+34 68 911 88 69 
+382 69 704 986 Portugal residence permit through investment
EU resident status, tax benefits and minimal stay requirements
- Investment: from EUR 250,000
- Processing time: from 1 year
- Visa-free travel to 45+ countries
Unlock your options — consult with an expert today
Program overview
ARI (Autorização de Residência para Investimento) is a residence-by-investment route available to non-EU nationals in Portugal. Holders of this residence permit can travel freely within the Schengen Area, live in a country with a mild climate and make transactions in euros. Investors can include eligible close family members in the application, qualify for permanent residence over time and benefit from tax incentives that may reduce the tax rate on certain foreign-source income to 0%. With minimal stay requirements, this route may also provide access to EU citizenship after 10 years, making it attractive to investors seeking economic security and greater freedom of movement. The minimum investment starts at EUR 250,000.
Benefits of a Portugal residence permit
Visa-free travel across Europe
Residence permit holders can travel freely to more than 45 countries, including the Schengen states, without applying for visas or spending time in border control queues. This level of mobility is convenient for both travel and business activities across Europe.
Long-term residence status
The residence permit allows holders to live and work in Portugal without annual renewal. After five years, they may apply for permanent residence, creating a reliable foundation for long-term plans.
Minimal stay requirements
To maintain residence status, applicants need to spend at least seven days in Portugal during the first year and 14 days during each subsequent two-year period.
Residence permits for family members
The main applicant may include their spouse, children under the age of 26 and parents over the age of 65. Younger parents may also qualify if they are financially dependent on the investor.
Tax benefits for entrepreneurs
Investor residence permit holders may benefit from more favourable tax conditions and gain easier access to EU markets.
Pathway to EU citizenship
After 10 years, investors may be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship. A Portuguese passport provides visa-free access to more than 170 countries, and applicants are not required to renounce their existing citizenship.
What does a Portugal residence permit offer
Get a detailed guide to obtaining residency in Portugal
- A step-by-step action plan for investors
- Detailed requirements and costs
- A tailored strategy for obtaining a second passport
- The latest program terms
Get a detailed guide to obtaining residency in Portugal
Who is a Portugal residence permit suitable for
- International business owners
- Investors and asset managers
- Families with children
- Senior executives and internationally qualified professionals
International business owners
Portugal is a European jurisdiction well suited to international business. Entrepreneurs can register a company, organise efficient cross-border payments and use a Portuguese business address when entering into agreements with partners. Tax incentives may be available for export activities, while access to the EU market creates opportunities to scale a business within a stable regulatory environment.
Investors and asset managers
A Portuguese residence permit can make it easier for investors and asset managers to participate in European transactions and navigate regulatory procedures. It also creates opportunities for tax and succession planning, access to investment funds offering potential annual returns of 5–8% and the allocation of capital to stable assets within a European jurisdiction.
Families with children
Applicants can include their spouse, children and parents in the residence permit application. The family gains access to European education, high-quality healthcare, social services, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area and a potential pathway to Portuguese citizenship after 10 years. This creates a strong foundation for long-term family planning in one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for international residents.
Senior executives and internationally qualified professionals
For executives and highly qualified professionals, a Portugal residence permit provides greater flexibility for business relocation and travel across the EU. Residents can work legally in Portugal, while the minimal physical presence requirements make it easier to maintain a balance between professional and personal commitments. Portugal also offers opportunities for career development with fewer administrative barriers than some other developed EU countries.
Your relocation to the EU — reliable, secure and transparent
- Long-term protection of your family’s interests
- Access to EU financial instruments
- Global mobility with fewer formalities
- A personalised plan for obtaining residence status
Unlock your options — consult with an expert today
Investment options
Investment in qualifying funds
This option requires an investment of EUR 500,000 in venture capital or private equity funds, at least 60% of whose assets are invested in Portugal. The investment must be held for five years, after which the capital may be returned together with any profit generated. This option is suitable for investors seeking to diversify their assets without managing them directly. It is currently the most popular route among investors due to its flexibility and potential returns.
Support for cultural heritage
An investment of EUR 250,000 is directed towards the restoration and preservation of national cultural heritage sites. In addition to obtaining residence, this option allows investors to contribute to projects that preserve Portugal’s unique cultural identity.
Scientific research
A contribution of at least EUR 500,000, or EUR 400,000 in designated regional areas, is directed towards research and development projects. Investors may gain access to EU grants and tax incentives for innovation. This option supports the development of high-technology sectors and creates opportunities to collaborate with leading European research institutions.
Application costs
Fund investment
Contribution to national cultural heritage
R&D contribution
Investment
EUR 500,000
EUR 250,000
EUR 500,000
Administrative fee
EUR 8,867
EUR 8,867
EUR 8,867
Total amount
EUR 508,867
EUR 258,867
EUR 508,867
Request a personalized investment plan for obtaining Portugal residency
A Mirsatori specialist will develop a tailored residence permit strategy with a detailed breakdown of each stage, taking into account your family composition, investment amount, government fees and related expenses.
Request a plan
Request a personalized investment plan for obtaining Portugal residency
Who can be included in the residence permit application
Spouse or partner
- Legally married to the main applicant or in an officially registered partnership
Children under 18
- Including children of the applicant, their spouse or partner from any marriage
Children aged 18 to 26
- Full-time students who are financially dependent on their parents
Parents and grandparents
- Over the age of 65 and financially dependent on the main applicant
Steps to obtain a Portugal residence permit
Steps to obtain a Portugal residence permit
Express background screening
1 day
Within 24 hours, Mirsatori specialists check your information against AIMA and Interpol databases. This preliminary assessment reduces the risk of refusal and helps develop an application strategy based on the strengths of your case.
Should any potential issues arise, our lawyers will advise you on how to resolve them promptly.
Learn moreDocument collection and legalisation
from 30 days
The team prepares your application file for the ARI program, arranges translation into Portuguese and obtains the required apostilles. Each document is reviewed for compliance with Portuguese law. Certified translators and notaries are involved at this stage to ensure reliable legal support throughout the process.
Learn moreApplication submission and AIMA due diligence
6–12 months
AIMA, the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, reviews your application and supporting information. The process takes from 90 to 360 days. Mirsatori lawyers monitor the application online and remain in contact with the authorities, allowing any additional documents requested to be submitted promptly. This helps avoid unnecessary delays and increases the likelihood of approval.
Learn moreMaking and confirming the investment
within 2 months
Once preliminary approval has been received, you make the investment through your selected route. Mirsatori lawyers oversee the transaction to ensure legal protection and compliance with banking requirements. The investment is documented in official records, which form the basis for the final stage of the residence permit process.
Learn moreBiometrics and residence card issuance
up to 2 weeks
Each applicant must spend one day in Portugal to provide their biometric data. The residence cards are issued within seven days and sent to the address provided in the application.
Learn moreThe latest updates in a format that works for you
The latest news, helpful tips, and insider information — all on our social media channels. Join Mirsatori’s communities and channels:
Comparison of Malta permanent residence with other programs
Portugal PR
Greece PR
Malta PR
Minimum investment
from EUR 250,000
from EUR 250,000
from EUR 182,000
Family members can be included
yes
yes
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Status validity
from 2 years
from 5 years
Indefinite
Processing time
from 12 months
from 4 months
from 3 months
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Other ways to obtain residency by investment
Country
Investment
Processing time
Key benefits
Greece
Investment
from EUR 250,000
Processing time
from 4 months
Key benefits
Details
- Short processing timeline
- Investment in liquid real estate
- No language proficiency requirement
Malta
Investment
from EUR 182,000
Processing time
from 3 months
Key benefits
Details
- Premium real estate ownership
- Option to apply with family members
- Residence in the European Union
Expert insights
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Frequently asked questions
How much do you need to invest under the ARI program in 2026?
The minimum investment required under the ARI program in 2026 is:
- EUR 500,000 in qualifying venture capital or private equity funds, held for five years
- EUR 250,000 to support Portugal’s national cultural heritage
- EUR 500,000 in research and development projects
For investments made in low-density regions, the minimum amount may be reduced by 20%.
How long does it take to obtain a Portugal residence permit?
The ARI application process takes from one year. The residence card is issued once the investment has been confirmed and may subsequently be renewed.
Do you need to live in Portugal permanently to maintain residence?
ARI holders are not required to live in Portugal permanently. They must spend at least seven days in the country during the first year and 14 days during each subsequent two-year period.
Which family members can be included in an ARI application?
The application may include:
- a spouse or partner
- children under the age of 18
- children aged 18 to 26 who are financially dependent on the investor
- children with disabilities, regardless of age
- parents under the age of 65 who are financially dependent on the applicant
- parents aged 65 or over, without additional dependency requirements
Each family member must pass due diligence checks and receives the right to reside in Portugal and access public services.
Can the investment be recovered after obtaining residence?
Yes, once the mandatory five-year holding period has ended. For fund investments, the invested capital may be returned together with any profit generated. Contributions to cultural heritage and research projects are generally non-refundable, although part of the cost may be offset through applicable tax deductions. The investment asset may also be replaced, provided that AIMA is notified and the new investment continues to meet the program requirements.
Does a Portugal residence permit provide a pathway to citizenship?
Yes. After 10 years, applicants may become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship through naturalisation. They must demonstrate residence in Portugal, Portuguese language proficiency at A2 level and integration into Portuguese society.
Get expert advice from a Mirsatori specialist at your convenience
Consult with a Mirsatori specialist in the way that works best for you. We will review your request, assess the scope of work, calculate the cost of support, and offer a solution aligned with your goals. Fill out the form to schedule a meeting in the office or online
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