How to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa?
- Dec 31, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 31
Portugal's Golden Visa program, officially known as the Residence Permit for Investment (ARI) , is one of the most popular immigration program worldwide since its launch. Investors can choose from a variety of options to apply for residency in Portugal and secure a pathway to permanent residence or citizenship.
One thing to note is applications based on real estate purchases or simple capital transfers are no longer accepted since Oct. 7, 2023, making fund investments a popular option.
Advantages of choosing the Portugal Golden Visa
Family Inclusion: Spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents.
Visa-Free Travel: Free travel throughout the EU Schengen Area, which includes 25+ countries such as France, Germany, and more.
Low residency requirements: Only an average of 7 days per year is required, making it ideal for those running a business abroad.
Pathway to Citizenship & PR: Eligible to apply for citizenship or permanent residency after 5 years without needing to fully relocate.
I. Qulification and Required Documents
Age & Nationality: Applicant must be 18+ and not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Criminal record checks: Clean record certificates from country of birth and recent residence (notarized).
Proof of address: ID card, household registration, or recent utility bill.
Medical insurance: Valid health insurance coverage.
Relationship Documents: IDs, marriage/birth certificates, or dependency proof.
Legal source of funds: Proof of lawful origin of investment funds.
II. Application Process
Step 1 : Apply for a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF)
A tax Identification number is required for all economic activities, real estate transactions, tax payments, and public service applications in Portugal. Therefore, the applicant must obtain a NIF before making any investments.
Step 2 : Choose an option
The required investment ranges from €250,000 to €500,000, and currently available investment options include:
Non-real estate fund Investment: €500,000 investment in private equity funds (PEFs) approved by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), with at least 60% invested in Portuguese companies, and the minimum duration is 5 years.
Company Capitalization: €500,000 for setting up or increasing capital in a company that creates at least 5 permanent jobs.
Donate to research projects: €500,000 donation in public or private scientific research.
Cultural Heritage: €250,000 donation for arts or cultural heritage.
Step 3 : Submit application
The applicant may submit the application and pay fees online via the ARI portal after completing the investment.
Though processing previously took over a year, the Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has expanded its team and introduced automated preliminary reviews to improve efficiency.
Step 4 : Go to Portugal for biometrics
Once the application is approved, AIMA will arrange a biometric appointment. The applicant will need to visit Portugal at the designated time to register their biometrics.
Step 5: Obtained residency
After biometrics registration is complete, AIMA will issued the residence card and mailed it to applicants residential address in Portugal or the address of authorized lawyer's office.
III. Renewals
The residence card is initially valid for 2 years and may be renewed every 2 years, such applications should be submitted 30–90 days before expiry. The conditions for renewal include:
Maintain the original investment level.
Stay in Portugal for 7 days in the first year, then at least 14 days every 2 years.
Update relevant documents (e.g., passport, criminal record certificate).
Maintain valid health insurance.
IV. Apply for Portuguese citizenship or PR
The applicant may apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residence after 5 years, subject to the following requirements:
5 years of lawful residence (from the Golden Visa application date)
Holding a valid Portuguese residence permit (residence card)
A2-level Portuguese proficiency (CAPLE exam or 150-hour certified course)
Clean criminal record (both home country and Portugal)
Demonstrable ties to Portugal (e.g., property, social security records)
*The information in this article is for reference only. Please refer to the latest official announcement at the time of application for the most accurate information.
內政部移民署註冊登記證號：L0011-S0 品廣字第1140507號
