Routes in force (Article 3(1)(d))
- Investment funds: €500,000 or more in units of non-real estate investment funds under Portuguese law, with a maturity of at least 5 years and at least 60% invested in companies based in Portugal.
- Company with job creation: €500,000 or more to incorporate a company based in Portugal with 5 permanent jobs, or to increase the capital of an existing company creating 5 permanent jobs or keeping 10 jobs (5 permanent) for at least 3 years.
- Job creation: at least 10 jobs.
- Scientific research: €500,000 or more in research carried out by institutions in the national scientific system.
- Culture: €250,000 or more in artistic production or in the recovery and maintenance of national cultural heritage.
For the job creation, research and culture routes, amounts and job numbers may be up to 20% lower in low-density territories (Article 3(2)-(3)). Any real estate investment, direct or indirect, is excluded (Article 3(5)).
Requirements and conditions
- Investment made through an eligible route and held for at least 5 years from the grant of the permit (Regulatory Decree 84/2007, Article 65-B).
- Entry into Portugal with a valid Schengen visa and application within 90 days of first entry (Article 90-A(1)).
- Proof of the lawful source of funds and of their transfer from abroad.
- No relevant criminal record and no alert in the Schengen Information System.
- Minimum stay: 7 days, consecutive or not, in the first year, and 14 days in each subsequent 2-year period (Regulatory Decree 84/2007, Article 65-C).
How it works
- Legal consultationInvestor profile, family members, source of funds and the most suitable route.
- Investment and evidenceReview of the investment documents, the source of funds and the transfers.
- ApplicationSubmission to AIMA and collection of biometric data.
- Family and renewalsFamily reunification without the 2-year waiting period (Article 98(3)), renewals for 2-year periods and permanent residence after 5 years (Article 80).
Documents usually requested
- Valid passport and proof of legal entry.
- Criminal record certificates from the countries of origin and residence.
- Investment documents (fund subscription, company records, employment contracts).
- Proof of the source and transfer of funds.
- Portuguese tax number (NIF) and a Portuguese bank account.
- Health insurance, where required.
The exact list depends on the case and on the competent authority.
Legal basis
- Law 23/2007, Article 90-AResidence permit for investment activity.
- Law 23/2007, Article 3(1)(d)Eligible investment routes and amounts.
- Regulatory Decree 84/2007, Articles 65-A ff.Proof of investment, holding period and minimum stay.
- Law 56/2023 of 6 OctoberRemoval of the real estate and capital transfer routes.
Permits granted under the abolished routes (real estate, capital transfer and urban renovation) can be renewed but are converted into residence permits for entrepreneurs (Law 56/2023, Article 42). The decision rests solely with AIMA; legal fees are agreed in writing and do not depend on the outcome. Consultations in English, Portuguese, French and Spanish.
Provisions cited as in force on the date this page was published. Portuguese immigration law changes often; the applicable rules are confirmed at the consultation.