09/17/2026
Portugal residence-permit options that can currently be processed while the applicant is already in Portugal, the four routes you mentioned need an important distinction:
Article 90 — for highly qualified activity. AIMA has a specific residence-permit procedure under Article 90, but eligibility depends on the highly qualified role and the applicable admission conditions; it is not a general “job contract → TRC” route.
Article 91 — relates to higher-education students. Whether someone already in Portugal can use it without first obtaining a residence visa depends on the specific exemption/conditions applicable to their situation; simply enrolling does not automatically create eligibility.
StartUP Visa — Article 89(4) — this is the certified-incubator/startup route. AIMA currently lists a specific residence-permit procedure for immigrant entrepreneurs under Article 89(4).
Golden Visa / ARI — Article 90-A — yes, this is specifically designed with exemption from a residence visa. The applicant must make a qualifying investment and satisfy the ARI requirements. Current qualifying routes include 10 jobs, €500,000 qualifying non-real-estate funds/research, €250,000 cultural investment, and qualifying business-capital/job-creation structures. Real-estate investment itself no longer qualifies.
