Portugal's immigration agency, AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum), is making significant changes to how they handle Golden Visa applications. These changes are designed to speed things up and clear the backlog of pending cases. Let's break down what these changes are, what they mean, and how they might affect you.

Addressing Golden Visa Delays: A New Approach

The Golden Visa program allows non-EU citizens to gain residency in Portugal by making certain investments. However, like many government processes, it's faced delays. AIMA is now trying to streamline the process by moving to a more digital and organized system.

Key Changes to the Golden Visa Process:

• Digital Submissions: Everything now needs to be uploaded electronically through the ARI portal. This means no more paper submissions, making the process faster and more efficient.
• Chronological Processing: AIMA is prioritizing older applications. This is good news for those who have been waiting a long time. They're trying to clear the backlog by dealing with applications in the order they were received.
• Automatic Biometric Appointments: Starting January 15, 2025, biometric appointments will be booked automatically. This is a big change from the current system, where applicants often struggle to secure appointments.
• Payment at Biometric Appointments: You'll now pay the residence permit fees at your biometric appointment. It's important to note that these fees are substantial (€6,045.20 for certified documents and €8,060.20 for uncertified documents), and payments must be made by card.
• Risk of Abandonment: If your application has been inactive for six months, it might be marked as abandoned. This means you'll have to start the process again under the new rules. It is vital to keep your application active by responding to requests and providing information.

Practical Advice for Golden Visa Applicants:

• Go Digital: Ensure all your documents are digitized and ready for upload. Familiarize yourself with the ARI portal.
• Stay Active: Regularly check your email and the ARI portal for updates. Respond promptly to any requests from AIMA.
• Prepare for Biometrics: Understand the biometric appointment process and have all necessary documents ready.
• Budget for Fees: Be prepared to pay the residence permit fees at your biometric appointment. Ensure you have a card with sufficient funds.
• Seek Professional Help: Consider consulting with an immigration lawyer or Golden Visa specialist. They can help you navigate the process and ensure you meet all requirements.

Why These Changes Matter:

These changes are aimed at making the Golden Visa process more efficient and transparent. By moving to a digital system and prioritizing older applications, AIMA hopes to reduce processing times and clear the backlog. This will benefit both applicants and the Portuguese economy.

For investors, these changes should provide more clarity and certainty. The move to automatic biometric appointments and payments at the appointment stage should also make the process more predictable.

New Portal for "Expressed Interest" Applicants

AIMA has also launched a new portal for immigrants who submitted an "Expression of Interest" in living in Portugal before April 30, 2024, but were not initially included in the list of those called for regularization.

Key Points:

• New Platform: Immigrants who submitted an "Expression of Interest" by June 3, 2024, will receive an email asking them to change their password on the new platform.
• Streamlining the Process: AIMA believes this new portal will make the process simpler and more functional.
• Faster Appointments: The goal is to speed up appointment scheduling. The government aims to clear all pending cases by June 30, 2025.

Understanding "Expression of Interest":

The "Expression of Interest" is a preliminary step for many immigrants seeking residency in Portugal. It allows them to register their intention to live in the country. The new portal is designed to manage these applications more efficiently.

Why This Portal Is Important:

This portal is crucial for thousands of immigrants who have been waiting for updates on their applications. It provides a centralized platform for managing their cases and should lead to faster processing times.

Addressing Missed AIMA Appointments

One of the challenges AIMA faces is that a significant number of applicants fail to show up for their scheduled appointments. Approximately 15% of the 6,000 daily appointments are missed, which hinders the agency's ability to process cases efficiently.

Impact of Missed Appointments:

• Reduced Efficiency: Missed appointments slow down the overall process and prevent others from getting timely assistance.
• Wasted Resources: AIMA allocates resources for each appointment, and missed appointments result in wasted time and effort.
• Increased Backlog: Missed appointments contribute to the backlog of pending cases.

AIMA's Efforts to Improve Efficiency:

Despite these challenges, AIMA has made significant progress in increasing its capacity. The agency, in collaboration with municipalities and partners, has increased its daily service capacity from 1,000 to 6,000 appointments. This expansion aims to regularize 400,000 pending cases.

Practical Advice to Avoid Missed Appointments:

• Set Reminders: Use calendar reminders or other tools to ensure you don't forget your appointment.
• Confirm Appointments: If possible, confirm your appointment with AIMA a few days beforehand.
• Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at your appointment location early to account for any unexpected delays.
• Communicate Changes: If you cannot attend your appointment, notify AIMA as soon as possible to reschedule.

The Bigger Picture: Portugal's Migration Policy

These changes reflect Portugal's ongoing efforts to manage migration effectively. The country aims to balance the need to attract foreign investment and talent with the need to ensure a fair and efficient immigration system.

Portugal's approach to migration is evolving, and AIMA's efforts to streamline processes and address backlogs are a crucial part of this evolution. The agency's focus on digitalization and efficiency should lead to a more transparent and predictable immigration system.

For individuals considering moving to Portugal, whether through the Golden Visa program or other means, it's essential to stay informed about the latest changes and requirements. Seeking professional advice from immigration experts can help navigate the complexities of the process and ensure a smoother transition.

Future Outlook:

AIMA's goal of clearing all pending cases by June 30, 2025, is ambitious. Achieving this goal will require continued effort and collaboration. However, the agency's commitment to digitalization and efficiency suggests that progress is being made.

As Portugal continues to attract foreign investment and talent, it's likely that its immigration policies will continue to evolve. Staying informed and prepared will be key for anyone seeking to live and work in Portugal.