Is there an official government website to apply for the Portugal golden visa, and how do I avoid scams?

Yes. New applications are lodged through AIMA’s official ARI Portal. The investor or a duly authorised lawyer can create the application, upload documents, register family members and generate the DUC for fees. Document review starts online; the initial biometric appointment and identity checks are in person. Renewals are currently processed through AIMA’s Renewals Portal, with biometrics only if requested. Verify a lawyer in the Portuguese Bar Association register and confirm the fund, manager and relevant registrations in the CMVM database. Never rely on a logo or the phrase ‘government approved fund’. Common scams include guaranteed residence or citizenship, selling the closed property route, paid ‘priority’ appointments, personal bank accounts, false AIMA emails and undisclosed referral commissions.

David Simões Fitas, Ordem dos Advogados 67185P