Portugal’s Golden Visas

The Golden Visa programme launched by the Portuguese Authorities in 2012 is a fast track for investors to obtain a fully valid residency permit in Portugal and consequently free access to the vast majority of European and Schengen area countries.

Aimed at attracting foreign investment to Portugal after the economic crisis, the Golden Visa is a very straightforward and flexible programme, with simple and clear legal requirements.

With extremely reduced minimum stay requirements, the Portuguese Golden Visa is clearly one of the most attractive residency programs for investors in the world.

Residence Permit for Investment Activities (ARI) known as “Golden Visa”

The Golden Visa mechanism allows third country nationals to apply for a temporary residence permit to conduct an investment activity with residence visa waiver to enter national territory.

What are the Benefits of the Golden Visa programme?

In return for the investment made in Portugal, the beneficiary of ARI is entitled to:

• Resident visa exemption to enter Portugal and Europe;
• Living and working in Portugal, on condition that they stay in Portugal for a period of only 7 or more days, in the first year, and 14 or more days, in the subsequent years;
• Visa exemption for travelling within the Schengen Area;
• Family reunification;
• Applying for permanent residence (after 5 years and in the terms and conditions set out by the legislation in force);
• Applying for Portuguese citizenship (after 6 years and in the terms and conditions set out by the legislation).