Golden Visa

What is it?

Officially called ARI - Residence Permit for Investment Activity, but is commonly known as "Golden Visa" or "Gold Visa".

It is a citizenship and residence program by investment, and is currently the most attractive residence program in Europe, which makes it possible for non-European investors to obtain a permanent residence permit in Portugal and free movement in most European countries (Schengen Area). Later, it is possible to obtain Portuguese citizenship.

Main benefits

No additional visa will be required to enter in Portugal or the Schengen Area
Being able to live, study and work in Portugal, even with residence in a different country
Short minimum stay periods
Possibility of permanent residence
Extended benefits to family members
Access to social protection, health care and public education, including access to universities
Possibility to apply for Portuguese nationality, after the end of 5 years, entitled to Portuguese passport

How to get?

Before submitting the Golden Visa application, it is necessary to invest in one of the following options:

Know all changes starting January 1st, 2022, here.

Until December 31st 2021:

1. ACQUISITION OF A REAL ESTATE PROPERTY (the most common option)

Investment in any type of property
Acquisition of one or more properties, in the amount of at least €500,000 or
Acquisition of properties over 30 years old or located in an urban rehabilitation area, with rehabilitation works, in the global value equal to or greater than €350,000
For own or secondary housing (vacation, rental, etc.)
Possibility of co-ownership
Possible to reduce the above values by 20%, if the property is located in low population density areas (less than 100 inhabitants/km2 or GDP <75% national average)

2. CAPITAL TRANSFER

Transfer of a minimum amount of €1,000,000, with abroad origin to a Portuguese bank; Or
Transfer of a minimum amount of €350,000 to public or private scientific research institutions; Or
Transfer of a minimum amount of €250,000 for investment or support artistic production, recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage; Or
Transfer of a minimum amount of €350,000 applied in the units acquisition in investment funds or venture capital, for capitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises; Or
Investment in an existing company registered in Portugal, with a minimum value of €350,000 to include or increase share capital and create at least 5 permanent full-time jobs for a minimum period of three years

3. JOB CREATION

Creating a minimum of 10 new jobs
No mandatory minimum value for investment
No limitations on areas or professional activities

Requirements

The residence permit will be granted for a period of one year, renewable for two successive periods of two years, provided if:

Make and maintain the investment for a minimum period of 5 years
Stay in Portuguese territory of 7 days (followed or interpolated) in the first year and 14 days (followed or interpolated) in subsequent periods of two years
Not having a criminal record

Who can benefit?

Any citizen who does not belong to the EU (European Union), EEA (European Economic Area) or Switzerland.
Family reunification may be requested, with an extension of benefits to the family, in addition to the investor:

Spouse or legal partner
Children under 18 years of age
Dependent children under 26 years of age, if single and enrolled as students
Parents for any of the spouses who are over 66 years of age (or 55 and are dependent)
Siblings under the age of 18, from any of the spouses or partners, if legally responsible.

Guide for submitting the application