Portugal’s Immigration Agency Tightens Rules for Residency Permit Applications

New Rules for Requesting a Residence Permit in Portugal

On April 28, 2025, the Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) announced that it will tighten the requirements for residence permit applications. Up until recently, it was possible to start the application process with missing documents, which could be submitted up to 10 days later. However, the process has become stricter. Authorities have stated that applications will not be received at all unless the whole set of required documentation is correct and in place. In case of errors or missing documents, the application will be rejected and the appointment canceled.  

AIMA claims that these new rules will help to improve the approval procedure and that the decision-making process will become faster. This comes along with other measures that seek to tackle the backlog of pending processes, including Golden Visa applications, which is something the agency is looking to resolve completely still in 2025.

What Are the Changes in Residency Applications Mean for Golden Visa Investors

In practice, the new rules released by AIMA mean that there is no longer any room for mistakes when it comes to applying for a residency permit in Portugal, no matter through which route. The constant shortage of appointment slots and long waiting times for approvals means that any misinformation or lack of documents needs to be avoided at all costs, thus reducing the risk of unnecessary delays in the process.

For Golden Visa investors, the stakes are arguably even higher. Since the application can only be made after the chosen investment has been placed, every setback means waiting longer for the main return you expect from your investment – the Portuguese residency – even after having your capital transferred, something you can’t undo, otherwise, eligibility will be lost.

Now, more than ever, it’s extremely important to have a close partner who will know how to apply for a Golden Visa and make sure all documents and information are on point, so your application goes smoothly with no interruptions and avoidable obstacles.

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Why You Should Not Attempt to Start a Golden Visa Process Without Expert Help

Since 28 April 2025, the former ten-day grace period to add missing papers of residency applications in Portugal has been scrapped. Now, if you turn up with an incomplete file, your slot is refused on the spot. That is already a solid reason for seeking professional assistance, mitigating any chances of making honest mistakes that may cost a lot of time and effort. However, that tougher stance is just one reason why investors now lean on specialized advice from residency by investment experts, especially when applying for one of the best programs for families, the Portugal Golden Visa:

Avoiding costly delays — or outright denial

Although AIMA has begun chipping away at the backlog, tens of thousands of Golden Visa files are still waiting in line; even a minor error can push you to the back or into limbo. A professional pre-audit of your paperwork is important, so your file moves forward instead of being stalled or rejected.

Limited help from government channels

With a caseload that once exceeded 400,000, AIMA’s phone lines and appointment calendar are overstretched; many applicants report months of “radio silence” while waiting for a slot. A good advisor will be dedicated to answering your every question, so you won’t need to turn to services that, quite frankly, are currently simply unreachable.

Every investor’s profile is different

Each option of the Golden Visa program demands its own evidence (subscription agreements, employment contracts, research-institution MOUs, etc.). A bespoke strategy prevents you from submitting irrelevant or missing documents.

Financial Checks 

You must prove the legal origin of your capital and route the transfer through a Portuguese bank that performs KYC (Know Your Customer) checks. A prepared advisor will prepare the bank compliance pack so that source-of-funds queries do not derail the file.

Translation, certification, and apostille pitfalls

All foreign documents must be translated into Portuguese, notarized, and legalized — an overlooked stamp means refusal. Your dedicated specialist will also check if everything is in accordance with those requirements.

Real-time rule changes

Portuguese immigration rules evolve quickly — from biometric scheduling tweaks to nationality-counting rules. A trusted partner will monitor AIMA circulars and Government Laws, adjusting your timeline before changes are made.

Start Here and Don’t Get Slowed Down by Any Mistakes

If getting professional advice when investing in the Portugal Golden Visa was wise before, now it has become absolutely indispensable. Here at Investment Visa, we know all the ins and outs of the program through our local team of experts who can clarify all the legal complexities that are inherent to the process.

We can make a full audit of your application before submission, checking that all documents and information comply with the rules, while also giving you bespoke advice that only an experienced specialist on migration investment can provide.

More importantly, Investment Visa gives ongoing support before, during, and even after your application, so you can save time and have a stress-free journey. Our 100% success rate in residency by investment applications is a clear demonstration of our deep market knowledge and commitment to our clients’ goals.

Connect with Investment Visa now so we can turn your Golden Visa process into a smooth and worry-free journey.

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