Portugal sets out plan to resolve outstanding Golden Visa applications in 2026

Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro made the announcement on 29 October during parliamentary hearings on the 2026 State Budget. The work will be carried out by the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA).

The minister explained that AIMA has been clearing its caseload in stages. Priority went first to the most vulnerable applicants, then to citizens of Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) nations, and then to people with expired cards who needed to travel to see family. Golden Visa applications were scheduled for last.

That earlier work is now reported to be delivering results. Leitão Amaro said 93% of pending immigration cases, across all categories, have been resolved. AIMA has processed 500,000 criminal records and collected biometric data from applicants, an effort he described as the largest regularisation operation Portugal has undertaken.

There are early signs of movement for investors too. Legal professionals report that AIMA has begun scheduling thousands of biometric appointments, with dates running from January to March 2026.

A clear timetable will be welcome news for applicants who have waited a long time. Some practitioners have said confidence will build as those appointments lead to approved residence cards, which is understandable given the experience of recent years.

The announcement came a day after parliament voted to extend nationality timelines to seven years for EU and CPLP citizens and 10 years for other nationalities. The text as approved does not include a transitional regime for pending residence applications, and residence permits have typically taken two to three years to issue.

“A defined plan and a growing number of biometric appointments are encouraging developments for Golden Visa investors,” said Paul Stannard, chairman and founder of Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club.

For those following the Golden Visa programme, 2026 looks set to be a year of real progress at AIMA. To keep up with the latest developments and understand what they could mean for your own plans, arrange a free discovery call with Portugal Pathways.

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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 estate planning, wealth management, Golden Visa and tax optimisation, including post-NHR / IFICI tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, money transfers and bespoke relocation and luxury real estate solutions to enhance life and investment in Portugal

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Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club (PIO 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.