Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) recently announced a series of significant measures, including the clarification of the start date for residency permits and the introduction of a new application process to address pending requests and optimize services.
1. Clarification of the Residency Start Date
In an online meeting with the Portuguese Bar Association on January 10, AIMA discussed and reached a consensus on Article 15, Paragraph 4 of the Nationality Law. It was decided that the start date for residency permits will be considered from the moment the applicant submits the required documents and makes the initial payment. This decision provides greater clarity and security for investors and immigrants, marking an important step in improving Portugal's immigration policies.
2. Reopening of the Golden Visa Process
AIMA also announced that, starting January 15, it will resume the regularization process for residency permits for investors in the Golden Visa program. According to a statement published on AIMA’s official portal, investors and their family members will be able to submit the necessary documents online. AIMA commits to processing the requests within a maximum of 90 business days from the date of submission.
3. Features and Benefits of the New Process
To enhance service efficiency, AIMA has restructured the residency permit application process. This new procedure is safer, simpler, and more effective, with the following key features:
Online applications and scheduling: Users will reset their passwords on the new platform and request a Unified Payment Document (DUC) to pay the required fees.
Advance payment and automatic scheduling: After paying the fees within 10 business days, users will receive a scheduling proposal within 20 business days.
Updated documents: Before the appointment, applicants must submit updated documents to ensure the analysis is based on valid information.
4. Context of the Reforms and Legal Basis
Under the rules introduced in early 2024 (cf. Article 90, Paragraph 3 of Regulatory Decree No. 84/2007 and Article 5 of Regulatory Decree No. 1/2024), application fees must be paid at the time of submission, applying to both new and pending applications. AIMA emphasized that this reform aims to accelerate the resolution of hundreds of thousands of pending applications and provide a simpler and more efficient experience for users.
5. Economic Importance and the Revival of the Golden Visa
The reactivation of the Golden Visa program is expected to attract more investors to the Portuguese market. According to lawyer Fábio Pimentel, many investors have already allocated funds in real estate, investment funds, and businesses in Portugal but faced delays in obtaining their residency permits. “We’re talking about thousands of people who trusted the government’s promises but didn’t receive a response within the expected timeframe,” he stated.
Moreover, the Golden Visa plays a significant role in revitalizing small towns and restoring historical heritage. Lawyer Elisa Hachem emphasized: “The Golden Visa is an important tool for attracting productive investments and, especially, for revitalizing small towns with abandoned or deteriorated properties.”