Portugal Golden Visa: New Timeline for Existing Applicants
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The Portugal Golden Visa Program has undergone significant updates, offering major advantages to those who have already applied. One of the most groundbreaking changes is that the five-year eligibility period for citizenship now begins from the date you submit your application online. This means time spent waiting for approval and biometric appointments now counts toward your citizenship timeline.
For existing applicants, this is a major improvement, especially considering the previous timeline of 24+ months from the time of submission to securing a biometric appointment. For files that have already been submitted, once documents have been updated or confirmed, AIMA will automatically schedule biometric appointments, streamlining the process. Appointments have started on 15 January 2025, with a much shorter lead time—a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 90 days.
Key Benefits for Those Who Have Already Applied
Citizenship Timeline Starts Now If you’re among the 58,000 applicants with pending cases, the new rules could fast-track your journey to Portuguese citizenship. Under the updated guidelines, your five-year eligibility is calculated from the date of your original online submission. Time spent waiting for approval or biometric appointments now counts.
Streamlined Document Resubmission
Criminal records (issued within three months) and proof of your current tax residency must be refreshed to meet AIMA’s updated requirements, even if they were compliant at the time of the original application.
All other documents remain valid provided they met all legalization and translation requirements when first submitted.
Legalization and translations into Portuguese or English must comply with current standards.
Automated Biometric Scheduling
AIMA has assigned biometric appointments that started on 15 January 2025, with a lead time of 30–90 days.
Appointments will be allocated by location (Lisbon, Porto, or regional branches), with no option for personal preference.
Missed appointments can only be rescheduled in the second half of 2025 for valid, documented reasons.
Standard biometric fees will be collected during appointments, and no additional fees apply for documents delivered in person.
Next Steps
Confirm Your Documentation
Ensure your criminal records are updated and issued within three months.
Verify that any previously submitted documents are still valid and comply with the original legalization and translation standards.
Resubmit Refreshed Documents
Promptly submit updated criminal records and any other required materials to avoid delays or cancellations. While AIMA has not set a strict deadline, investors should respect a general legal timeframe of six months from the notice date.
Prepare for Biometric Appointments
Biometric appointments are mandatory to complete your application. Make sure you can travel to Portugal within the assigned window.
Act Now to Secure Your Future
With time spent waiting now contributing toward citizenship, the Golden Visa Program has never been more attractive for existing applicants. Ensure your documents are up to date and be prepared for biometric appointments starting in January 2025. Take the next step today and position yourself for a brighter future in Portugal. For guidance and support, visit Latitude. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Portugal Golden Visa: New Timeline for Existing Applicants