The Portuguese Immigration Authority (AIMA) will be implementing a fast track procedure to complete all pending Golden Visa applications during the Q1/Q2 2025 to meet the government set target of closing backlog by summer of 2025. This new system will be processing the entire process digitally up to the biometrics stage, which appointment will be scheduled immediately upon resubmission of the online application. The payment of the card issuance fee will also be made on the date of collection of the biometrics.
AIMA has made changes to its policy regarding the analysis of online records and scheduling for Investment Residence Authorization (ARI) applications. These changes prioritize older requests and implement electronic processing of residence authorization applications. The current procedure requires all applicants and legal representatives to complete their pending applications via the ARI portal, preceding the request for the residence authorization grant, in accordance with paragraph 16 of Article 65-D of Decree-Law no. 84/2007, of November 5.
Consequently, applications previously marked as “under review” have been automatically updated to “awaiting submission,” allowing document updates. Similarly, applications marked as “accepted” will also be updated to “awaiting submission,” enabling incomplete processes to proceed as outlined below.
Upon receiving this notification, you may submit new documents, update the validity of previously submitted ones, and address formalities, such as submitting certified copies.
UPDATING ARI APPLICATIONS ON THE ARI PORTAL
Submit all legally required documentation as per paragraph 16 of Article 65-D of Decree-Law no. 84/2007, of November 5. All documents must be valid, legalized (if issued abroad and preferably translated into Portuguese or English), and preferably certified according to applicable legislation. If submitting uncertified documentation, the originals must be presented at the in-person appointment.
Upload documentation for ARI applications for both investors and their family members.
Ensure that no document exceeds 2MB. If necessary, split the document into parts.
APPOINTMENTS
- After updating the application as outlined above, AIMA will automatically register an appointment for an in-person visit to an AIMA service center, following the chronological order of application updates.
- These appointments will commence on January 15, 2025, and must occur at least 30 days and no more than 90 days after scheduling.
- Justified and documented cases of inability to attend the scheduled date will be rescheduled for the second half of 2025.
- Depending on flow management and family size, applicants may not have the option to choose the service center.
IN-PERSON APPOINTMENT
- During the in-person appointment, biometric data will be collected from the foreign citizen, and their presence in Portuguese territory will be confirmed as per clause (c), paragraph 1 of Article 77 of Law no. 23/2007, of July 4.
- Present the initial application form and passport, as well as any uncertified documentation submitted on the portal, for verification.
PAYMENT OF FEES
All process-related fees must be paid during the in-person appointment.
Payments will only be accepted via card (TPA). If required, prior authorization from
the respective banking authority should be obtained.
This way, AIMA significantly reduces waiting time and speeds up the processing time of applications.
