Important and positive updates on Portugal Golden Visa application delays - January 2025

We are pleased to share the latest updates regarding the delays in Portugal’s Golden Visa application process from AIMA(ex SEF) the Immigration Office, marking a significant step forward and offering hope for quicker resolutions after years of setbacks:

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Streamlined Process with New Changes

Transition from a manual, paper-based system to a fully electronic process.

Expansion of branch locations for biometric appointments.

Increase in human resources to expedite application reviews.

Timeline

The goal is to resolveall pending applications from 2021 onward between January and December 2025.

Action Required by Applicants

Update personaldocuments (e.g., Criminal Record & Tax ID) to ensure smooth biometricscheduling and provide them to your Portuguese lawyer for re-submission. Oncedocuments are re-uploaded, biometric appointments may be scheduled within 30–90days.

For Investors Attending Biometric Appointments

Begin applying for aSchengen visa if required to ensure seamless entry into Portugal for yourappointment, as it is expected soon.

Approval Fee Logistics

The €6,045 fee perapplicant must now be transferred before biometric appointments to the law firmfor prompt payment to AIMA (previously paid later at approval).

Challenges and Outlook

While over 55,000pending applications, including renewals, pose a significant backlog, these adjustments, combined with political will, bring optimism for a more efficient and expedited process.

Key Recommendations:

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For those awaiting biometric appointments:

A lawsuit may no longer be necessary, as the updated process promises faster resolutions. If you have an ongoing lawsuit, consider letting it run until your biometric appointment and consult with your lawyer.

For those who have completed biometric appointments and are waiting for their card issuance:

Wait for finalapproval or discuss the possibility of a lawsuit with your lawyer.

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