The Golden Visa in Portugal since 2024

The Golden Visa in Portugal (officially called the Residence Permit for Investment - ARI), launched in 2012, remains active in 2024 and 2025, but with drastic changes compared to previous years.

The most significant change, which came into force at the end of 2023 through the ‘Mais Habitação’ (More Housing) programme, was the end of real estate investment. Buying a property is no longer a solution for obtaining a visa.

Who is it for?

The Golden Visa is a programme regulated by the Immigration Law, aimed at non-European Union citizens who wish to invest in Portugal. This programme offers the opportunity to obtain a residence permit, which can later be converted into Portuguese nationality, facilitating movement and business in the Schengen Area.

What are the main ways to obtain a Golden Visa?

Currently, are available the following options:

• Investment Funds (€500,000): Subscription of units in investment funds (non-real estate) or venture capital funds dedicated to the capitalisation of companies. At least 60% of the investment must be in companies based in Portugal.

• Job Creation: Creation of at least 10 permanent jobs (or 8 jobs in low-density areas).

• Investment in Companies (€500,000): Investment in the share capital of an existing or future Portuguese company, with the obligation to generate or maintain at least 5 jobs for 3 years.

• Scientific Research (€500,000): Support for research activities carried out by public or private institutions that are part of the national scientific system.

• Culture and Heritage (€250,000): Investment in artistic production or the maintenance of national cultural heritage.

What are the main requirements?

To maintain the visa, the rules for staying in the country remain very flexible:

• Minimum stay: You must spend only 7 days in Portugal in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent 2-year period.

• Duration: The initial card is valid for 2 years and is renewable for successive periods of 2 years.

• Citizenship: After 5 years of holding the Golden Visa, you can apply for Portuguese nationality (subject to an A2 level language test and no criminal record).

Legal notice
The content of this page is for information purposes only. Infante & Riu is a real estate brokerage company and is not authorized to provide legal, tax, advisory or consultancy services. For further information, please consult AIMA or a specialist in this area.

The Golden Visa in Portugal (officially called the Residence Permit for Investment - ARI), launched in 2012, remains active in 2024 and 2025, but with drastic changes compared to previous years.

The most significant change, which came into force at the end of 2023 through the ‘Mais Habitação’ (More Housing) programme, was the end of real estate investment. Buying a property is no longer a solution for obtaining a visa.

Who is it for?

The Golden Visa is a programme regulated by the Immigration Law, aimed at non-European Union citizens who wish to invest in Portugal. This programme offers the opportunity to obtain a residence permit, which can later be converted into Portuguese nationality, facilitating movement and business in the Schengen Area.

What are the main ways to obtain a Golden Visa?

Currently, are available the following options:

• Investment Funds (€500,000): Subscription of units in investment funds (non-real estate) or venture capital funds dedicated to the capitalisation of companies. At least 60% of the investment must be in companies based in Portugal.

• Job Creation: Creation of at least 10 permanent jobs (or 8 jobs in low-density areas).

• Investment in Companies (€500,000): Investment in the share capital of an existing or future Portuguese company, with the obligation to generate or maintain at least 5 jobs for 3 years.

• Scientific Research (€500,000): Support for research activities carried out by public or private institutions that are part of the national scientific system.

• Culture and Heritage (€250,000): Investment in artistic production or the maintenance of national cultural heritage.

What are the main requirements?

To maintain the visa, the rules for staying in the country remain very flexible:

• Minimum stay: You must spend only 7 days in Portugal in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent 2-year period.

• Duration: The initial card is valid for 2 years and is renewable for successive periods of 2 years.

• Citizenship: After 5 years of holding the Golden Visa, you can apply for Portuguese nationality (subject to an A2 level language test and no criminal record).

Legal notice
The content of this page is for information purposes only. Infante & Riu is a real estate brokerage company and is not authorized to provide legal, tax, advisory or consultancy services. For further information, please consult AIMA or a specialist in this area.