International Mobility

Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is the popular name for Portugal's Residence Permit for Investment (ARI). In exchange for an eligible investment, the investor and their family gain the right to reside in the country, move within the Schengen Area and, over the years, progress toward permanent residence and citizenship. Its great advantage is flexibility: it requires only a minimal presence.

The Golden Visa is the popular name for Portugal's Residence Permit for Investment (ARI). In exchange for an eligible investment, the investor and their family gain the right to reside in the country, move within the Schengen Area and, over the years, progress toward permanent residence and citizenship. Its great advantage is flexibility: it requires only a minimal presence.

How it works

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Legal framework
  • Law no. 23/2007, Article 90.º-A (ARI), added by Law no. 29/2012.
  • Law no. 56/2023 ("Mais Habitação"), which removed real estate investment routes.
  • Fund route: reference amount of €500,000, fund regulated by the CMVM, minimum maturity of 5 years and, as a rule, at least 60% invested in companies based in Portugal.
  • Applications handled by AIMA. Amounts and conditions are set by law and subject to revision — we always confirm the figures in force.
In depth
01

Eligible routes in 2026

After real estate was removed (2023), the most sought-after routes run through investment funds regulated by the CMVM, with a reference amount of €500,000. Other routes remain, such as job creation, support for scientific research and support for the arts and heritage.

The choice of route should weigh not only the amount but the risk, the liquidity and the fit with your residence — and later citizenship — goals. Amounts and conditions are set by law and may be revised, so we always confirm the framework in force at the time of the application.

02

Minimal presence and the path to citizenship

The Golden Visa stands out by requiring only a short stay in Portugal — traditionally an average of seven days a year — which makes it compatible with those who keep their life and business in another country. The investment must be kept and the permit renewed within the legal deadlines.

After the required period of legal residence, the door opens to permanent residence and Portuguese citizenship, provided the requirements are met (notably language knowledge). It is this European horizon that drives most investors.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Golden Visa still available in 2026?

Yes. Real estate was removed from the eligible routes (2023), but the programme continues through other routes, such as investment funds, with a reference amount of €500,000.

How much does the Golden Visa cost?

The minimum investment depends on the route and is set by law (€500,000 on the fund route), plus fees and professional costs. We always confirm the figures in force.

Do I need to live in Portugal?

Not full-time. The ARI requires only a minimal presence (traditionally an average of seven days a year), with requirements depending on the law in force.

Is my family included?

Yes. Family reunification allows the spouse, dependent children and, under certain conditions, dependent parents to be included in the same application.

Related topics
Gold VisaARI — Residence Permit for InvestmentInvestment Funds (Golden Visa)Portuguese Citizenship

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