At the end of last year 2024, it was communicated by AIMA, I.P. to all investors and/or their legal representatives the change in policy regarding the analysis of applications submitted online as well as scheduling visits to the Services to collect the biometric data of the Investor and their family members, in order to prioritize older residence permit applications. Therefore, Investors were notified to resubmit, online and updated, all basic documentation for the Golden Visa application, as well as correct any formalities or irregularities existing in the application. After submitting the legal documentation inherent to the application, duly valid and legalized and in chronological order regarding the updating process of ongoing applications, AIMA, I.P. will automatically proceed and provide the appointment for the Investor to be present in one of the agency offices.
There are also changes regarding payment for the issuance of the respective Golden Visa Cards, now being made in person, contrary to what was previously the case. This will make it possible to submit documentation online, including information concerning Family members. AIMA's promise is that decisions on requests will be made within a maximum of 90 days from the date of submission of the documents. To this end, priority is being given to requests awaiting scheduling for the collection of biometric data and resolution of abandoned requests. Biometric consultations are being scheduled from January 15, 2025, in chronological order of document upload. Consultations can be made 30 to 90 days in advance.
Existing cards remain valid until June 2025. Renewals will continue to be processed in person at AIMA branches. In the coming months, a specific platform for scheduling renewal appointments will be made available. The validity of the renewed card varies according to the type of investment: two years for fund-based investments and three years for real estate investment. Government fees are subject to change, as follows:
- Legalized documents: €6,045.20 per process
- Documents to be legalized: €8,060.20 per process
Regarding the documentation to be submitted, all documents must be up to date. Exception for Birth and Marriage Certificates that can be re-filed, that is, the legalized Certificates presented at the time of payment of the initial analysis fee can be presented. However, the use of these documents may result in greater delays in terms of validation and compliance.
We advise investors to consult with their lawyers to obtain the best advice at this level. If you choose to use these Certificates again, a written declaration is required from the Investor, under oath, declaring that he/she is still married. To facilitate the entire process, documents can be presented in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish.
All appointments will be assigned by AIMA and can be in any location within the national territory, including the Islands. Investors cannot choose the location, date or time of the consultation. If they are unable to attend at the scheduled time, they can justify their absence for reasons of force majeure, for example, by presenting a medical certificate and a new appointment will be assigned for the second half of 2025, and updated documents may be requested.
Note regarding Nationality, the 5 years of residence count from the moment of payment of the initial analysis fee, which means that anyone who formally submitted the application in 2020 can apply for Nationality this year! We will be attentive to new communications regarding this matter and will return to it with the appropriate updates.
Dra Daniela Costa - Lawyer
Dra Margarida Vieira Mendes - Lawyer
Martínez Echevarría & Ferreira
Source: https://www.martinezechevarriaferreira.pt/en/informative-notes
