Portugal’s Golden Visa program remains a topic of significant interest for international investors, particularly as regulatory changes continue to shape the investment migration landscape.
Pending Applications Cleared
Portugal’s international population continues to grow 1.54 million foreign residents counted in 2024. After years of wait and delays, data from government shows ds of thousands of pending residency and immigration cases have now cleared thanks to country’s backlog clearance programme.
- more than 525,000 immigration files have already received decisions
- around 763,000 appointments have now been completed across multiple immigration categories
- roughly 473,000 of the processed cases approved with positive decision.
- 360,000 renewal cases
Improved Processing Times
The biometrics appointment dates for new applications is significantly improved in 2026. many appointments are being scheduled between September and December 2026 which comes as a good news for golden visa investors.
What Caused Backlogs with AIMA?
The backlogs presented a significant challenge to Portugal government resulting from closure of SEF, the creation of AIMA, shortage of staff and last minute spike in GV applications resulting from closure of real estate pathway. AIMA’s operational capacity remains important to investors restoring confidence in the country when it comes to residence permit approvals, renewals and family applications.
Portugal GVP Still Remains Attractive
The slow processing times resulting from pending backlogs and increased citizenship time has caused uncertainty with golden visa investors to delay or postpone their investment plans. But new government figures suggest Portugal is significant progress in moving pending files by modernising its immigration system – making it highly appealing for foreigners to live, work, study and invest in the country. Portugal plans to clear all pending cases at AIMA by year-end.
Despite all the challenges, the Portuguese PR still remains an attractive option for those who look to settle in Portugal. No changes were made to the PR rules.
New Nationality Law in Force
Portugal has officially published the new Nationality Law in the Diário da República, confirming the latest legislative changes affecting Portuguese nationality procedures and eligibility rules. The important component of nationality law is increased residence time to 10 years (7 years for CPLP/EU nationals).
AIMA Strikes
A nationwide strike at AIMA (the Portuguese immigration agency) is scheduled to take place from June 1-5, 2026. A significant disruption to AIMA services is expected across Portugal during this period, including:
- Cancellation or postponement of scheduled appointments;
- Delays in the processing of immigration applications and requests;
- Reduced response times from AIMA offices and support channels; and
- Potential backlog impacts extending beyond the strike period.
