PORTUGAL
Golden Visa Program/ ARI is the most attractive investor immigration program available for those wishing to immigrate to Europe. Compared to other residency by investment programs, this program has more lenient requirements, no need any management experience, minimum net worth, and basic require proof of the source of funds.
WHAT IS GOLDEN VISA PROGRAM?
The Portugal Golden Visa Program (Autorização de Residência para Investimento – ARI) is one of most efficient and flexible residency-by-investment program, offering foreign investors the right to live, work, and study in Portugal — and travel freely across the Schengen Area.
Introduced under Portuguese law on October 8, 2012, the program grants residence permits to non-EU nationals who make qualifying investments in Portugal, either individually or through a company. It also provides a pathway to permanent residency and European citizenship, offering lasting opportunities for investors and their families to build a future within the EU.
Following the legislative changes introduced in October 2023, the eligible investment routes under the Golden Visa now include:
- Creation of at least 10 jobs.
- Capital transfer with a value equal to or above 500 thousand Euros in Research activities or private scientific research institutions involved in the national scientific or technologic system
- Capital transfer with a value equal to or above 250 thousand Euros in artistic output or supporting the arts, for reconstruction or refurbishment of the national heritage
- Capital transfer minimum 500.000€ combined with the creation of 5 permanent jobs, or maintenance of at least 10 job positions and for a minimum period of three years.
- Transfer of capital of 500.000 €, acquisition of shares/units in a non-real estate collective investment entities
The Golden Visa application can also include the investor’s immediate family members, such as:
- Spouse or legal partner
- Dependent children (including those over 18 who are financially dependent)
- Dependent parents of the main applicant and spouse
All approved family members receive Portuguese residence permits, granting them full residency rights within Portugal and the wider European Union.
Type of Investment – Transfer of capital of 500.000 €, acquisition of shares/units in a non-real estate collective investment entities
- Investment amount: 500,000EUR++
- Immigration fee:
- 1st resident permit card: 6,179.4 EUR
- Renew card fee: 3,090.4 EUR
- Other fee: 10,362 EUR ( legal fee, bank fee..)
The fee subjected to change depends on your family size, in order to get the accurate fee, please contact Solaya for full quotation.
The Investor (main applicant) and their family members can share the same benefits such as:
- No need to apply visa to enter into EU, simply buy ticket with your passport and go
- Freedom of movement in 29 countries in EU
- Give the kids a good environment to live in and become global citizen
- Free Education for Kids in Public schools
- Enjoy safety food, good weather, no pollution
- Good Healthcare system for investor and family members; especially parents.
- Can buy real estates in Portugal and EU countries
- Can apply EU citizenship after 5 years (for Portugal)
Entitle to receive many benefits like pension, paid vacation of 18 days, social insurance, EU health card when becoming EU citizen
- No requirement on Management Experience
- No requirement on Age, Language or Education
- Receive guarantee return*
- Refund 100% of investment after 6 years or flexible schedule of refund based on the desire of Investors*
- Portugal passport ranks the 3rd most powerful passport in the world
- Free access visa to 174 countries
- Right to live, do business, study in Portugal and/or EU under certain conditions
- Free education for kids and protected healthcare system for parents
- Travel freely within 29 countries of Schengen zone
- Portugal doesn’t charge tax on worldwide income
- Convert to citizenship easily and be granted EU benefits
- Applicant assessment
- Authenticate document at Portugal Embassy
- Open Tax Number and Bank Account in Portugal
- Transfer Investment
- Submit online file to Immigration Authority (AIMA)
- Get online approval notice
- Go to Portugal for biometrics appointment
- Receive final approval
- Receive Residence Permit
- Renew Residence Permit
- Apply for Citizenship after 5 years.
Until September 2023, Portugal has issued 12,718 residence permits pursuing investment activities (ARI) and 20,424 for family members (family reunification).
