Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has made significant progress in addressing its immigration application backlog, a move expected to benefit expats relocating to Portugal—including those applying through the Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme.
Speaking at the opening of a new Local Support Centre for the Integration of Migrants (CLAIM) in Lisbon’s Musgueira neighbourhood, AIMA chairman Pedro Portugal Gaspar confirmed that the agency has reviewed all 440,000 expressions of interest that had been pending when the government’s Migration Action Plan came into force nearly a year ago.
"The challenge regarding the issue of expressions of interest has been met," Gaspar stated, noting that of the original backlog, 170,000 cases were archived due to a lack of applicant response, while another significant portion has been processed—with most receiving positive decisions.
Approximately 4,500 applications were rejected due to non-compliance, resulting in notices for those applicants to leave the country. Around 130,000 applications still await final decisions.
This effort marks a turning point for many non-EU nationals hoping to settle in Portugal, particularly as the country continues to attract expats with its lifestyle, climate, and attractive residency pathways, such as the Golden Visa programme.
Paul Stannard, Chairman and Founder of Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club, said: “This is great news for those looking to relocate to Portugal or who are already in the process. Delays can cause a lot of uncertainty and create unnecessary hurdles.
“This comes alongside recent changes to nationality laws, which streamlined the path to citizenship for Golden Visa applicants, meaning the five-year countdown to citizenship starts as soon as you file your Golden Visa application.”
Impacts on Expats and Golden Visa Applicants
For expats, the backlog has long represented a potential hurdle, often resulting in longer-than-expected wait times and uncertainty.
The streamlining of applications will now allow newcomers to more efficiently obtain legal residency, enabling faster integration into Portuguese society, whether through employment, family reunification, or investment-based routes like the Portugal Golden Visa.
Although Portugal’s Golden Visa programme was revised in 2023 to exclude residential real estate, it remains open for fund-based and cultural investments. Many investors, particularly from the U.S., Brazil, and Asia, continue to pursue this path as a strategic way to secure EU residency and eventual citizenship.
The clearing of the application queue means a smoother path for Golden Visa applicants who often face layered bureaucracy.
Pedro Portugal Gaspar also acknowledged the need for internal reforms at AIMA. While human resources have been increased by 5% over the past year, he admitted this is not enough. "We will try, as a goal for this year, to have an increase of 25% to 30%,” he said, also highlighting the importance of strengthening partnerships with support organisations to increase service capacity.
Efficiency and Opportunity to Benefit Expats
With Portugal’s updated immigration policies and improved processing capacity, the country is reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for expats and investors alike.
The renewed efficiency of AIMA may not only reduce red tape but also increase confidence among prospective residents and investors considering Portugal as their new home.
For Golden Visa applicants, digital nomads, retirees, and families looking to make a long-term move, the progress signals a welcome shift toward a more responsive and structured immigration process.
For more information, register for our upcoming webinar: ‘Securing EU Residency Through Portugal’s Golden Visa’
About Portugal Pathways
Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on luxury property, wealth management, and tax optimisation, including post-NHR tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, IFICI tax incentive applications, money transfers and bespoke relocation solutions to enhance life and investments in Portugal.
About Portugal Investment Owners Club
The Portugal Investment Owners Club, or P Club for short, is a unique investor membership community designed for discerning individuals, families, and organisations committed to exploring and capitalising on life in Portugal and enjoying money-can't-buy experiences and exclusive events.
Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club (P Club for short) websites and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice. Golden Visa investments need to be held for 6 to 7 years to allow for permanent citizenship/passport in the EU.
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