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AIMA Update on Important Changes to Golden Visa Procedures

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Further to the announcement last week, we’re bringing you the latest updates from AIMA regarding the Golden Visa procedures. During a recent clarification session with lawyers, AIMA outlined key changes aimed at streamlining the process and addressing current challenges. These updates impact both ongoing and new applications, requiring action from investors and their families. To keep you informed and prepared, we’ve summarized the most relevant details below.

Whether you’re already in the process or planning to apply, these insights will help you navigate the new requirements effectively.

Application Resubmission

1. What documents need to be updated for the Golden Visa application?

All expired documents must be updated, except for birth and marriage certificates, which can be reused if they were valid and legalized/ apostilled at the time of the analysis fee payment. However, reusing these documents may cause delays due to manual compliance verification.  

2. Can I reuse the previous birth and marriage certificates for resubmission?

Yes, old birth and marriage certificates can be reused if they were valid and legalized/apostilled when the analysis fee was paid.  However, this may result in processing delays.  If you would like to reuse your previous documents, a written statement confirming that the marriage remains valid must be sent by you to your lawyer.  

3. What are the new documents need for resubmission that were not needed previously?

  • A complete scan of all passport pages
  • Your Tax ID document, legalized or apostilled

4. Are there any simplified requirements for this resubmission?

Yes.  AIMA now accepts documents in Portuguese, English, French or Spanish.  So there is no need for translation documents are in these languages.

Also, your lawyer can certify documents submitted online as compliant with the originals. If this certification is completed, there is no need to bring originals to the biometric appointment, except for the passport, proof of legal entry, and AIMA form.  While this is additional work for the lawyer, this may help in speeding up the approval process.  While some law firm may charge separately for this services.  We will be offering this additional services to our clients for free.

5. Why is the portal only allow resubmission for main applicant?  What about family members?

AIMA is working to reopen applications for family members as well. Currently, The portal only allows the resubmission of the main applicant due to system limitations. We anticipate that resubmission for family members will be opened as soon as they solve the technical issue.

6. When is the best time to submit a new or resubmitted application on the AIMA platform?

AIMA is currently doing some system update to the application platform.  It is recommended to submit new or resubmitted applications after January 15, 2025, when platform updates are expected to be completed.

7. What happens if I don’t do any resubmission of my Golden Visa application?

Applications that remain inactive for six months after notification of the new procedure may be considered abandoned.

Biometric Appointment

8. When will notifications for biometric appointments start, and how much notice will be given?

Notifications for biometric appointments will start as soon as January 15, 2025.  You will be notified 30 to 90 days before for your biometric appointments.  

9. Can I choose the location and date for my biometric appointment in Portugal?

No, the appointment location will be assigned by AIMA and may include any region in Portugal, including the islands. Applicants cannot choose the location, date nor time of the appointment. Office for taking biometrics will be now be expanded to many more location points throughout the country.

10. What happens if I need to reschedule my biometric appointment?

You can rescheduling if you provide a valid justification, such as for medical reasons. Appointment can only be reschedule in the second half of 2025. Updated documents may also be requested.

11. What documents do I need to bring to my biometric appointment for the Golden Visa?

Applicants must bring the following documents to their biometric appointment:

  • Passport
  • Proof of legal entry
  • AIMA form

12. What proof of legal entry is required for the Golden Visa biometrics appointment?

Proof of legal entry can be demonstrated using one of the following:

  • A stamp at the Portuguese border.
  • A declaration of entry from the GNR/PSP police station.
  • Proof of foreign registration made by your hotel, including all applicants.

About Renewal

13. Will renewals for the Golden Visa still be processed online?

No, renewals will once again require an in-person process. A platform for requesting renewal appointments will be introduced in the coming months.

About Citizenship

14. How does AIMA determine the 5-year residency period for nationality applications?

The 5-year residency count begins from the date the analysis fee for the original online submission was paid. This must be one of the best news for applicants!  Those who have applied for Golden Visa in 2020 will be able to apply for citizenship this year!  

15.  What about the 7 days per year or 14 days per 2 years stay requirement, when do I have to come and stay?

The stay requirement only applies after your get your resident card, and you must stay the 14 days per the card’s 2 year period.  You do not have to meet any stay requirement while you are waiting for your approval and first card. 

These are about all the major points that were touched on with the meeting with AIMA yesterday.  We will attend another session with AIMA next Tuesday.  If clients have any further issues that want to clarify, please let us know.

Get Started Today

Staying informed is key to ensuring a smooth application journey. At The Golden Portugal, we pride ourselves on being your trusted experts in this field. With firsthand information directly from AIMA and an in-depth understanding of the Golden Visa procedures, we are uniquely positioned to guide you every step of the way.

Our team’s expertise, combined with years of experience in navigating the complexities of Portuguese immigration, ensures that you have the most accurate and reliable guidance at your disposal. Choosing us means partnering with a team that is committed to your success. Trust us to turn the often-complicated Golden Visa process into a seamless and stress-free experience.

With the recent progress of speeding up the approval process, there is NO MORE EXCUSES to delay applying for your Portugal Golden Visa (World’s Number One Immigration by Investment Program). 

Fill out the form below for a free consultation and start your journey to a better future in Portugal!

We have helped more than 500 families on their Portugal Golden Visa journey. 

We are also the pioneer firm to help clients to invest through funds back from 2020 until now. Come talk with us.

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