The Portuguese Golden Visa program, also known as residence permit by investment (ARI), is an investment program designed for non-EU citizens.

Portugal launched the program in October 2012. The main goal was to attract the international capital needed after the 2008 economic crisis to the country. The programme proved its success by attracting more than €6 billion in investment in the process. Portugal offers a pleasant life with its wide coastline, mild climate, hospitable people and delicious food. Moreover, unlike many European countries, the prices are quite affordable. These characteristics make Portugal a very attractive place for international investors to invest in and obtain the right to live, work and study in the country.

The Portuguese Golden Visa program provides the opportunity to become a permanent resident or citizen of Portugal in just five years. If you decide to get Portuguese citizenship at the end of five years, you can get a Portuguese passport. The Portuguese passport allows you to travel to 188 countries without a visa.

Golden Visa applicants have the right to live and work in Portugal, but there is no such requirement. Applicants are entitled to free travel within the European Schengen visa area. Most family members can get the Golden Visa permit and all its benefits together with the main applicant.

Critical information about Golden Visa

A Golden Visa is a residence card obtained by investment that allows visa-free travel in the EU.

With a Golden Visa, you can live, work or study in Portugal for as long as you want.

With a single investment, spouses can be entitled to a Golden Visa at the same time, while children under the age of 18 or children who are not married until a certain age and who are financially dependent on their families, as well as the parents of investors, can be included in the system depending on certain conditions.

To renew the card, you just need to hold your investment, and stay in Portugal for an average of 7 days a year.

After holding the card for 5 years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship with an A2 (beginner’s level) Portuguese certificate.

The ability to obtain citizenship directly with a minimum stay in Portugal makes the program unique to its European counterparts.