- The Government has taken immediate measures and set a mission to clear all pending applications latest by June 30, 2025.
- Portugal accumulated backlog of over 400,000 residence permit applications from previous years. Over 250,000 applications have already been cleared and only 150,000 pending by end of 2024.
- The Online application process has been streamlined with use of AI technology for faster efficient processing reducing delays for biometric appointments.
- Staff at AIMA has been increased to meet the service capacity to 800 from 60. Additional 50 consular officers appointed at Portugal embassy staff worldwide. Current AIMA is able to serve 6000 immigrant appointments per day, from the previous 800).
The Portuguese Immigration Office (AIMA) implementing an accelerated procedure in order to complete all pending Golden Visa applications during the 1st semester of 2025, thus matching the official promise announced by the Government last summer.
This new proceeding consists of 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.
The Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) began 2025 by intensifying efforts to clear approximately 450,000 pending residency authorization applications by June 30. The strategy includes sending messages requesting payment of fees to expedite the processing of applications. Experts like Fábio Knauer highlight the political pressure on AIMA, which gained prominence after Luís Montenegro’s government prioritized migration issues. Measures such as creating a task force and expanding service centers increased AIMA’s capacity from 800 to 6,000 people per day. The goal is to ensure that by the end of the deadline, there are no backlogs or complaints remaining.
AIMA has revised its online registration analysis policy and scheduling for ARI (Golden Visa) applications to prioritize older submissions and process concession requests electronically. The procedure will involve inviting all applicants and legal representatives to complete applications currently marked as ‘AWAIT ANALYSIS’ on the ARI Portal, which precedes the residence permit concession phase. Consequently, the status of applications previously marked as ‘UNDER ANALYSIS’ has been updated to ‘WAITING TO BE SENT,’ enabling the update of application documents. Similarly, applications marked as ‘ACCEPT’ have also been changed to ‘WAITING TO BE SENT,’ allowing those not yet formalized in person to proceed as described. Once a notification is received, it will be possible to submit new documents, update the validity of previously submitted ones, and correct any formalities.”
