The Investment Residence Permit (ARI) programme, more commonly known as Golden Visas, celebrated nine years of existence in October, the month in which it surpassed a total of €6 billion in funds raised.

According to data from the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF), the ARI grant programme, launched in October 2012, last month saw the overall total reach €6,010,994. In October this year alone, the investment raised €46.4 million, an increase of 72 percent compared to September and 62 percent year-on-year.

Of the more than €6 billion raised in nine years, most continues to correspond to the purchase of real estate, which in October totalled €5,434,644,035, with purchases for urban rehabilitation amounting to €341,919,339.

Since the creation of this instrument, which aims to attract foreign investment, 10,087 Golden Visas have been awarded, with 9,450 visas through the purchase of real estate, 950 of which with a view to urban rehabilitation.

By nationality, China leads the allocation of visas (5,001), followed by Brazil (1,038), Turkey (476), South Africa (422) and Russia (409).

Since the beginning of the programme, 17,014 residence permits have been granted to reunited family members, of which there were 964 this year.

Investment soars in October

In October, investment raised through the programme increased 62 percent year-on-year, to €46.4 million, having grown 72 percent compared to September, according to a report by Lusa based on SEF data.

According to SEF statistical data, 87 ARI were granted in October, 75 of which were related to the acquisition of real estate (28 for urban rehabilitation) and 11 through the capital transfer criterion.

The purchase of real estate last month totalled an investment of €39.6 million, of which €9.5 million were for urban rehabilitation, while the transfer of capital totalled €6.5 million.

By countries, in October 15 golden visas were granted to China, 14 to the USA, eight to India and Russia and four to South Africa.