Portugal ARI

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European Union · Schengen Area · Nationwide qualifying routes

Portugal ARI

Portugal’s Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI) offers eligible non-EU investors a flexible residence route through qualifying investment activities.

Assess my eligibility

Renewable investment residenceResidence permitLimited statutory stay requirementPhysical presenceAuthority processing times varyTypical timingFamily eligibleSubject to current rules

Programme overview

A strategic base for
your next chapter.

Portugal’s Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI) offers eligible non-EU investors a flexible residence route through qualifying investment activities. Final eligibility remains subject to current law, due diligence and approval by the competent authorities.

Residence rights in PortugalSchengen travelFamily reunification

Key benefits

What the programme
can offer.

Portugal ARI lifestyle and investment destination — Residence by investmentNationwide qualifying routes

Benefit 01

Residence rights in Portugal

Availability and scope are confirmed against the regulations applicable to your file.

Benefit 02

Schengen travel

Availability and scope are confirmed against the regulations applicable to your file.

Benefit 03

Family reunification

Availability and scope are confirmed against the regulations applicable to your file.

Benefit 04

Limited stay requirement compared with ordinary residence

Availability and scope are confirmed against the regulations applicable to your file.

Benefit 05

Potential permanent residence or citizenship pathway subject to separate legal conditions

Availability and scope are confirmed against the regulations applicable to your file.

Qualifying pathways

Investment routes.

We confirm current legal conditions and total costs before you commit to an investment.

01

Qualifying investment funds

Capital transfer of at least €500,000 into eligible non-real-estate collective investment undertakings under current rules.

02

Research investment

Capital transfer of at least €500,000 into qualifying public or private scientific research activities.

03

Cultural or heritage support

A qualifying capital transfer of at least €250,000, with possible statutory adjustments in designated low-density areas.

04

Business and employment routes

Qualifying job creation or company capitalisation combined with the required permanent employment conditions.

Family inclusion

Plan residence
together.

Relationship, age and dependency conditions vary by programme and are verified individually.

Family planning an international residence journey — A residence strategy designed around family life.

01Spouse or legally recognised partner

02Dependent children subject to current rules

03Dependent parents

04Other eligible dependants under Portuguese law

Eligibility

Core requirements.

Golden residency eligibility file under review

Requirement 01Non-EU/EEA/Swiss eligibility

Requirement 02Completion and maintenance of an eligible investment activity

Requirement 03Lawful source and transfer of investment funds

Requirement 04Required stay and renewal compliance

Requirement 05Tax, social-security and criminal-record compliance

Application journey

From assessment
to residence.

01
Private eligibility review
We assess nationality, family structure, objectives, timing and the most suitable qualifying route.
02
Investment planning
The advisory team confirms the route, legal steps, expected costs and required evidence before commitment.
03
Due diligence and documents
Identity, source-of-funds and family documents are prepared, certified and reviewed.
04
Complete the qualifying investment
The approved property, fund, contribution or other eligible investment is completed under local rules.
05
Application and biometrics
The residence application is filed and any required appointment or biometric enrolment is coordinated.
06
Residence issuance and renewals
After approval, permit issuance, family cards, renewals and ongoing compliance are supported.

Document checklist

A complete,
well-prepared file.

Professionally prepared golden residency documents

Document 01Valid passport and recent photographs

Document 02Evidence of the qualifying investment and lawful source of funds

Document 03Police clearance certificates where required

Document 04Health insurance or proof of medical coverage

Document 05Civil-status documents for included family members

Document 06Certified translations, legalisations and application forms

Frequently asked questions

Portugal ARI FAQ.

Can real estate still qualify for Portugal’s Golden Visa?+

No. Real-estate acquisition is not a qualifying ARI investment route under the current programme. Eligible alternatives include funds, research, cultural support and specified business or job-creation routes.

How much time must I spend in Portugal?+

ARI holders are subject to a limited statutory stay requirement. The precise counting rules and renewal evidence should be confirmed for the relevant permit period.

Can my family apply with me?+

Eligible family members may apply through family reunification, subject to Portuguese relationship, age and dependency requirements.

Does ARI automatically grant Portuguese citizenship?+

No. Citizenship or permanent residence requires a separate application and satisfaction of the legal conditions in force at that time.

Last reviewed: 29 July 2026. Regulations and processing practices may change.Official source

A private assessment

Discuss Portugal ARI with Baytii.

We will verify the current route and compare it with the strongest alternatives for your goals.

Speak with an advisor