Portugal ’s Golden Visa is officially called “ARI” and is Europe ’s most successful residence-for-investment program.

Since 2012, under the plan, people outside the European Union, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland can make eligible investments in Portugal and obtain Portuguese residence permits for themselves and their immediate family members.

It turns out that the Portuguese Golden Visa Program is one of the most popular in Europe. Compared to other EU citizenship programs, obtaining a golden visa in Portugal is easier, faster and cheaper.

 

What are the requirements for the Portuguese Golden Visa?

1. Make and maintain a qualified investment for at least five years;

2. Stay in Portugal for at least 7 days in the first year, then no less than 14 days every two years (this is called the residence requirement); and

3. Have no criminal record.

 

Timeline of the Portuguese Golden Visa process

The first step is to determine the investment path you will take and collect the required documents.

The second step is to make the investment that must be made before submitting the golden visa application. This time depends on you.

After completing the application form, you will get preliminary approval from the "Foreigners and Border Service" (SEF), and you need to make an appointment and come forward for the interview. Due to strong demand in areas such as Lisbon and Faro, it can take up to three months to arrange an interview period. By scheduling interviews in more remote areas, you can reduce your waiting time.

When you attend an interview, bring your family together so that you can submit their applications at the same time, which can save you months of application time.

After submitting the application, it takes approximately three to six months to approve and issue the residence card.

After the golden visa is issued, you will need to wait 5 years before applying for permanent residency and citizenship in Portugal.

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