Quick answer first
Third-country investors maintaining a qualifying investment without full-time residence in Portugal. ARI is not a conventional D visa; it is a special residence regime that dispenses with the normal residence-visa requirement.
Who it is for and key distinction
Third-country investors maintaining a qualifying investment without full-time residence in Portugal. ARI is not a conventional D visa; it is a special residence regime that dispenses with the normal residence-visa requirement.
Financial conditions
Eligible routes include creating at least ten jobs, at least €500,000 for scientific research, at least €250,000 for cultural support, at least €500,000 in qualifying non-real-estate collective investment vehicles, and specified company-capital/employment combinations. Territorial reductions require separate verification.
Category-specific evidence
- Banking and financial evidence of completed investment and source of funds
- For funds: structure, maturity, Portuguese-company allocation and non-real-estate status
- Capital and employment records for company/job routes
- Competent-body acceptance for cultural or research routes
- AML, sanctions, tax and beneficial-owner due diligence
Common document categories
Prepare the category-specific evidence above alongside your jurisdiction’s general checklist. Common passport, criminal-record, accommodation and certification requirements are explained in the visa overview; use the competent consulate’s current checklist on the application date.
Process from application to residence card
Someone receiving a fund proposal checks the exact instrument against the official category and does not treat marketing about guaranteed citizenship as an assured outcome. They organise renewal evidence from the outset.
AIMA and residence permit
A national visa is not the residence card. After entry, follow the visa/appointment information and present AIMA with an updated passport, visa, address, purpose/activity evidence and required registrations. Fees changed on 1 March 2026; use AIMA’s current table for the procedure and channel.
Direct or indirect real-estate investment is no longer eligible. The absence of “real estate” from a fund name is not enough; investment policy and underlying assets require specialist due diligence. Returns and nationality are never guaranteed.
Family, work and tax
Review household conditions as a separate part of your application. visa overview
Presence and renewal
Assess planned travel against the permit type and your activity. visa overview
Permanent residence and nationality
Preparing this visa file does not guarantee a citizenship outcome. visa overview
Common risks
- Verify the exact offer against the legal category.
- Transfers and source documents should be consistent.
- Organise evidence needed for renewal from the outset.
Final checklist
- Does the selected sub-route describe my actual plan?
- Do the specific documents above agree on dates, activity and funding?
- Have I checked current availability and the local official checklist?
Frequently asked questions
Does investment marketing guarantee eligibility?
Do not equate an investment offer with immigration eligibility.
What does a practical file review look like?
Use the preparation scenario above and the cross-check table below; reconcile the documents before submitting.
Where should I read the general visa questions?
General visa FAQ. Keep this page for the specific route above.
Official sources
- AIMA – ARI Article 90-A
- AIMA – ARI FAQs
- Lei 23/2007, Article 90-A
- AIMA – general residence conditions
- Nationality Law 2026
Cross-check this file
| Item | Review |
|---|---|
| Investment category | Verify the exact offer against the legal category. |
| Funds trail | Transfers and source documents should be consistent. |
| Continuity | Organise evidence needed for renewal from the outset. |