Navigating the Maze: Portugal's Golden Visa Delays and Their Impact on Expats
- Suf Zen (Asaf Eyzenkot)
- Jan 28
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
Imagine Sarah, a successful entrepreneur from the United States, captivated by Portugal's rich culture, pleasant climate, and the promise of seamless travel within the Schengen Zone.
Eager to make Portugal her Second Base, she invested €500,000 in a charming Lisbon property, anticipating a smooth journey to obtaining her Golden Visa.
However, Sarah's dream faces an unexpected challenge.
The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), responsible for processing Golden Visa applications, is grappling with significant delays.
Reports indicate that applications are taking over a year, sometimes up to three years, to process.
Internal issues, including allegations of despotism and nepotism, have further complicated the situation, leading to a backlog that leaves many applicants in limbo.

Consider the case of a multinational corporation planning to relocate its executives to Portugal. The prolonged processing times disrupt strategic plans, causing frustration among key personnel and potentially leading the company to reconsider its investment.
On the flip side, local businesses, such as real estate agencies and law firms specializing in immigration services, experience a surge in demand, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities these delays present.
The ripple effects of these delays extend across various sectors:
Real Estate: Properties remain unoccupied longer, affecting sellers and developers.
Legal Services: Increased demand for assistance with prolonged applications.
Tourism and Hospitality: Potential residents may delay or cancel relocation plans, impacting local businesses.
In response to these challenges, AIMA has initiated measures to streamline the process, including mandatory electronic document submissions and automatic scheduling of biometric appointments.
While these steps aim to reduce delays, it remains to be seen how effective they will be in addressing the root causes of the backlog.
Our Recommendations for those considering the Golden Visa route:
Stay Informed: Regularly check official AIMA communications for updates on application procedures.
Prepare Thoroughly: Ensure all documentation is complete and submitted promptly to avoid additional delays.
Seek Professional Advice: Engage with legal experts familiar with the Portuguese immigration system EARLY IN THE PROCESS to navigate the complexities effectively.
Navigating the intricacies of the Golden Visa process can be daunting.
Our trusted partners specialize in immigration law, real estate investment, and relocation services, offering tailored solutions to meet your needs.
We are all here to ensure a smoother transition to your new life in Portugal.
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