Portugal golden visa: current routes and minimums
Portugal’s golden visa remains open for qualifying funds, research, arts support and job creation. New property and general capital-transfer applications ended on 7 October 2023.
By Flight Risk Capital. Last updated: .
What changed in October 2023?
Law 56/2023, published on 6 October 2023 and effective the following day, removed the property and general capital-transfer routes for new applications. It did not end the whole residence by investment programme, known as ARI.
The surviving investment activities cannot directly or indirectly fund property investment. A property investment placed inside another structure does not escape that restriction. See articles 42 to 44 of Law 56/2023.
Which investments qualify now?
These are the route minimums in AIMA’s article 90-A guidance and the law, checked 25 October 2026. Fees and other eligibility requirements are separate.
| Route | Minimum | Main condition |
|---|---|---|
| Job creation | 10 jobs; 8 in qualifying low-density territory | Create the required jobs. There is no separate fixed euro amount for this route. |
| Scientific research | €500,000; €400,000 in qualifying low-density territory | Qualifying research through public or private institutions in Portugal’s national scientific and technological system. |
| Arts or cultural heritage | €250,000; €200,000 in qualifying low-density territory | Support eligible arts production or cultural heritage through an eligible body. |
| Non-property investment funds | €500,000 | Qualifying Portuguese collective investment units, at least five years’ maturity and at least 60% invested in Portuguese-headquartered commercial companies. |
| Company capital plus jobs | €500,000 | Create a company with five permanent jobs, or reinforce an existing company with the required new or retained jobs. |
What is the lowest qualifying amount?
The standard arts or cultural heritage minimum is €250,000. The law allows a 20% reduction for qualifying activity in low-density territory, bringing it to €200,000. The location and the activity must meet the legal conditions.
The same reduction covers research and job creation. It does not apply to the €500,000 fund or company-capital routes. A headline amount therefore needs its route and location alongside it.
What conditions apply to funds and company investment?
For a qualifying fund, the remaining maturity at the time of investment must be at least five years. At least 60% of investment value must go into commercial companies headquartered in Portugal. The fund must be a qualifying non-property collective investment vehicle.
For a new company, the €500,000 capital route also requires five permanent jobs. For an existing company, it requires five new permanent jobs or retention of at least ten jobs, including at least five permanent jobs, for at least three years.
AIMA’s fund requirements and company and employment requirements give the documentary conditions.
How much time must a holder spend in Portugal?
AIMA’s current FAQ specifies at least seven days in the first year and fourteen days in each subsequent two-year period. Renewal also depends on continued eligibility and evidence that the qualifying investment is maintained.
ARI is temporary residence permission, with the right to live and work in Portugal. It does not automatically grant citizenship. The AIMA renewal and minimum-stay FAQ sets out the continuing conditions.
Can earlier property-based holders renew?
The 2023 law preserves renewal and pending-application provisions for earlier investments, subject to its transitional rules. The end of new property applications does not itself cancel every permit issued under the earlier rules.
How does this fit with a move from the UK?
The Portugal country guide covers tax and the wider move. Compare other programmes in the residence by investment guide and use the UK departure checklist.
Residence by investment does not by itself change where someone pays tax. Check the statutory residence test and the country guides for separate tax residence rules (HMRC, checked 25 October 2026).
What else do readers ask?
Is the Portugal golden visa closed?
No. Qualifying non-property investment and job creation routes remain open. New property and general capital-transfer applications ended on 7 October 2023.
Can buying a home qualify for a new ARI application?
No. The surviving investment activities also cannot directly or indirectly fund property investment.
Is €200,000 enough for the Portugal route?
Only for qualifying arts or cultural heritage activity covered by the 20% low-density reduction. The standard arts minimum is €250,000.
How many days must an ARI holder stay in Portugal?
AIMA’s FAQ specifies seven days in the first year and fourteen days in each subsequent two-year period, under the applicable rules.
Sources
- Diário da República: Law 56/2023, articles 42 to 44 and 55, .
- AIMA: Residence permit for investment activity, article 90-A, checked .
- AIMA: ARI: job creation requirements, checked .
- AIMA: ARI: qualifying non-property investment funds, checked .
- AIMA: ARI: company capital and employment requirements, checked .
- AIMA: Residence permit for investment activity: FAQs, checked .
- HMRC: Tax on foreign income: UK residence and tax, checked .