Latest Update On The Portuguese Golden Visa

Portugal's AIMA Streamlines Golden Visa Process

Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) is overhauling its Golden Visa (ARI) program to expedite processing times. To address a backlog of applications, AIMA is prioritizing older cases and requiring investors to update their online submissions.

Key Changes:

• Updated Document Submission: Investors must resubmit all basic documentation online, ensuring accuracy and currency.

• Biometric Data Appointments: After successful document submission, AIMA will automatically schedule appointments for biometric data collection. These appointments will begin on January 15, 2025, in chronological order of document uploads, with consultations scheduled 30 to 90 days in advance.

• In-Person Payment: Golden Visa card issuance fees are now payable in person, rather than online.

• Family Member Documentation: Online submissions will now include documentation for family members.

• Processing Time: AIMA aims to decide on applications within 90 days of complete document submission.

• Priority Cases: AIMA is prioritizing biometric data scheduling and resolving abandoned applications.

• Card Validity and Renewals: Existing cards are valid until June 2025. Renewals will be processed in person at AIMA branches, with a dedicated online platform coming soon. Renewed card validity depends on investment type: two years for fund-based investments and three years for real estate.

• Document Requirements: All documents must be current, except for birth and marriage certificates, which can be re-filed. However, using older certificates may cause delays, and a sworn declaration of continued marriage is required.

• Language: Documents are accepted in Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish.

• Appointment Scheduling: AIMA assigns all appointments, which can be at any location in Portugal, including the islands. Investors cannot choose the location, date, or time. Missed appointments due to force majeure, with proof, will be rescheduled for the second half of 2025, potentially requiring updated documents.

• Nationality Eligibility: The five-year residency requirement for nationality applications begins from the initial analysis fee payment date. Therefore, those who applied in 2020 can apply for nationality in 2025.

• Fees: Government fees are subject to change, with separate fees for legalized documents and documents to be legalized.

• Legal advice: Investors are advised to consult with legal professionals

  
  

These changes aim to streamline the Golden Visa process and reduce processing times.