Measures that speed up the processing of the Golden Visa in Portugal
Portugal has implemented a number of key measures to streamline the processing of applications for the Golden Visa, putting an end to the long delays that have affected investors in recent years.
These reforms respond both to increasing legal pressure and to the need to improve the efficiency of the country's immigration management.
End of an era of Golden Visa delays
For years, the process of obtaining the Golden Visa In Portugal, the process was characterized by significant delays. Thousands of applicants were caught in a bureaucratic system that, in many cases, forced them to wait years to complete essential procedures, such as the biometric appointment required for residency authorization.
The backlog of unresolved applications, which reached between 45,000 and 50,000 cases, began to damage the reputation of one of the investment residency programs. most attractive in Europe.
In response to this crisis, the Portuguese government has taken concrete steps to modernize and speed up the processing procedure.
Digitization of the system and automation of appointments
One of the most significant reforms implemented by the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has been digitization of the system of Golden Visa applications.
This replaces the physical document-based process with an online platform, allowing applicants to migrate their files to the new digital system.
Furthermore, instead of relying on the availability of manual appointments, Aima It will automatically schedule biometric appointments within 30 to 90 days after candidates complete their online application.
This measure will significantly reduce waiting times and eliminate the bottlenecks that had slowed down the handling of applications.
Simplification of documentary requirements
Another key change is the acceptance of documents in English, Spanish, and French without requiring official Portuguese translation. This measure simplifies the process for foreign investors and reduces the administrative burden for immigration authorities.
Judicial pressure: the ruling that requires applications to be resolved within 90 days
In addition to the administrative reforms, the acceleration in the processing of the Golden Visa It also responds to a failure of Supreme Administrative Court of Portugal, which obliges AIMA to resolve all residency applications in one maximum of 90 daysThis ruling seeks to guarantee the rights of applicants and put an end to situations of inaction on the part of immigration authorities.
In the event of non-compliance, AIMA's leaders could face personal financial penalties, which reinforces the organization's obligation to meet the established deadlines.
This resolution is especially relevant for foreign investors seeking a fast and secure way to obtain residency in Portugal.
Impact on international investors
TAI-certified Golden Visa in Portugal It has been one of the most successful in Europe, generating more than 7,000 billion euros since its creation in 2012. Most applicants come from China, Brazil and the United States, who are looking for flexible residency that allows them to live in Portugal without needing to stay in the country for more than seven days a year.
Recent reforms and judicial pressure to expedite processes reinforce confidence in this program, making Portugal an attractive destination for investors seeking global mobility and access to the Schengen area.
AIM Global, trusted advisors to emigrate to Portugal
The new measures adopted by Portugal mark a turning point, eliminating the long waiting times that had generated uncertainty among applicants.
The digitization of the system, the automation of biometric appointments, and the legal obligation to resolve applications within 90 days ensure that the program regains its efficiency and appeal.
At AIM Global we have a team of experts ready to advise you, whether you are looking to obtain the Portugal's Golden Visa, or any of the other visas and investment opportunities that this country offers.
Request a free advisory meeting And start living your new projects now.
