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:
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.
The goal is to resolveall pending applications from 2021 onward between January and December 2025.
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.
Begin applying for aSchengen visa if required to ensure seamless entry into Portugal for yourappointment, as it is expected soon.
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).
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.
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.
Wait for final approval or discuss the possibility of a lawsuit with your lawyer.