Frequently asked questions
Answers about the programme come from official sources, with the date each was checked. For your own situation, book a consultation.
The programme
What is ARI?
Portugal's Residence Permit for Investment (ARI) gives third-country nationals who make a qualifying investment a temporary residence permit, with no residence visa needed to enter Portugal.
Source: AIMA — Autorização de Residência para Investimento (Art. 90.º-A) (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026
Who can't apply?
ARI does not apply to Portuguese nationals, or to nationals of the EU, the EEA, Andorra or Switzerland.
Source: AIMA — Autorização de Residência para Investimento (Art. 90.º-A) (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026
What are the minimum investments?
- Investment funds: €500,000
- Company creation or recapitalisation: €500,000
- Scientific research: €500,000
- Arts and cultural heritage: €250,000
- Job creation: 10 jobs
Official fees are payable in addition to the investment. They are set in AIMA's fee table (Portaria 307/2023).
Sources: AIMA — Autorização de Residência para Investimento (Art. 90.º-A) (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026, AIMA — Pedido de ARI, subalínea ii) (criação de postos de trabalho) (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026, Portaria n.º 307/2023, de 13 de outubro — Diário da República n.º 199 (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026
Does buying property qualify?
Buying property does not qualify. The investment cannot go, directly or indirectly, into real estate.
Since 7 October 2023, buying property no longer qualifies. Law 56/2023 revoked the real-estate routes.
Sources: Lei n.º 56/2023, de 6 de outubro — Diário da República n.º 194 (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026, AIMA — Autorização de Residência para Investimento (Art. 90.º-A) (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026
How long must I keep the investment?
The investment must be kept for a minimum of 5 years. Applicants sign a sworn declaration that they will meet the investment's minimum amount and time requirements.
Sources: AIMA — Autorização de Residência para Investimento (Art. 90.º-A) (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026, AIMA — Pedido de ARI, subalínea ii) (criação de postos de trabalho) (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026
How much time do I need to spend in Portugal?
You must spend at least 7 days in Portugal in the first year and at least 14 days in each following year.
Source: AIMA — Autorização de Residência para Investimento (Art. 90.º-A) (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026
How long is the permit valid?
The permit is valid for 2 years from the date the card is issued.
Source: AIMA — Autorização de Residência para Investimento (Art. 90.º-A) (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026
Which family members can I include?
Family members' requests can be filed at the same time as the investor's, but they depend on the investor's permit being granted.
Eligible family members:
- spouse
- children aged up to 17, or incapacitated children dependent on the couple or on one spouse
- children aged up to 17 adopted under a decision recognised by Portugal
- single, dependent children aged 18 to 25 who are studying
- dependent parents of the investor or of the spouse
- siblings aged up to 17 under the investor's guardianship by a recognised decision
Source: AIMA — Autorização de Residência para Investimento (Art. 90.º-A) (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026
How many trips to Portugal does applying take?
AIMA schedules the appointment and emails the details. You attend at an AIMA office to deliver the required documents and give biometric data. The process is designed around a single visit, and each family member is scheduled for their own appointment.
Sources: AIMA — Portal ARI (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026, AIMA — Perguntas frequentes: ARI (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026
Do I need a visa to travel for the appointment?
ARI applicants must show proof of legal entry into, and stay in, Portugal.
AIMA advises allowing time to prepare your trip to Portugal for the appointment, including getting a visa where one is needed, arranging travel and certifying foreign documents.
If you need a Schengen visa to enter Portugal, plan one for the AIMA appointment. Your coordinator will confirm whether this applies to you.
Sources: AIMA — Autorização de Residência para Investimento (Art. 90.º-A) (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026, AIMA — Atividade de investimento, Art. 122.º, n.º 1, al. r) (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026, AIMA — Perguntas frequentes: ARI (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026
How are renewals filed?
Since 16 February 2026, ARI renewals are filed online only, through AIMA's Renewals Portal. An in-person appointment is needed only if AIMA asks for new biometric data after the request is submitted.
Source: AIMA — Portal ARI (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026
Can ARI lead to Portuguese nationality?
Nationality is a separate process, decided by the Portuguese state under the Nationality Law. ARI lets you apply if you meet that law's requirements; it does not grant nationality.
Naturalisation requires at least 10 years of legal residence for nationals of countries outside the EU whose official language is not Portuguese. The requirement is 7 years for EU citizens and for nationals of countries whose official language is Portuguese.
Periods of legal residence are added together if they fall within a maximum window of 12 years, or 9 years for EU citizens and nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries.
Sources: Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026, de 18 de maio — Diário da República n.º 95 (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026, AIMA — Autorização de Residência para Investimento (Art. 90.º-A) (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026
What could stop a permit being granted?
A permit cannot be granted if any of these apply:
- any fact that, had the authorities known it, would have prevented a visa
- a conviction for a crime punishable in Portugal by more than 1 year in prison
- being within an entry ban period following removal from Portugal
- an alert in the information system for refusal of entry or stay
Source: AIMA — Autorização de Residência para Investimento (Art. 90.º-A) (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026
What documents will I need?
Core documents include:
- a valid passport (every passport, if you hold more than one nationality)
- certificates showing no debt to Social Security and the Tax Authority, or showing you are not registered with them
- a sworn declaration that you meet the investment's minimum amount and time requirements
- your tax identification numbers from your country of origin or residence, or proof that you have none
- a criminal record certificate from your country of origin or permanent residence, issued within the last 3 months, translated into Portuguese and certified by the Portuguese consulate or apostilled
- up-to-date evidence of the investment for your route
Source: AIMA — Perguntas frequentes: ARI (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026
Our service
Are you a law firm?
No. We're a coordination service. We don't give legal advice or represent you. The legal work on your application is done by an independent, licensed Portuguese lawyer you engage directly.
Who files my application?
A Portuguese lawyer registers and files your application on Portal ARI. We prepare and organise your documents for the lawyer's review, and handle scheduling and logistics.
Online registration on Portal ARI is mandatory. It can be done by the investor or by a duly mandated legal representative.
Sources: AIMA — Portal ARI (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026, AIMA — Autorização de Residência para Investimento (Art. 90.º-A) (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026
How are you paid?
We are paid only by our clients. We receive no referral fees or commissions from law firms, fund managers or other providers.
Can you guarantee approval or a timeline?
No. AIMA decides every application, and we don't make promises about outcomes or processing times.
What happens after I check which routes fit?
We read your answers and reply within two business days by your preferred channel. You can also book a 30-minute consultation straight away.
Can you help if I'm an EU, EEA or Swiss national?
ARI does not apply to Portuguese nationals, or to nationals of the EU, the EEA, Andorra or Switzerland.
Our relocation help is still available to you.
Source: AIMA — Autorização de Residência para Investimento (Art. 90.º-A) (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026
Can you help me find a home?
Yes, as relocation help, through introductions to licensed real-estate agents.
Buying property does not qualify. The investment cannot go, directly or indirectly, into real estate.
Sources: Lei n.º 56/2023, de 6 de outubro — Diário da República n.º 194 (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026, AIMA — Autorização de Residência para Investimento (Art. 90.º-A) (opens in a new tab), verified 19 Sept 2026
How do you handle my information?
We use your information only to reply to you and, if you ask, to introduce you to providers. You can ask us to delete it at any time.