The Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro, has announced that the pending cases at AIMA will be resolved by the end of this year, which will allow for improved services in 2026. The aim of the government is give fresh start to 2026 with no backlog cases. To improve efficiency, AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) has recruited additional staff and upgraded digital platforms for scheduling appointments.
So far, 900,000 cases have been processed by AIMA, including expressions of interest, CPLP residencies, and automatic renewals. Expects Reaching 1 million cases resolved by the end of this year. To speed up service, the government is investing in more technology, better telephone service, and increased capacity at in-person offices.
Immigration Bill
According to several news sources, the new proposed amendment to the immigration law (which focuses mainly on family reunification requirements for standard residencies and the terms of access to the courts in actions against AIMA). The new changes brings in line with the Constitution of the Republic, maintains the two-year period of valid residence to request family reunification, but allows for several exceptions, including for married couples and minors.
The proposal comes after the Constitutional Court struck down the bill initially put forward by the Government together with the opposition party Chega and still needs to be discussed at the Parliament.
“Golden Visa applicants are excluded from these measures”
Nationality Law
The review of the Nationality Law, which is expected to resume only after the municipal elections scheduled for October 12.
The proposed amendments have not yet been disclosed, the discussion has not been scheduled, and the matter therefore remains at a very early stage of a complex legislative process
Many experts have criticised the amendments saying breach of constitutional principles.
Worst case scenario
Should the above laws be implemented, Portugal is still attractive for golden visa holders…
- Maintain investments for 5 year period.
- Apply for permanent residency after 5 years (minimal residency)
- Apply for Nationality after 10 years.
