I am an investor / ARI applicant
- Third-country nationals meeting one of the currently permitted investment routes.
- ARI holders who need to renew.
- Investor family members where Portal ARI family reunification applies.
ARI · route
ARI has its own portal and specific rules.
The Residence Permit for Investment is a specific regime and should not be confused with a normal employee/entrepreneur residence route.
Do not mix legal routes
Permitted investment routes and legal requirements have changed over time. Verify the current route before making a financial commitment.
Your route, step by step
What to check first
01
Check eligibility
AIMA states that ARI does not apply to Portuguese citizens or nationals of the EU/EEA/Andorra/Switzerland.
02
Use Portal ARI
Initial applications and process steps use the dedicated channel.
03
Renewals are electronic
Since 16 February 2026, AIMA states that ARI renewals are handled exclusively through the Renewal Portal, except biometric appointments where necessary.
04
Do not confuse investment with ordinary entrepreneurship
The entrepreneur/self-employment visa is a different route.
Confirm before acting
ARI — AIMA ↗Portal ARI / renewals — AIMA ↗
Rules, channels and fees can change. The official source prevails at the time of filing.