Carreh Visas · Long stay · Portugal
Residency in Europe through investment.
The Portugal Golden Visa (ARI) grants residency for a qualifying investment, with one of the lightest stay requirements in Europe and a path to permanent residency and citizenship. The rules changed in 2023, so we work only from the routes open today.
What it is
Residency without moving.
The Golden Visa, officially the ARI (Autorização de Residência para Investimento), is Portugal’s residency by investment programme. In exchange for a qualifying investment, you and your family receive Portuguese residence permits, and unlike the D7 or D8 you do not have to live in Portugal: the stay requirement averages about a week a year.
Those years still count: after five years you can apply for permanent residency and, in time, citizenship, under the language and residency conditions in force. It is an investment decision with an immigration outcome, so the detail matters.
- A light stay requirementOn average about seven days a year; no need to move full time.
- Family includedYour spouse, dependent children and dependent parents can be included.
- Travel in EuropeResidency lets you travel across the Schengen area without a visa.
- A path to citizenshipCounts toward permanent residency and, in time, an EU passport.
What you will need
The file, item by item.
| Route | Minimum | In short |
|---|---|---|
| Investment fund | EUR 500,000 | Units in a qualifying Portuguese venture capital or private equity fund, not real estate. The most common route today. |
| Company and jobs | EUR 500,000 | Create or strengthen a Portuguese company and at least five permanent jobs. |
| Job creation | 10 jobs | Create ten permanent jobs in Portugal (fewer in low-density areas). |
| Scientific research | EUR 500,000 | Fund research by accredited Portuguese institutions. |
| Culture and heritage | EUR 250,000 | Support the arts or national heritage (from EUR 200,000 in low-density areas). |
Since the Mais Habitação law came into force in October 2023, the Golden Visa no longer accepts property purchases, real estate funds or the EUR 1.5 million capital transfer route. Much older advice online still describes them.
The core of the application:
- A passport valid well beyond the application period.
- Proof of lawful funds for the investment, with a clear trail of their source.
- A clean criminal record certificate from your country of residence.
- Health insurance covering you in Portugal.
- A Portuguese tax number (NIF) and bank account, arranged as part of the process.
- Documents for each family member you include.
Figures as published for 2026. Rules change; your specialist confirms everything against the rules in force before you pay.
How we handle it
Carreh AI checks as you go. A specialist handles the rest.
- Eligibility and route reviewWe look at your goals and budget, confirm which open route fits, and set out the real costs and timeline before you commit any capital.
- Tax number and bank accountWe arrange your NIF and open the Portuguese account you use to move funds and invest.
- The investmentWith independent legal and fund partners, you complete the investment and obtain the documents the application needs.
- AIMA applicationWe assemble and submit the full application for you and your family, checked by Carreh AI and reviewed by your specialist.
- Biometrics and residence cardsYou attend your AIMA biometrics appointment; your permits are issued and then renewed in cycles. We coordinate throughout.
AIMA, Portugal’s immigration authority, has a significant backlog, so timelines vary. You must spend about seven days in Portugal in the first year and fourteen days in each following two-year period, and keep the investment in place at each renewal.
Questions
Good to know.
Can I still buy property for the Golden Visa?
No. Property purchases and real estate funds stopped qualifying in October 2023. The routes in the table above are the ones open now.
Do I have to live in Portugal?
No. You must spend on average about seven days a year there, which is why the Golden Visa suits people who want a European base without moving.
Who can be included?
Your spouse or partner, dependent children and dependent parents.
Who decides on my application?
AIMA, Portugal’s immigration authority. Carreh prepares and submits your file but cannot promise or influence a decision, and does not give investment advice.
What does Carreh charge?
A fixed service fee, quoted in writing after a specialist has reviewed your case and before you pay anything. Government, consulate and other official fees are separate. Our fee is not refundable once paid, whatever the decision; see our terms and refund policy.
Tell us about your case.
A specialist replies within one working day with what applies to you and a fixed quote.