The AIMA immigration agency will be reopening 90 day processing service, starting from January 15, 2025, for ARI residence authorization procedure (with family reunification), for people who have invested at least €500,000 euros in Portugal through investment fund or capital transfer in companies creating atleast 10 jobs .
AIMA promises that decisions on applications will be made within a maximum of 90 days, counting from the date of submission of the documents. The faster processing also applies to those investors who have their residency permit applications have been in the ‘under review’ status.
Investors will be able to choose, electronically, the service point where they will have their biometrics taken and the necessary documents submitted. They will also have the right to define the day, month and time to be received at the agency’s offices. It is important to note that some of those who applied for Golden Visas do not live in Portugal, as there is an obligation to spend only seven days per year in the country. Therefore, AIMA will allow the process, up until the collection of the investors’ biometric data, to be conducted by legal representatives in Portugal. All scheduling information will be confirmed via email.
By resuming the process of granting residence to Golden Visa holders, Portugal wants to attract new investors and investments into the country. Some of those who applied for Golden Visas do not live in Portugal, as there is an obligation to spend only seven days for first year and fourteen days from second year onwards in the country. The Portuguese golden visa program also provides a path to citizenship after five years with minimal conditions unlike other EU states.
Source: Publico.pt
