After researching various visa options and you’ve chosen the Golden Visa for Portugal, it’s time to start the application process. The requirements and documentation can seem overwhelming, but the first step is registering your intention to apply through the Portuguese government’s Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA).
The dedicated webpage functions as the Portugal Golden Visa official website, marking the first step in your residency by investment journey. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of navigating the Portugal Golden Visa government website, outline the necessary documentation, and explain the expected timeline.
You’ll also find out more about:
⚠️ Portugal Nationality Law Changes 2025
On June 23, 2025, the Portuguese Government announced plans to amend the Nationality Law and the legal framework governing immigration. The proposals have passed the plenary vote on October 28, 2025, which marks a significant step forward in the legislative process.
Among the measures under discussion are an increase in the residence requirement for nationality from five years to ten years – seven years for nationals of CPLP and EU countries – and a change to how residency time is calculated, so that the clock would start when residency is issued rather than when the application is submitted.
These changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review. At that stage, the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended, including any transitional provisions or possible grandfathering rules, but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
How to Use the Portugal Golden Visa Official Website
While the Portugal Golden Visa application process is relatively simple, it can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the Portuguese bureaucratic system. Most steps on the Residence Permit for Investment Portal (Portal ARI) are available in Portuguese and English, but some sections may only be in Portuguese.
Step 1: Register your intention
Before officially applying for your Golden Visa, a key requirement is to pre-register via the ARI portal. When you navigate to the ARI registration page, you will see a form you must complete with the relevant details. If the form is in Portuguese, you can change the language to English in the top right corner.
Filling in the following information fields on the Golden Visa Portugal official website is mandatory:
- Input a valid email (optional if you have a legal representative).
- Select the type of investment you’d like to make.
- Complete identification steps.
- Submit a passport copy.
- Provide your address and phone number, preferably in Portugal.
- If you have a legal representative, include their email address.
Step 2: Gather the required documents
Before moving to the next step, ensure you have all the necessary documentation to avoid disappointments or delays. The documents will vary depending on your chosen investment type. However, certain documents are universal for all applications:
- Passport or other valid travel document.
- Proof of legal entry and stay in Portugal.
- Proof of health coverage, showing either National Health Service coverage or internationally recognized health insurance.
- Criminal record certificate from your country of origin or residence, issued within three months before submission and translated into Portuguese.
- Proof of tax identification number from your country of origin or residence.
- Completed application form with authorization to consult the Portuguese Criminal Record.
- Declaration under oath confirming that you will meet the minimum investment requirements for five years.
- Proof of regular tax status with a negative debt declaration from the Tax and Customs Authority.
- Receipt of payment for the ARI application processing fee.
- Statement from a credit institution in Portugal certifying the effective transfer of the required minimum investment.
If your investment is through a single-member limited liability company, you’ll need a commercial registration certificate proving you are a shareholder. Additional documentation may be required for specific investment types.
For instance, creating at least ten jobs in Portugal will require individual employment contracts and a commercial registration certificate. If applying through the capital transfer route for scientific research, you must provide a statement from a recognized institution certifying the transfer.
Step 3: Lodge your application
After registering your intention to apply for the Golden Visa, confirming your email address, and gathering the required documents, log into the ARI portal with your account information to lodge your application.
- If the login screen is in Portuguese, you can change the language to English in the top right corner.
- Log in via the ARI portal.
- Complete the application and hit submit.
- Upload the necessary documents according to your investment choice (documents should be in PDF format with a maximum size of 4MB).
- Confirm your application submission.
- Proceed to “Payment.”
- Supply your NIF number (tax registration number).
- Print the Single Collecting Document (DUC) with the analysis fee.
- Submit the DUC in due time.
- Wait to receive an email from AIMA. They will inform you if your application has been accepted, allow you to schedule an appointment with an AIMA representative, or inform you if you need to resubmit.
Step 4: Book an appointment with an AIMA representative
Once AIMA validates your application, you can schedule an appointment with an immigration agent on the ARI portal.
- Log in to the ARI portal.
- Go to your application page and select “Calendar.”
- Choose the bureau service (availability is guaranteed in several AIMA bureau offices in Portugal).
- Select Year/Month, Day, and Time (if the slot is unavailable, choose another date).
After receiving an email confirmation with your appointment details, you must visit an AIMA bureau service to deliver the necessary documents and submit biometric data.
Step 5: Receive your Portugal Golden Visa
Approximately four months after you visit an AIMA agent, you must pay the government permit issue fee provided that your application is approved. You can collect your residency card or send it to your nominated address.
What is the Portuguese Golden Visa program?
The Portugal Golden Visa program is an appealing five-year residency by investment initiative for non-EU nationals. Investors must first invest in the country and, in return, receive permanent residency cards. Eligible family members of Golden Visa investors are also eligible for the Portugal residence permit.
This program, created to attract international capital to increase the economic growth of the Portuguese economy through a number of qualified investment categories, offers a quick and efficient pathway for non-EU nationals to enter the European Union, allowing applicants to live, work, or study in Portugal.
After retaining your investment for the five-year term, eligible applicants may apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided they pass a basic Portugal Golden Visa language test and meet any additional requirements.
Key benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa Program
- Family reunification: Your dependent family members can be included in your application, allowing them the same opportunities and the ability to reside in Portugal.
- Attractive investment options: The Portugal Golden Visa offers several investment options, including donations, capital transfer, job creation, and research activities. You can select the option that best fits your financial goals, with investments starting from €250,000.
- Free movement within the Schengen Area: Golden Visa holders gain access to the Schengen Area, enabling free entry and movement within its 27 countries without needing an additional visa.
- Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship: After five years as a legal resident in Portugal, you may apply for permanent residency and citizenship, which includes obtaining a Portuguese passport.
- Low physical presence requirement: The Golden Visa program has a minimum stay requirement of 14 days every two years, making it accessible for investors who prefer not to reside in the country full-time.
- High quality of life: With a Golden Visa, you gain legal residency in Portugal, a country known for its high quality of life, safety, and security.
Delays to Portugal’s Golden Visa program
AIMA is experiencing delays due to the influx of residency, family reunification, and citizenship applications. As of 2024, over 400,000 outstanding cases were recorded as pending.
The government aims to deal with the Portugal Golden Visa delays and clear this backlog by mid-2025. In the meantime, applicants should anticipate at least 18 months for their applications to be processed through the official Portugal Golden Visa website.
⚠️ Update on Portugal's Nationality Law Changes
On 28 October 2025, Portugal's parliament approved key amendments of the Nationality Law, including increasing the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 10 years, and 7 years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens. This will significantly impact how visa holders and residents acquire citizenship.
However, these changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review where the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
Portugal Golden Visa Eligibility and Investment Options
Portugal Golden Visa eligibility
In addition to investing in qualifying funds into a Portuguese bank account, to qualify for the Portuguese Golden Visa Program, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA national: You must be a citizen of a country outside these regions.
- Qualifying investment: Invest in Portugal, with a minimum amount of €250,000, or in some cases, €200,000.
- Clean criminal record: Your criminal record check should show no convictions for crimes punishable in Portugal for one year or more.
- Minimum stay requirement: Spend at least 14 days in Portugal every two years.
- Valid passport: You must hold a valid passport.
Golden Visa investment options
There are various investment routes available to you. From venture capital funds to scientific research, there’s an option that can help you obtain your residence permit. Below are the accepted investment routes outlined on the official Portugal Golden Visa website. Note that real estate investment or property investment is no longer a qualifying investment fund.
- Investment fund subscription: Contribute at least €500,000 to a qualified Golden Visa investment fund, such as private equity or venture capital funds. This has become one of the most popular ways to apply for the Golden Visa.
- Arts and cultural heritage donation: Donate €250,000 for the arts or to preserve national heritage, or in some exceptional cases €200,000, also known as Portugal’s Cultural Production Golden Visa.
- Scientific research: Contribute a minimum of €500,000 to science or technology research.
- Job creation: Create and maintain ten jobs during the required period.
- Share capital and job creation: Invest €500,000 to incorporate a new company or strengthen the share capital of an existing Portuguese business, creating five permanent jobs or maintaining ten full-time jobs.
Take a look at our Portugal Golden Visa Ultimate Guide by local experts
Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?
GLOBAL APPROACH BY LOCAL EXPERTS
- GCS has offices located across Portugal.
- Members of the US-Portugal and UK-Portugal Chambers of Commerce in Portugal, and the Investment Migration Council (IMC).
- Our expert team can help you throughout your journey to secure your Visa.
100% APPROVAL RATE
- Our successful track record in applications provides reassurance to applicants.
- We have helped clients from more than 35 countries secure residency in Portugal.
ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION
- With a single channel of communication, our approach ensures that you have complete clarity on your application.
- Our BeGlobal® Onboarding System allows for a total flow of information.
TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY
- Our pricing is clear and detailed, you will not face any hidden costs.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
