After months of delays and uncertainty, the Portugal Golden Visa is officially back in motion. The country’s revamped immigration agency, AIMA (Agência para a Imigração e Mobilidade de Autorizações), has announced the resumption of application processing, sparking renewed hope for investors eager to secure European residency through Portugal’s highly sought-after investment migration program.
This development marks a crucial turning point for both the government and prospective applicants, following a turbulent 2023 that saw extensive bureaucratic delays after the dismantling of the former SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras).
AIMA Clears the Backlog: Golden Visa Processing Resumes
According to local reports, AIMA has made significant progress in addressing the massive backlog of applications that had piled up during the transition period from SEF. The agency confirmed that it is now actively working through Golden Visa applications and has implemented a more streamlined digital system to handle submissions.
This comes as a welcome relief for thousands of investors who had submitted their documentation under previous legislation and were left in limbo due to operational chaos within the immigration services.
AIMA officials noted that the current focus is on processing “pending applications submitted before October 2023,” but new applications submitted under the updated investment routes are also being evaluated.
What’s Changed in the Portugal Golden Visa Program?
Portugal’s Golden Visa program underwent significant reforms in 2023. The most notable change was the elimination of the real estate investment pathway, which had long been the most popular route. Instead, the country now encourages alternative investment models such as:
• Contributions to investment funds (minimum €500,000)
• Investment in scientific research or cultural preservation
•Job creation and support for small and medium enterprises
These changes reflect Portugal’s aim to channel foreign investment into areas that promote long-term economic growth and innovation, rather than inflating housing markets in Lisbon and Porto.
Investor Sentiment is Rising Again
The news that Portugal Golden Visa is back in motion has already started to positively influence investor sentiment. Industry experts report an uptick in inquiries, particularly from the United States, China, Turkey, and Brazil—countries where interest in European residency has historically been strong.
“This is a pivotal moment,” says Yusuf Boz, founder of international investment advisory firm NotteGlobal. “Portugal is regaining momentum just in time, especially with Spain pulling its Golden Visa program. Investors are turning to Portugal and Greece as their top choices.”
Boz also notes that fund-based investments offer flexibility and long-term value that align with today’s economic realities, particularly for tech-savvy and sustainability-minded investors.
Portugal Remains a Top Golden Visa Destination
Despite recent changes, Portugal continues to rank among the best countries for investor residency. Its benefits include:
•Visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone
•Residency for the entire family (including dependent children and parents)
•Minimal stay requirements: only 7 days per year
•Access to high-quality education, healthcare, and lifestyle
•Pathway to citizenship after 5 years without the need for permanent relocation
With the processing engine now restarted, these advantages are once again accessible to global investors looking for security, freedom of movement, and a European foothold.
What’s Next for Golden Visa Applicants?
AIMA has stated that new appointments and biometric data collection will gradually increase in the coming weeks. Applicants are advised to ensure that all documentation is properly prepared, especially given the program’s digital transition.
Legal advisors recommend acting swiftly as the window of opportunity may not remain open indefinitely. With Spain’s Golden Visa already closed and other countries under pressure to reform, Portugal may tighten its rules further if overwhelmed by new demand.
The Portugal Golden Visa back in motion means that one of Europe’s most respected residency programs is once again accessible. With its blend of flexibility, lifestyle, and EU access, Portugal remains a prime destination for those seeking a solid Plan B.
Whether you’re a high-net-worth individual, entrepreneur, or family looking for long-term security and mobility, Portugal’s updated Golden Visa scheme presents a compelling opportunity—especially now that the gears are turning once again.
