The Portugal Resident Permit for Investment (ARI) is one of the most sought-after Golden Visa programmes, and with good reason. It helps fast-track Portuguese residency at a price, but the associated fees, costs, and taxes are generally lower than investor visas in Europe.
With ARI, you (and your eligible family members) can work, live, and study in Portugal as long as you meet minimum residency requirements. You can also reunite with your family, travel visa-free throughout the Schengen area, and access the country’s social net. More importantly, it can be the clear-cut gateway to a Portuguese citizenship and passport.
Upfront Investment Costs Associated with the Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal residency by investment scheme is open to non-EU nationals. To be eligible for the Golden Visa, you must make at least one of these investments:
Transfer at least €500,000 to be utilised in scientific research
Make a minimum investment of €500,000 in Portuguese venture capital funds or investment funds dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises
Create 10 or more new full-time job positions
Create 8 or more new full-time jobs in a low-density area
Make investments of €250,000 or more to preserve national heritage
Government Fees Associated with Golden Visa Application & Renewal
Aside from the investment amount, there are additional costs, fees, and taxes you must pay to claim the Portuguese Golden Visa.
According to the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) website, you’ll pay around €806.80 for your Golden visa to be received and processed. The same amount is the standard fee for submitting each family reunification application.
The processing fee is €605 for the primary applicant and any dependent (paid twice – at application and renewal). For a Permanent Permit for Investment, you need to pay additional fees to bring the total Golden Visa cost to €11,284.60.
Renewing your Portugal Golden visa will set you back €5,643.00 for the application, renewal fee, and to get it approved. The same goes for each reunified family member.
Permanent Residence Fees:
Applying for ARI or Family Members - €11,284.60
Renewal for ARI or Family Members - €5,643.00
Taxes
Capital gains made through your non-real estate investments will attract a flat 28%. If you already have a Golden Visa under real estate investment, you will pay a withholding tax at 30%. As a non-tax resident, you won’t pay any capital gain or income tax.
Additional Costs
Real estate investments have been discounted. As a fund investor, you don’t pay any stamp duty, notary cost, exit fees, commission, or IMI transfer tax. Instead, you will incur varying legal fees, performance fees (20-50% of the fund profit) and management fees (1-2% of investment).