Urged by the need to attract foreign investment to Portugal, the Government has created, in August 2012, a new regime for the granting and renewal of the so-called ‘’golden visas’’ to foreign citizens from non-EU countries willing to invest in Portugal. This regime, known in Portugal as “ARI – Autorização de Residência para Actividade de Investimento” (which means Residence Permit for Investment Activities) was amended in 2015. Under the Golden Visa programme, non-EU citizens need to perform and maintain, at least, one of the investment activities foreseen in the legal regime in order to qualify for a residency permit in Portugal. This residency permit will allow the investor to enter and/or live in Portugal as well as to travel freely within the vast majority of European countries (Schengen Area).
WHO CAN APPLY ARI/ GOLDEN VISA?
All third country citizens who: - conduct an investment activity, as individual business person or through a company; - hold a valid Schengen Visa or regulate their stay in Portugal within a period of 90 days counting from its first entry in national territory and who intend to pursue an investment ARI/ GOLDEN VISA ADVANTAGES
The Golden Visa Programme may provide several advantages to the investors, namely: -�� Visa exemption for travelling within the Schengen Area; - Very reduced minimum permanence period; - Possibility of family reunification; - Possibility of permanent residency after 5 years of permanence in Portugal under the golden visa status; - Possibility of obtaining citizenship after 6 years of permanence in Portugal under the golden visa status.