Portugal Golden Visa / ARI
Legal Preparation of the Residence Permit Process in Portugal Through Investment and Coordination with Authorized Professionals in Portugal
The Portugal Golden Visa, officially the Residence Authorization for Investment Activity (Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento – ARI), is a special investment-based residence program under which third-country nationals can obtain a residence permit in Portugal by making one of the investments provided for by law.
Canaydın Law Firm provides a preliminary assessment of the investment model under the ARI legislation, obtains the Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF), carries out bank account opening procedures, conducts a legal review of the investment and source-of-funds documents, and coordinates the Portal ARI application and the AIMA biometrics and residence card processes with the authorized attorney and other professionals in Portugal.
- Golden Visa Eligibility Assessment
- Investment and Document Structuring
- Portal ARI and AIMA Process
Who Is the Golden Visa / ARI Suitable For?
ARI may be considered for third-country nationals who hold neither Portuguese nor European Union / EEA / Swiss citizenship and who plan to make one of the investment activities provided for in Portuguese legislation. The program differs from classic residence visa programs such as D7, D8 or D2 for people who wish to establish an investment-based residence status without residing permanently in Portugal.
- Individuals who wish to invest in Portugal through one of the investment routes provided for by law
- Investors who plan to establish a residence status in Portugal with a limited physical stay requirement
- Investors who plan the residence process together with their spouse and eligible family members
- Individuals who wish to assess, separately, the long-term options of permanent residence or citizenship
Golden Visa Investment Routes Valid as of 2026
Under the current ARI regime, the main investment routes for new applications are set out as follows:
Not only the amount of the investment but also the legal nature of the investment vehicle, the source of the investment, the ownership structure, the continuity of the investment and the special conditions under the ARI legislation must be assessed together.
Does Buying Real Estate Still Qualify for the Golden Visa?
No. As of 7 October 2023, direct real estate purchases and some capital transfer models in the previous legislation have been removed as routes for new Golden Visa / ARI applications.
In addition, current investment activities must not be directed, directly or indirectly, to real estate investment. For this reason, particularly for fund or company investments, it is important to examine the real legal and economic structure of the investment vehicle before the application.
The status of investments or applications made earlier under the old regime and subject to transitional provisions is assessed separately from new applications, according to the date and current status of the file concerned.
Investment and Source-of-Funds Documents
In an ARI application, it must be documented that the investment has been made in accordance with the legislation and that the funds used can be legally explained. Depending on the type of investment, different documents may be requested from banks, funds, companies, research institutions, cultural institutions or other relevant organizations.
Canaydın Law Firm does not provide financial investment advice or recommendations on investment returns. The legal suitability of the investment vehicle and its effect on the application file are assessed; the choice of financial product and investment performance fall within the field of the relevant licensed professionals.
Golden Visa / ARI Application Process
- 01
Assessment of Eligibility and the Investment Model
The applicant's citizenship, family structure, investment goal and the contemplated investment model are given a preliminary assessment under ARI.
- 02
NIF and Banking Procedures
The Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF) is obtained and the Portuguese bank account opening procedures required by the investment are carried out. Opening a bank account is subject to the relevant financial institution's KYC and customer acceptance review.
- 03
Structuring the Investment and Preparing the Documents
Depending on the chosen investment route, the investment, company, fund, employment or institution documents are prepared together with the authorized professionals in Portugal, and the compatibility of the investment with the ARI file is checked.
- 04
Portal ARI Application
The application is registered on Portal ARI through the authorized representative / attorney in Portugal; the required documents are uploaded and the application process is followed.
- 05
AIMA Appointment and Biometrics
After the file is accepted, an AIMA appointment is scheduled. The authorized attorney in Portugal accompanies the applicant at the AIMA meeting; the required original documents and biometrics procedures are completed.
- 06
Residence Card and Family Procedures
The issuance of the ARI card is followed up; the family reunification / dependent application procedures for the spouse and eligible family members are coordinated together with the file.
- 07
Renewal and Subsequent Stages
The continuity of the investment, the required stay periods, card renewal and, in the long term, the options of permanent residence or citizenship are assessed separately according to the applicant's current status.
Key Features of ARI
A special ARI regime applies, which differs from the requirement to obtain a classic residence visa for entry into Portugal.
- The ARI holder may reside and work in Portugal.
- The holder may benefit from visa-free travel within the Schengen area.
- The option of family reunification / dependent applications for the spouse and eligible family members may be assessed.
- Under AIMA's current practice, the minimum stay requirement is applied as at least 7 days in the first year and at least 14 days in subsequent periods.
- The temporary ARI card is issued for two-year periods and can be renewed provided that the investment conditions continue.
- If the other statutory conditions are met, the options of permanent residence and Portuguese citizenship may be assessed separately.
Spouse and Family Members
The Golden Visa application can be planned together with the investor's eligible family members. Depending on the nature of the family tie, documents on marital status, birth, dependency, custody and other supporting matters are prepared; apostille and translation procedures are coordinated.
- Including the spouse or partner in the file
- Assessing the age and dependency status of children
- Preparing the required family and marital status documents
- Carrying out the Portal ARI / AIMA family procedures together with the investor's file
Renewal and Continuity of the Investment
For ARI to be renewed, the investment and the conditions specific to the relevant type of investment must be maintained. Before renewal, the current status of the investment, the fund or company documents, the employment conditions and whether the applicant has fulfilled the stay requirement in Portugal are checked.
In 2026, AIMA introduced a digital renewal portal for ARI renewals. The renewal method to be followed is assessed separately according to the date of the file and the current card status.
Refusal, Additional Document and Delay Processes
If an additional document request, a doubt about the suitability of the investment, a delay or an unfavorable decision arises in an ARI application, the file is reviewed together with the authorized attorney in Portugal.
What We Do for You
Golden Visa Preliminary Eligibility Review
The investment goal and the planned investment model are assessed under the current ARI conditions.
NIF and Banking Procedures
The Portuguese Tax Identification Number is obtained and bank account opening procedures are carried out.
Investment and Source-of-Funds File
The investment, transfer and source-of-funds documents are prepared and checked for the legal integrity of the file.
Portal ARI Application
The Portal ARI application and the document upload process are carried out through the authorized attorney / representative in Portugal.
AIMA and Biometrics Process
The AIMA file is prepared; the authorized attorney in Portugal accompanies the applicant at the biometrics / AIMA meeting.
Family and Renewal Procedures
The procedures of the spouse and family members, as well as the processes relating to card renewal and the continuity of the investment, are coordinated.
Coordination with Professionals in Portugal and Scope of Service
Canaydın Law Firm's Golden Visa / ARI service covers assessing the applicant's legal eligibility, preparing the personal and source-of-funds documents that must be prepared in Türkiye, carrying out the NIF and bank account procedures, and coordinating the investment, Portal ARI and AIMA processes in Portugal with the authorized local attorney and other licensed professionals.
Procedures that, in Portugal, may only be carried out by a local attorney, financial advisor, fund manager, bank, investment institution or other licensed professionals are performed by the relevant independent professionals. Canaydın Law Firm does not provide financial investment advice, assessments of fund performance or guarantees of returns.