ARI, commonly known as Golden Visa, has been enforced in Portugal since 8 October 2012 and allows national citizens from Third Countries (outside the European Union (EU) or European Economic States) to obtain a temporary residence permit for investment activity exempting them from presenting a residence visa when entering Portugal, with the additional benefit of free circulation within the Schengen Area.
Once having accessed this program created under Portuguese Law, the ARI beneficiary is also able to:
– Enter Portugal with exemption from presenting a residence visa;
– Reside and work in Portugal, provided that the beneficiary remains in Portugal for a period of not less than 7 days in the first year and not less than 14 days in the following years;
– Circulate in the Schengen Area, without requiring a visa;
– Benefit from family grouping;
– Request the concession of a Permanent Residence Permit under the Law of Foreigners (Law 23/2007, of 4 July, as currently drawn up);
– Request the acquisition of Portuguese nationality, by naturalisation, complying with all the other requirements established in the Law of Nationality (Law 37/81, of 3 October, as currently drawn up).