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Golden residence permit programme

Since 2012, citizens of Third States can obtain a Residence Permit for investment activity (ARI), also known as "Golden Visa”, if they carry out one of the following investments in Portugal:

Transfer of capital in an amount equal to or greater than € 1.000.000;
Creation of at least 10 jobs;
Acquisition of properties in an amount equal to or greater than € 500.000;
Acquisition of properties built more than 30 years ago or located in ARU and carrying out rehabilitation works on them, in an amount equal to or greater than € 350.000.
Transfer of capital in an amount equal to or greater than 350.000, which is invested in research activities;
Transfer of capital in an amount equal to or greater than € 250.000, which is invested in investment or support for artistic production, recovery, or maintenance of the national cultural heritage;
Capital transfer in an amount equal to or greater than € 350.000, intended for the acquisition of investment units in investment funds or venture capital funds dedicated to the capitalization of companies;
Capital transfer in an amount equal to or greater than € 350.000, intended for the constitution of a commercial company based in Portugal, with the creation of 5 jobs, or for the reinforcement of the social capital of an already incorporated commercial company, with the creation or maintenance of jobs.

These types of investments can be made both individually and through a single-person company by shares of which the Investor is the partner.

Who can request a residence permit for investment activities?

This is an exclusive residence permit for third-country nationals, i.e. not applicable to nationals of the EU and the European Economic Area, and which grants the holder the following rights:

Exemption from a residence visa to enter Portugal;
Live and work in Portugal, on condition that they remain in Portugal for a period of 7 or more days, in the first year, and 14 or more days, in the following years;
Visa exemption for travel within the Schengen area;
Family reunification, with the following family members: a) The spouse and partner; b) Minor or disabled children and adopted minors; c) Older children, financially dependent, who are single and are studying; d) Ascendants in the straight line and in 1st degree, as long as they are in charge; e) Minor brothers, as long as they are under guardianship;
Access to the national health system and other "rights" of residents: After the applicant obtains his/her residence permit, he/she can enroll in the national health system of Portugal, and enjoy a qualified and accessible health system;
Obtaining non-habitual resident status: The tax regime for non-habitual residents allows natural persons access to an income tax exemption regime for 10 years. Thus, after the ARI Applicant obtains his/her residence permit, it is possible to change his tax residence to Portugal and apply for this regime.
After 5 years of legal residence, in accordance with applicable law, provided that certain requirements are met, apply for permanent residence in Portugal;
After 5 years of legal residence, in accordance with the applicable legislation, provided that certain requirements are met, apply for Portuguese nationality.

How should a request to acquire real estate be filled in?

In property investment (both 350 thousand Euros and 500 thousand Euros referred to above), a reduction in the amount of 20% can be granted, provided that it is carried out in a low population density territory.

Discount applicable to both property investments.

For this type of investment, the Investor will have to demonstrate that he has ownership of the property, which he will do, presenting to the SEF the permanent land certificate with the respective registration, whether definitive or provisional (in the case of submission of ARI application with promise contract of purchase and sale).

If an ARI application with a purchase and sale promise contract is submitted, it will be necessary to pay, as a down payment, the total amount of the required investment (Euros 500.000.00 or with a 20% reduction, as the case may be).

Likewise, nothing prevents the property from being purchased:

On a joint ownership basis, provided that the ARI claimant invests the minimum amount required by law (350 or 500 thousand euros);
through a sole proprietorship of shares of which it is the partner;
whether leased, operated for commercial, agricultural or tourist purposes.

If the property investment is of a value higher than the minimum required by law (of Euros 500 thousand), it is possible to request financing for a part of that investment, provided that not only the financing, as well as interest and accessory clauses, do not affect the minimum amount investment required.

You may collect further information at this link

How can I request a residence permit for investment activities?

The request for a residence permit for investment begins with the submission of an online application to the online platform of the Foreigners and Borders Service (hereinafter SEF) - Portal ARI (https://ari.sef.pt/), where supporting documents for the Investment, as well as for the Investor and his / her household, if applicable. With this submission, payment of analysis fees must be made to this entity, both by the claimant and family members, and subsequently, a pre-analysis of this request is made by the same.

When this pre-analysis is completed, it is possible to schedule a face-to-face interview at SEF, in which the presence of both the Investor and their family members is required to collect the biometric data of the claimants, as well as the delivery of the original documents. , proof of investment.

The SEF then proceeds to the final analysis of this application, which, if deferred, will lead to the payment of a final fee for issuing a residence permit, as well as the issue of the respective residence permit

Family Reunification

The holders of Golden Residence Permits for Investment Activity have the right to family regrouping, and may gain access to a permanent residence permit, as well as to Portuguese citizenship in accordance to the current legal provisions.

Minimum permanent residency periods

For the purpose of renewing the residence permit, the holder must provide proof of the required period of stay (that is, 7 days in the first year and 14 days in the subsequent two-year periods, contacts in an interpolated manner).

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR CONSULTING THE APPLICABLE LEGISLATION

Ministry of Internal Affairs – Foreign Services and Borders

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