Golden Visa
Obtain Portuguese residency through a qualifying investment. Stay requirement of 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each following two year period. Full legal package from €4,995.
Golden Visa Guide
Is the Portugal Golden Visa still open in 2026?
Yes. Portugal's Golden Visa, formally the ARI residence by investment programme, remains open in 2026 for eligible non-EU investors using a qualifying investment or job creation route. Visas.pt provides legal support from €4,995 through our team and Portuguese immigration lawyers, including ARI eligibility, application preparation, NIF and bank account setup, biometrics coordination and renewal planning. Government fees, the qualifying investment and other third-party costs are separate.
✅ What the Golden Visa provides
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Residence through a qualifying routeThe ARI allows eligible investors to obtain Portuguese residence by meeting one of the investment or job creation conditions in law.
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Low physical presenceThe statutory stay requirement is seven days in the first year and 14 days in each following two-year period.
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Family inclusionEligible family members can be included under the family reunification rules, and Golden Visa families are exempt from the general two-year sponsor waiting period.
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Long-term residence optionPermanent residence may be available after five years of legal residence if the statutory conditions are met, including proof of basic Portuguese at A2 level through an accepted form of evidence.
⚠️ Know this before applying
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Real estate no longer qualifiesProperty investment routes ended in October 2023 and cannot be used for a new Golden Visa application.
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Not every fund qualifiesThe fund route has specific statutory conditions on fund maturity, investment allocation and real estate exposure.
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Government fees are separateAIMA government fees for the ARI route are separate from our legal fee and are substantially higher than ordinary residence permit fees.
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Citizenship timing changed in 2026For Article 6(1) naturalisation applications made from 19 May 2026, the residence period is generally 10 years, or seven years for citizens of EU and Portuguese-speaking countries, subject to the other statutory requirements.
Legal basis: the qualifying ARI routes are set out in Law 23/2007. Immigration eligibility should be checked before committing funds.
Pricing
Choose the right level of support
No hidden fees. No surprises. Every package includes your NIF and bank account setup, with a 50% discount for the second person and a 70% discount for dependants.
Golden Visa
€4,995
Portugal's residency-by-investment program
- Fund Selection and Eligibility
- NIF Number & Bank Account
- Video Consultations
- Investment Execution
- Online Application Submission
- Biometric Appointment Coordination
- ...and much more.
NIF Number
€95
Portuguese tax number, needed for a bank account and a lease
- Apply for NIF
- Certify documents via video call
- Process takes within 7 business days
Investment Routes
What investments qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa in 2026?
Portugal currently provides five principal Golden Visa routes based on qualifying fund investment, scientific research, arts or cultural heritage support, investment in a Portuguese company with job creation, or direct job creation. Real estate does not qualify.
Qualifying Investment Fund €500,000
Capital transfer of at least €500,000 into qualifying non-real-estate investment or venture capital funds. The fund must have a maturity of at least five years and at least 60% of its investment must be in commercial companies headquartered in Portugal.
Scientific Research €500,000 Standard Minimum
Capital transfer of at least €500,000 for qualifying research activities, reduced by 20% to €400,000 where the activity is carried out in a qualifying low-density territory.
Arts or Cultural Heritage €250,000 Standard Minimum
Capital transfer of at least €250,000 for qualifying artistic production or cultural heritage support, reduced by 20% to €200,000 where the activity is carried out in a qualifying low-density territory.
Portuguese Company Capital €500,000 With Jobs
Capital transfer of at least €500,000 to establish a company headquartered in Portugal with at least five permanent jobs, or to reinforce the share capital of an existing Portuguese-headquartered company with creation of at least five permanent jobs or maintenance of at least 10 jobs, at least five permanent, for the statutory minimum three-year period.
Creation of 10 Jobs, or 8 in Low-Density Areas
Creation of at least 10 jobs can qualify without the €500,000 capital transfer required by the company route. The requirement is reduced by 20% to eight jobs where the activity is carried out in a qualifying low-density territory.
Real estate: residential and commercial property purchases stopped qualifying for new Golden Visa applications in October 2023.
Fund Investment
How does the €500,000 Golden Visa fund route work?
The fund route requires at least €500,000 in qualifying non-real-estate investment or venture capital funds. The immigration test is specific, so eligibility of the proposed fund should be checked before investment.
📊 Statutory fund conditions
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At least €500,000The investor must meet the statutory minimum capital transfer for the fund route.
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Minimum five-year maturityThe qualifying fund must have a maturity of at least five years at the time of investment.
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At least 60% in Portuguese companiesAt least 60% of the fund's investments must be in commercial companies headquartered in Portugal.
⚠️ Check the fund before investing
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ARI eligibilityA Portuguese regulated fund is not automatically a qualifying Golden Visa investment.
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No real estate investment routeThe ARI legislation excludes the former direct and indirect real estate investment routes.
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Separate immigration and investment reviewOur immigration review addresses ARI eligibility. Financial suitability, expected returns and investment risk are separate questions for an appropriately authorised adviser.
Before transferring funds: confirm that the proposed structure satisfies the current ARI requirements. Our legal service does not guarantee the performance or suitability of any financial product.
Family
Who can be included in a Golden Visa application?
Eligible family members can obtain residence through the Golden Visa holder under Portugal's family reunification rules. Golden Visa families are exempt from the general two-year waiting period introduced for many other family reunification cases.
Spouse or Partner
An eligible spouse or qualifying partner can be included under the applicable family reunification rules.
Dependent Children
Minor dependent children can qualify. Adult children may qualify where the statutory dependency, unmarried and study conditions are met.
Dependent Parents
Dependent parents can qualify where the applicable family relationship and dependency requirements are satisfied.
Separate Residence Cards
Each qualifying family member receives their own Portuguese residence documentation following approval.
Family rules: see our 2026 Portugal family reunification guide for current categories, waiting rules and exceptions.
Minimum Stay
How many days do you need to stay in Portugal with a Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa does not require full-time residence in Portugal. The statutory minimum is seven days in the first year and 14 days during each following two-year period.
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First year: 7 days
Spend at least seven days in Portugal during the first year of the residence period.
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Each following two-year period: 14 days
Meet a minimum presence of 14 days during each subsequent two-year residence period.
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No full-time relocation requirement
The ARI allows the investor to maintain Portuguese residence while meeting this lower statutory physical presence requirement.
Do not use a 14 days per year rule. The statutory structure is seven days in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period.
Documents and Preparation
What documents are needed for the Golden Visa?
The exact file depends on the qualifying route and family circumstances. The application must establish identity, lawful funds and investment compliance, the qualifying investment or job creation, and the other ARI requirements.
Identity Documents
Valid passport and identity documentation for the principal applicant and qualifying family members.
Criminal Record Evidence
Criminal record certificates and any required authentication or translation should be prepared according to the applicable ARI rules.
Investment Evidence
Evidence showing that the applicant completed the qualifying investment or job creation route and that the structure satisfies the statutory conditions.
NIF and Portuguese Bank Account
Our €4,995 legal package includes support with a Portuguese NIF and bank account as part of preparing the ARI case.
Family Documents
Marriage, birth, dependency and other civil status documents are required where qualifying family members are included.
Foreign documents: apostille, legalisation and translation requirements depend on the issuing country and document. See our Portugal document preparation guide.
The Process
What is the Portugal Golden Visa process?
The ARI process starts by confirming the intended route is legally eligible before committing funds, then preparing and filing the application with AIMA and completing biometrics and residence card stages.
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Confirm ARI eligibility
Review the proposed fund, research contribution, cultural contribution, company investment or job creation route against the current legal requirements.
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Prepare tax identification, banking and documents
Provide the tax identification required by AIMA, which can be a tax identification number or equivalent from the applicant's country of origin, residence or tax residence, complete any Portuguese banking needed for the selected investment structure and assemble the remaining evidence.
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Complete the qualifying route
Make the qualifying investment or complete the required job creation structure and obtain the evidence needed for the ARI application.
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Submit the ARI application
Prepare and submit the application to AIMA with the evidence required for the selected qualifying route.
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Attend biometrics
The applicant attends the required biometric appointment in Portugal when scheduled by AIMA.
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Receive and renew the residence card
After approval and card issue, continue to meet the ARI conditions, physical presence requirement and renewal requirements.
Timeline
How long does the Golden Visa process take in 2026?
There is no guaranteed overall ARI processing time. In our experience, a rough planning range from qualifying investment to residence card can be around 12 to 24 months, but AIMA appointment and processing volumes can materially change the result.
Investment and File Preparation
The time needed depends on due diligence, banking, source documents, the selected qualifying route and how quickly third parties provide evidence.
Biometrics
Biometric timing depends on AIMA appointment availability and can vary considerably between cases.
Residence Card
Card issue follows the application, AIMA review and biometric stages. Government processing times cannot be guaranteed by a private adviser.
Plan for Variation
Requests for additional evidence, appointment availability and AIMA workload can change the overall timetable.
Planning estimate only: our 12 to 24 month range is an experience-based estimate, not an official government service standard or guaranteed completion period.
Residence and Citizenship
Does the Golden Visa lead to permanent residence or citizenship?
Golden Visa residence can count towards future permanent residence and nationality where the legal conditions are met, but the two applications have different requirements and timelines.
🏠 Permanent Residence
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After five yearsPermanent residence may be available after five years of legal residence if the statutory requirements are satisfied.
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Basic Portuguese proofPermanent residence requires proof of basic Portuguese at A2 level. AIMA accepts several forms, including CIPLE, an A2 or higher Portuguese as a Host Language certificate and qualifying school certificates.
🇵🇹 Portuguese Citizenship
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10 years or 7 yearsFor Article 6(1) naturalisation applications made from 19 May 2026, the residence period is generally 10 years, reduced to seven years for citizens of EU countries and Portuguese-speaking countries.
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Additional knowledge requirementsArticle 6(1) naturalisation applications made from 19 May 2026 are subject to the new language, culture, history, national symbols, rights and duties, political organisation and democratic principles requirements. Other nationality routes have their own requirements.
Transition rule: nationality applications already pending on 19 May 2026 remain subject to the previous rules. The implementing regulation defining the new knowledge tests had not been published as of 3 October 2026. See Organic Law 1/2026.
Residence Rights
What does a Portugal Golden Visa residence permit allow?
Live in Portugal
The ARI is a Portuguese residence permit and allows the holder to reside in Portugal subject to the applicable conditions.
Work and Study
Residence permit holders can work and study in Portugal under the rights attached to Portuguese residence status.
Schengen Travel
A valid Portuguese residence card supports short-stay travel within the Schengen area subject to the applicable travel rules.
Family Residence
Eligible family members can obtain residence under the applicable family rules without the general two-year family reunification wait.
Low Physical Presence
The statutory stay requirement is seven days in the first year and 14 days during each subsequent two-year period.
Real Estate
Can you still get a Portugal Golden Visa by buying property?
No. Real estate investment stopped qualifying for new Portugal Golden Visa applications in October 2023. Buying a home, commercial property or other real estate does not create Golden Visa eligibility under the current ARI routes.
Visas.pt Support
What does the €4,995 Visas.pt Golden Visa legal package cover?
Our legal package starts at €4,995 and supports the immigration and administrative stages described below. The investment itself, AIMA government fees and third-party costs are separate.
⚖️ Golden Visa Legal Package €4,995
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ARI route eligibilityReview the intended qualifying route against the current immigration requirements before the ARI application is prepared.
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NIF and bank accountSupport with the Portuguese tax number and bank account preparation used for the wider Golden Visa process.
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ARI applicationPreparation and online submission of the ARI application, together with coordination of the biometric stage.
📊 Ongoing Immigration Support
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Document reviewReview the immigration and investment evidence required to support the selected ARI route.
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Renewal planningGuidance on the residence renewal process, qualifying conditions and minimum physical presence rules.
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Family planningAssess how eligible family members can be included under the Golden Visa family rules.
Costs and advice: AIMA government fees for the Golden Visa are separate and substantially higher than fees for ordinary residence permits. Fund charges, investment costs, banking charges, translations, apostilles and other third-party expenses can also be additional. Financial product suitability and investment returns require separate investment advice.
Book a Free Consultation →
Book a Free Consultation →
Official Information
Where can you check the Portugal Golden Visa rules?
Official sources and guides: check the consolidated Portuguese Immigration Law, the AIMA fee information, the government permanent residence guidance and Organic Law 1/2026 on nationality. For practical detail, read our 2026 Golden Visa guide, our Golden Visa funds guide and our permanent residence and citizenship guide.
Client Stories
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FAQ
Questions about our Golden Visa
Yes, the Portugal Golden Visa (ARI) remains fully active in 2026. It grants EU residency to non-EU investors and their families in exchange for qualifying fund investments, cultural donations, or job creation, with a physical presence requirement of only 7 days per year.
The main routes are: €500,000 in a CMVM-regulated investment fund (the most popular option), €250,000 cultural or heritage donation (€200,000 in low-density areas), €500,000 in scientific research (€400,000 low-density), €500,000 company capitalisation creating 5 jobs, or creating 10 jobs in Portugal. Real estate and simple capital transfers were removed in October 2023.
You invest a minimum of €500,000 in a Portuguese private equity or venture capital fund regulated by the CMVM. Qualifying funds must have at least a 5-year maturity, invest 60%+ in Portuguese companies, and have no direct or indirect real estate exposure. We help you assess funds, complete subscription, and document the investment for AIMA.
Just 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period, representing the lowest physical presence requirement in Europe.
Yes. Under the amended Nationality Law, citizenship requires legal residence counted from the issue of your first residence card. Permanent residency remains available after 5 years.
Yes. One investment covers your spouse or partner, dependent children (including students up to 26), and dependent parents. Each family member receives their own Portuguese residence permit with full rights to live, work, and study in Portugal and travel visa-free in the Schengen Area.
Realistically 12–24 months from investment to residence card, driven mainly by AIMA processing backlogs. The investment, NIF, bank account, and application submission can be completed in 2–3 months; biometrics and card issuance take the remainder. We manage every stage and monitor your file with AIMA.
For most investors, yes. Despite the longer citizenship timeline, the Golden Visa remains Europe's most flexible residency-by-investment programme: minimal stay requirements, full family inclusion, Schengen travel, permanent residency after 5 years, and a regulated fund investment that can be exited after the holding period. It's the strongest EU 'Plan B' available without relocation.
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Secure EU residency through qualifying investment in Portugal
Book a consultation with our Golden Visa specialists. We'll explain your investment options, timeline, and the full cost picture — no surprises.
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