New system to cut delays for Portugal’s Golden Visa applicants
Investors to get biometric appointments within 30 to 90 days
Portugal’s Golden Visa programme, officially known as the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI) scheme, is undergoing a much-needed overhaul.
Authorities have announced the introduction of a digital application system to speed up processing times and clear a massive backlog of pending requests.
The move comes after years of delays that tarnished the programme’s reputation.
Massive backlog of applications
The Golden Visa programme allows foreign investors to obtain residency in Portugal by investing in real estate, businesses, or capital transfers. It has been one of Europe’s most sought-after residency-by-investment schemes, attracting thousands of applications annually. However, slow processing times have caused frustration among investors.
Currently, between 45,000 and 50,000 applications are awaiting review, according to Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA). Investors have faced long waits, with some applicants resorting to legal action to force authorities to process their cases.
Faster biometric appointments for investors
One of the most significant pain points for applicants has been scheduling biometric appointments, where they submit fingerprints and other personal data. In some cases, investors have waited years for this step, preventing them from moving forward with their applications.
According to ThePortugalNews, Lisbon-based immigration lawyer Bettino Zanini described the new system as “good news for investors”, as it will automatically schedule biometric appointments within 30 to 90 days of completing an application. This change is expected to significantly reduce delays and ease the pressure on AIMA.
Key benefits of the Golden Visa
The Golden Visa programme has been in place since 2012 and offers several benefits to investors, including:
- The right to reside and work in Portugal with a minimum stay of seven days per year
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area
- The ability to apply for permanent residency after five years
- A pathway to Portuguese nationality, subject to meeting legal requirements
- Family reunification opportunities
Investment requirements for eligibility
To qualify for the programme, applicants must invest in one of the following areas:
- Creation of at least 10 jobs in Portugal
- Capital transfer of €500,000 or more into research activities
- Capital transfer of €250,000 or more into artistic or cultural heritage projects
- Investment of €500,000 or more in Portuguese investment or venture capital funds
- Establishing a company in Portugal with a capital transfer of €500,000 and the creation of five permanent jobs
Despite the delays, the Golden Visa programme remains one of the most attractive residency schemes in Europe. Since its inception, it has generated over €7 billion in foreign investment, with the majority of applicants coming from China, Brazil, and the United States.