Key Location and Contacts
Rua das Pedras Negras, 16, 1100-534 Lisbon
Email: arvore-portugal@iom.int
Phone Number/Whatsapp:
For in-person assistance, contact OIM first to arrange an appointment.
Assisted Voluntary Return
What is it?
ARVoRe IX – Programa de Apoio ao Retorno Voluntário e à Reintegração is a programme implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM/OIM) in Portugal.
It supports migrants who are third-country nationals, who wish to voluntarily return to their country of origin but do not have the financial means to do so.
The programme aims to make return safe, dignified and informed, and can provide assistance before departure, during the journey and, in eligible cases, after arrival in the country of origin.
The programme can provide:
- A flight ticket to the country of origin, using the most direct and economical route
- €70 in cash on the day of travel to cover expenses that may arise during the journey
- Individual counselling and information about the return process
- Assistance at Lisbon Airport on the day of departure
- Assistance with reintegration in the country of origin, subject to individual assessment and approval.
Who can Apply?
The programme is intended for third-country nationals living in Portugal who:
- Have been in Portugal for more than three months;
- Wish to voluntarily return to their country of origin, or to another third country where their admission is guaranteed;
- Do not have the financial means to cover the cost of returning;
- Meet the programme's eligibility requirements.
The programme can be accessed regardless of the person's current immigration status.
In what situations you may NOT be eligible?
You may not be able to benefit from the programme if:
- You are a national of an EU Member State or a direct family member of an EU citizen;
- You have legal/judicial issues in Portugal that prevent you from returning to your country of origin;
- You have already benefited from the programme in the past;
- You provide false information.
Step-by-Step guide
- Contact OIM: Contact OIM Portugal by email or WhatsApp and explain your situation. The OIM team will provide confidential, individualised information about the programme and the support available.
- Make an informed decision: OIM will explain the procedures, conditions and possible consequences of participating in the programme.The decision to return is voluntary, and you can take time to consider whether you wish to proceed.
- Register for the programme: If you decide to proceed, OIM will arrange your registration and an interview. People living outside Lisbon can also be referred to one of OIM's partner organisations closer to their place of residence.
- Psychosocial support: After registering, you may request psychosocial support before returning to your country of origin.
- Travel arrangements: Once the application has been approved and you are ready to travel, OIM will arrange the flight. On the day of departure, OIM will meet you at Lisbon Airport and assist you with the departure procedures. The programme currently provides €70 in cash for expenses that may arise during the journey.
- Reintegration support: Depending on the circumstances of the individual case, OIM may provide support for reintegration in the country of origin. This may include support related to areas such as professional training, employment or the creation of a small business
Documents Required
For the initial registration, applicants should normally have:
- Passport, valid or expired
- A document showing their family relationship/parentage, (only if this information is not included in the passport)
- Residence permit, if they have or previously had one
- Any other documents that may be relevant to their individual situation
If you do not have an identity document, contact OIM directly rather than assuming that you cannot apply.
What happens after the programme?
IMPORTANT!
Participating in the Assisted Voluntary Return programme has legal consequences.
Under Portuguese law, a person who leaves Portugal with support under the voluntary return programme may be subject to a non-admission measure of up to three years.
If the person holds a Portuguese residence permit, they must surrender it at the border when departing and will lose the residence right associated with that permit.
During the relevant three-year period, returning to Portugal or to other territories covered by the applicable legal regime generally requires the person to reimburse the total amount received through the programme, plus legal interest.
There are exceptions provided for by law, including certain cases involving temporary protection and exceptional short-stay visas for humanitarian reasons.
If you want to return to Portugal before the three-year period ends
You should contact the Portuguese diplomatic mission or consular post responsible for your place of residence.
The request is then handled with the competent Portuguese authorities, which determine the amount that must be reimbursed and the conditions for doing so.
Community Tips and Learning
News to be aware of
The ARVoRe programme operates in different editions. The current programme is ARVoRe IX, which covers the 2024–2026 period. Information from older editions, such as ARVoRe VII or VIII, may contain different amounts, contact details or programme conditions.
Always confirm the current conditions directly with OIM Portugal before making travel or immigration decisions, and only use contact details published by OIM Portugal, AIMA or other official/recognised partner organisations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the Assisted Voluntary Return Programme
Yes. Families can apply, including cases involving minors. Each person is assessed as part of the application.
Where we are
Rua Carvalho Araújo 66-B1900-140 Lisboa
Portugal
How to Get Here
- Metro: Linha Verde (Green Line) - Intendente Station
- Bus: 708, 730, 742, 794
Opening hours
- Mon, Tue, Thu
- 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30
- Wednesday (Extended)
- Until 19:30
- Friday
- Until 18:30
No appointment needed. Just walk in.