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Portugal's Golden Visa Program has undergone significant changes to improve efficiency and address the application backlog. The new measures include a fully digital application process, automated biometric appointments, and stricter deadlines.
Dreaming of living in Portugal? Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) of Portugal has unveiled new measures to tackle the backlog of applications under its popular Golden Visa Program, aiming to enhance efficiency and simplify the process.
This program, one of the most sought-after in Europe, offers residency to non-EU nationals in exchange for financial investments in Portugal.
What is Portugal’s Golden Visa Program?
For those unfamiliar, Portugal’s Golden Visa Program grants residency to non-EU citizens in exchange for investment in the country. This program unlocks the door to living, working, and studying in Portugal, with the added benefit of visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area.
Key Updates to the Golden Visa Application Process
Recent changes to the Golden Visa application process, as highlighted by AIMA, aim to prioritize older applications and embrace digital tools for efficiency. Below are the main updates:
1. Mandatory Electronic Submissions: All applicants must upload documents via the ARI portal, ensuring a fully digital application process.
2. Automated Biometric Appointments: Starting January 15, 2025, biometric appointments will be scheduled automatically, simplifying the process for applicants.
3. Revised Fee Structure: Residence permit fees will now be paid during biometric appointments and all payments must be made via card.
• Certified documents: €6,045.20 per application
• Uncertified documents: €8,060.20 per application
4. Inactive Applications Marked as Abandoned: Applicants inactive for over six months risk having their requests marked as abandoned, requiring them to reapply under the updated rules.
These adjustments aim to streamline the process and address the backlog effectively.
New Portal for Immigrants Expressing Interest
AIMA has also launched a new portal for immigrants who expressed interest in living in Portugal before April 30, 2024, but did not make it onto the list of over 400,000 individuals prioritized for document regularization.
• Applicants who submitted an Expression of Interest by June 3, 2024, will receive an email prompting them to update their passwords on the platform.
• This portal promises a user-friendly process and quicker appointments.
The government has set an ambitious goal to resolve all pending cases by June 30, 2025, ensuring a smoother experience for applicants.
Challenges in Addressing Backlogs
Despite the improvements, challenges persist. AIMA reports that 15% of daily appointments, out of the 6,000 scheduled, are missed due to applicants failing to show up. This significantly impacts the agency’s ability to respond efficiently to pending cases.
A Streamlined Future for Golden Visa Applicants
Portugal aims to create a simpler, more functional application process. These changes will enable quicker appointment scheduling, and the AIMA plans to eliminate the backlog by June 30, 2025.
Why Portugal’s Golden Visa Program Stands Out
The Golden Visa Program of Portugal remains one of Europe’s most popular residency-by-investment initiatives. It offers several benefits for non-EU nationals, including:
• Access to the Schengen Zone, enabling visa-free travel across 27 European countries.
• Pathway to permanent residency or citizenship after five years without requiring physical residency.
• Investment options such as real estate purchases, job creation, or research funding.
Important Tips for Applicants
• Familiarize yourself with the new online portal and electronic document submission process.
• Be proactive in scheduling your biometric appointment upon notification.
• Stay active on your application to avoid abandonment.
• Consider seeking professional guidance from immigration specialists to navigate the program’s intricacies.
Portugal’s Golden Visa Program remains an attractive option for those seeking residency in Europe. With a focus on efficiency and transparency, AIMA’s latest measures pave the way for a smoother application journey. Are you ready to embark on your Portuguese adventure?
Source: https://travelobiz.com/portugal-revamps-golden-visa-program-key-changes-for-2025-applicants/
