive/interpolated days per biennial period) of physical presence in Portuguese territory to maintain active resident status.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to citizens from outside the European Union, the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, who fit the following profile:
- Individual Investors: Over 18 years of age, with a clean criminal record and funds demonstrably originating from abroad.
- Entrepreneurs and Corporations: Seeking to expand business into the European market or support the local innovation ecosystem.
Key Requirements and Investment Modalities
In addition to the generic documentation (passport, health insurance and apostilled criminal certificates), the applicant must make and maintain, for a minimum period of 5 years, one of the following eligible investment options:
| Type of Investment | Minimum Requirement | Practical Note |
| Investment Funds | €500,000 | Subscription of units in Venture Capital funds regulated by the CMVM, focused on capitalising companies: 60% in national territory | 5-year maturity. |
| Job Creation | Creation of 10 positions | Establishment of a company from scratch with the creation of at least 10 permanent full-time jobs. |
| Business Investment | €500,000 | Incorporation or capital increase of a national company, combined with the creation or maintenance of at least 5 jobs. |
| Cultural Donation | €250,000 | Support for artistic production, recovery or conservation of national historical heritage through competent public or private entities. |
| Scientific Investment | €500,000 | Financing of research projects developed by institutions integrated in the national scientific and technological system. |
The Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Due Diligence and Selection of Investment ➔
Step 2: Documentary Preparation and Obtaining NIF and bank account ➔
Step 3: Investment ➔
Step 4: Application ➔
Step 5: Interview at AIMA – biometric data collection ➔
Step 6: Issuance of the Residence Permit
- Structuring Phase: The entire process begins with the appointment of a tax representative in Portugal, issuance of the NIF and opening of a local bank account to which the investment capital will be transferred from abroad.
- Documentary and Biometric Phase: After the execution of the investment and submission of the application on the AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) platform, investors (and their respective families) travel to Portugal for the biometric data collection required for the issuance of the physical card.
Practical Advantages: What does it actually allow?
- Free European Circulation: Right to travel without a visa throughout the Schengen Area (29 European countries) for tourism or business.
- Minimum Stay: Only 7 days per year to maintain resident status.
- Full Family Reunification: Extension of residence rights to the spouse, children (minors or adult students who are dependants) and direct ascendants in care.
- Work and Study: Full freedom to live, establish businesses, work or study in Portugal, benefiting from public health and education infrastructure and networks.
- Access to European Citizenship: Upon completing 5 years of legal residence (maintaining the minimum stay requirements of 7 days/year) and demonstrating basic knowledge of the language (level A2), the holder may apply for Portuguese nationality and obtain the EU passport.
Does the Golden Visa not fit your profile? Check out our Visa Hub, where we have compiled comprehensive information on other visa programs available in Portugal.
