Guides for donors and their advisers
Plain-English guides to the Donation Golden Visa, the ARI Cultural route, written for donors and for the immigration agencies, lawyers and tax and wealth advisers who work with them.
Understand
How the route works
The rule, the process, the cost and where the donation goes. Start here.
UnderstandThe Donation Golden Visa explainedThe rule, who receives the donation, and how a project is approved.Read the guide →
UnderstandWhere the donation goesThe foundations, government approval and donor recognition.Read the guide →
UnderstandProcess and timelineFour steps, 12 to 18 months to the residence card.Read the guide →
UnderstandWhat it costsGovernment fees in force from 1 March 2026, with a family example.Read the guide →
UnderstandWhat changed in 2026The new Nationality Law, the fee re-index and the new immigration law.Read the guide →
UnderstandAIMA processing timesThe facts behind the noise.Read the guide →
Free guide
The Complete Guide to Portugal's Donation Golden Visa
The route, the costs, donation vs fund, and the projects. Free.
- How the route works, and what changed in 2026
- Government fees, with a family-of-four example
- GEPAC's figures, and the projects
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Compare
How it compares
The same permit through an investment fund, and the other Golden Visa routes in Europe.
Life after the donation
Living with the permit
Family, the stay rule, citizenship, healthcare, and what residency in Portugal gives you.
Life after the donationYour familyWho can be included on one donation.Read the guide →
Life after the donationResidence to citizenshipThe stay requirement, renewals and permanent residence.Read the guide →
Life after the donationThe language requirementA2 Portuguese, the CIPLE exam and the new civic test.Read the guide →
Life after the donationHealthcare in PortugalPublic access, private care and insurance.Read the guide →
Life after the donationWhat residency gives youYour rights, Schengen travel and the limits.Read the guide →
Life after the donationFor AmericansWhy Americans are the largest group of donors.Read the guide →
Sources: every guide links its primary sources: GEPAC, AIMA and Diário da República.
Keep exploring
GuideHow the Donation Golden Visa worksThe rule, who receives the donation, and how a project is approved.DirectoryBrowse all projectsEvery cultural project on GEPAC's lists, in English.Cascais VenturesCascais Ventures exclusive projectsThe projects we structure and co-produce, each with its own page.QuestionsAll questionsAnswers on costs, family, timelines and what happens if a project is cancelled.