Portugal’s AIMA Implements New Steps to Tackle Golden Visa Processing Delays

Key Takeaways

1. Portugal's AIMA has implemented new measures to address delays in the Golden Visa Program's application process.
2. The updates aim to streamline the application procedure for faster processing.
3. A new portal has been launched for applicants with uninvited expressed interest.

Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) has rolled out new measures to address the backlog of applications for the Golden Visa Program.

The Golden Visa Program grants residency to non-EU nationals in exchange for financial investments in Portugal.

According to a report from Get Golden Visa, AIMA has notified applicants of significant changes to the application process aimed at streamlining the procedure. The updates introduce a more digital and chronological approach to prioritize older applications. All submissions must now be made electronically.

The key updates include:

• Applicants are required to upload documents electronically via the ARI portal.
• Starting January 15, 2025, biometric appointments will be automatically scheduled, with upgrades considered in the process.
• Residency permit fees will be collected during biometric appointments. Certified documents will cost €6,045.20 per application, while uncertified documents will cost €8,060.20. Payments must be made by card.
• Applicants with pending cases that have been inactive for six months risk having their applications marked as abandoned and will need to reapply under the new rules.

New Portal for Uninvited Expressed Interest Applicants

AIMA has also launched a new portal for immigrants who expressed interest in living in Portugal by April 30, 2024, but were not included in the list of over 400,000 people invited to regularize their documentation in Portugal.

According to Publico, applicants who submitted an Expression of Interest by June 3, 2024, will receive an email prompting them to reset their password on the new platform.

The agency expects these changes to simplify the process, with appointments expected to be scheduled faster as the government targets clearing all pending cases by June 30, 2025.

15% of AIMA Appointments Remain Unfilled

Approximately 15% of the 6,000 daily appointments offered by AIMA go unfilled due to applicants failing to show up, limiting the system’s effectiveness.

In a recent discussion on "New Migrations and Talent Attraction," AIMA leader Pedro Portugal Gaspar highlighted that the agency, in collaboration with municipalities and partners, has increased daily service capacity from 1,000 to 6,000, with the goal of regularizing 400,000 pending cases.