The Residence Permit for Investment (ARI) scheme, commonly known as the Golden Visa, established by Law No. 23/2007 of July 4th, has been in effect since 2012 and allows foreign nationals to apply for a residence permit in Portugal through a qualified investment activity.

The investment may be made individually or through a commercial company, and must result in at least one of the investment options provided by law, for a minimum period of five years.

1. Job Creation

Creation of at least 10 jobs.

2. Investment in Scientific Research

Capital transfer equal to or greater than €500,000.00, applied to scientific research activities carried out by public or private institutions that are part of the National Scientific and Technological System.

3. Investment in Artistic Production and Cultural Heritage

Capital transfer equal to or greater than €250,000.00, applied to:

• Artistic production;
• Recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage;
• Through public or private entities with public utility status, foundations, cultural associations, among others with responsibilities in these areas.

4. Investment in Non-Real Estate Investment Funds

Capital transfer equal to or greater than €500,000.00, for the acquisition of units in collective investment undertakings (non-real estate), which:

• Are incorporated under Portuguese law;
• Have a minimum maturity of five years at the time of investment;
• Allocate at least 60% of their assets to commercial companies based in Portugal.

5. Incorporation or Strengthening of a Commercial Company

Capital transfer equal to or greater than €500,000.00, for a minimum period of three years, aimed at:

• Incorporating a commercial company headquartered in Portugal, creating five permanent jobs;
• Or strengthening the share capital of an existing company headquartered in Portugal, creating at least five permanent jobs;
• Or maintaining at least ten jobs, of which five must be permanent.

The minimum amount or quantitative requirement for the investment activity benefits from a 20% reduction when the project is carried out in low-density areas, provided the investment relates to fields such as cultural production, job creation, or scientific research.

It is also important to note that the investment activity options outlined in items 2 to 5 are subject to mandatory biennial evaluation, focusing on their impacts on scientific and cultural activity, the promotion of foreign direct investment, and job creation.

Additionally, these activities must not have, either directly or indirectly, any real estate investment purpose.