Residence Permit for Investment (Golden Visa / ARI)
Non-EU investors making a qualifying investment in Portugal in exchange for residence rights with minimal stay.
The Residence Permit for Investment (Golden Visa / ARI) is a Portuguese business, talent & investor visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (Investment from €250k-€500k + ~€6,000 AIMA processing/issuance fees per applicant) and processing time (~12-24 months (current backlog)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Residence Permit for Investment (Golden Visa / ARI) is for
Non-EU investors making a qualifying investment in Portugal in exchange for residence rights with minimal stay.
After 5 years you can apply for permanent residence or citizenship, with very low physical-stay requirements.
Residence Permit for Investment (Golden Visa / ARI) - eligibility criteria
- €500,000 in qualifying investment funds (most common route)
- Or €500,000 in research, or €250,000 cultural/heritage donation
- Or job creation (10 jobs) or capital transfer options
- Investment held for at least 5 years
- Clean criminal record
Residence Permit for Investment (Golden Visa / ARI) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Residence Permit for Investment (Golden Visa / ARI) (Portugal) is Investment from €250k-€500k + ~€6,000 AIMA processing/issuance fees per applicant, with an indicative processing time of ~12-24 months (current backlog). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at AIMA (Portugal).
| Type | Investor |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online via AIMA from inside or outside Portugal |
| Length of stay | 2-year residence permit, renewable; only 7 days/year stay required |
| Work rights | Work permitted |
| Study rights | Study permitted |
| Government fee | Investment from €250k-€500k + ~€6,000 AIMA processing/issuance fees per applicant |
| Processing time | ~12-24 months (current backlog) |
| Route to PR | After 5 years you can apply for permanent residence or citizenship, with very low physical-stay requirements. |
Pathway & next steps
After 5 years you can apply for permanent residence or citizenship, with very low physical-stay requirements.
Many applicants also compare Golden Visa (RE) · Golden Visa Real Estate Route (Closed), D2 · D2 Residence Visa for Entrepreneurs and Independent Workers, PR · Permanent Residence Permit. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Portuguese route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Residence Permit for Investment (Golden Visa / ARI) pitfalls we fix
Residence Permit for Investment (Golden Visa / ARI) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Residence Permit for Investment (Golden Visa / ARI) cost?
The Residence Permit for Investment (Golden Visa / ARI) government fee is Investment from €250k-€500k + ~€6,000 AIMA processing/issuance fees per applicant. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at AIMA (Portugal) before applying.
How long does the Residence Permit for Investment (Golden Visa / ARI) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~12-24 months (current backlog). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Residence Permit for Investment (Golden Visa / ARI) lead to permanent residence?
After 5 years you can apply for permanent residence or citizenship, with very low physical-stay requirements.
Can I work on the Residence Permit for Investment (Golden Visa / ARI)?
Work rights: Work permitted.
Who can apply for the Residence Permit for Investment (Golden Visa / ARI)?
Non-EU investors making a qualifying investment in Portugal in exchange for residence rights with minimal stay.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Portugal government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- AIMA (Portugal) - official Portugal immigration authority