Gouveia e Melo accused Marques Mendes of being involved in the golden visa case, but that was not quite right — it was his former partners. Mendes also accused the retired admiral of having advocated the return of compulsory military service, which was likewise not entirely correct.
Marques Mendes did not disclose his law firm's clients, and Gouveia e Melo said he would dissolve Passos for failure to fulfil promises
Tuesday, 23 December 2025RSS
Context & Explainers
The Golden Visa (Autorização de Residência para Investimento, ARI) is Portugal's residence-by-investment program, created in 2012, granting non-EU nationals a residency permit in exchange for qualifying investments.
Since October 2023, direct residential real estate purchases no longer qualify — a reform aimed at easing housing market pressure. Eligible investment routes now include capital transfers (€500,000+), investment fund subscriptions, job creation, and contributions to scientific research or cultural heritage. Minimum amounts and conditions vary by category.
A Golden Visa provides Schengen travel rights, requires minimal physical presence in Portugal (7 days per year), and offers a pathway to permanent residency after five years and citizenship after six. The program has been politically controversial, with ongoing debate about its impact on housing prices and its value as an economic stimulus.
Applicants must deal with AIMA for residency processing, which has experienced significant backlogs.
