The Golden Visa, also known as ARI, is a residence permit for those interested in investing in Portugal. The Golden Visa allows its holders to live, study and work in the country with light obligations regarding their stay, and the possibility to apply for a permanent residence permit and, eventually, Portuguese citizenship. In this article, we will be exploring the requirements, benefits and evolution of this residency option, as well as their differences when compared to other possibilities for non European citizens.

WHAT IS THE GOLDEN VISA?

The Golden Visa allows its applicants to reside, work and study in Portugal and, contrary to other residencies like the D7 and the D8, the obligation for permanency in the country is much lower – you are only required to stay for a minimum of 7 days in your first year, and no less than 14 days on subsequent years.

The Golden Visa not only allows you to request a permanent residence permit after 5 years, but it also enables you to apply for Portuguese Citizenship! Apart from that, you get access to the Portuguese healthcare system, with the possibility to apply for the NSNS, as well as a free pass to other countries in the Schengen area.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GETTING A GOLDEN VISA?

The Golden Visa allows its applicants to reside, work and study in Portugal and, contrary to other residencies like the D7 and the D8, the obligation for permanency in the country is much lower – you are only required to stay for a minimum of 7 days in your first year, and no less than 14 days on subsequent years.

The Golden Visa not only allows you to request a permanent residence permit after 5 years, but it also enables you to apply for Portuguese Citizenship! Apart from that, you get access to the Portuguese healthcare system, with the possibility to apply for the NSNS, as well as a free pass to other countries in the Schengen area.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN THE GOLDEN VISA?

Apart from the general requirements to obtain a residency in Portugal, like having a clean criminal background, the Golden Visa requires a f inancial investment in the Portuguese economy. This investment can be made individually or through a sole shareholder company that the applicant is a partner of. Acceptable investment options as of today include:

• Creation of at least 10 jobs. *
• Investment of 500.000€ or more in investigation activities of institutions integrated in the national Scientific and Technological System (https://www.desafio-2030.pt/entidades). * – Investment of 250.000€ or more in artistic production, or maintenance and restoration of national cultural patrimony. *
• Investment of 500.000€ or more in the acquisition of shares from non-real estate collective investment bodies, incorporated under the Portuguese Law, that have existed for 5 years or more and in which at least 60% of the funds are invested in commercial companies based in Portugal.
• Investment of 500.000€ or more in the incorporation of a commercial company with registered office in Portugal along with the creation of at least five permanent jobs, OR for increasing the share capital of an already existing commercial company with registered office in Portugal, along with the creation of at least five permanent jobs or the maintenance of ten.

If this investment is made in low-population areas, it can be reduced in 20%.
Family members of holders of a Residence Permit for Investment Activity can also apply for family reunion.

WHAT CHANGES HAVE BEEN OCCURING IN THE GOLDEN VISA REQUIREMENTS?

In January 2022, some changes were made to the Golden Visa investment options, with the government no longer allowing applicants to purchase real estate from high-density population areas. This was mostly an attempt to stimulate investment in the country’s interior and avoid forcing people living in the big cities, like Lisbon and Porto, to move out due to a rise in prices.

However, since October 2023 and with the implementation of the Mais Habitação (“More Housing”) program, a set of measures from the Portuguese government to promote more accessible housing for its citizens, it is no longer possible to apply for the Residence Permit for Investment Activity by purchasing real estate, no matter the area of the country.

From the creation of the Golden Visa, 12.718 residencies had been granted to investors, with more than 11.000 having purchased real estate. This was a very impactful change to the rules of the Portuguese Residence Permit for Investment.

CONCLUSION

The Golden Visa is one of the most widely researched residencies for people wanting to relocate to Portugal, but many are unaware of its requirements and most recent changes. Even with the end of the real estate investment option, there are various opportunities all over the country; from the artistic scene and scientific investigation to the numerous benefits of opening a company in Portugal, the benefits of the Residence Permit for Investment Activity can be worth the investment in the wonderful country of Portugal!

The best way to know more about the Golden Visa and Residence Permit for Investment Activity is to book a strategy session with us. We will clarify all your questions and promptly assist with your application and process! If you wish to know more, do not hesitate to reach out to Visas in Portugal!