Portugal Simplifies Immigration Process For Foreign Workers And Investors

• Recent AIMA amendments aim to ease the road to residency and citizenship.

• These modifications are expected to speed up processing times and decrease bureaucracy for applications

Portugal has updated its immigration system, notably for foreign workers and investors.

Recent AIMA amendments aim to ease the road to residency and citizenship.

These modifications are expected to speed up processing times and decrease bureaucracy for applications.

AIMA’s new measures include a site that simplifies the conversion of work permits to citizenship.

This idea is especially relevant for foreign workers and investors considering relocating to Portugal.

Key Changes for Foreign Workers in Portugal
The new provisions will help foreign workers who have employment contracts and pay into Portugal’s social security system. TravelBiz states that in order to be eligible for this program, individuals must have contributed for at least one month prior to June 4, 2024.

• This modification aims to make the residency procedure easier for skilled workers by streamlining the transition to legal residency.
• AIMA’s new platform is also intended to cut the citizenship application process by up to 50%. With Portugal receiving an increasing number of applications, this efficiency gain is critical in managing the high demand for Portuguese citizenship. Recent figures reveal that over 1.4 million people have sought for Portuguese citizenship in the last six years, demonstrating the country’s appeal among foreign nationals.

AIMA has also launched a digital site to streamline the Golden Visa application process. This system update aims to reduce delays and increase the efficiency of the application process for persons seeking Portuguese citizenship through investment. The new portal will let investors process their transactions more smoothly.

What’s new for Golden Visa applicants?
The new Golden Visa process incorporates several important enhancements aimed at speeding up application procedures:

1. Electronic document submission: Applicants must now submit all required documentation via the ARI Portal. This digital submission technique reduces paperwork and expedites processing times.

2. Automated biometric appointments: Beginning January 2025, biometric appointments will be booked automatically. This automation makes the process simpler, decreasing the need for manual intervention and increasing scheduling efficiency.

3. On-Site Fee Payment: Applicants will now pay all residence permit fees at their biometric sessions. This modification simplifies the payment process, making it easier for applicants.

Golden Visa Fees
The updated pricing structure for the Golden Visa is as follows:

• Certified documents cost €6,045.20 per application.

• Uncertified documents: € 8,060.20 per application.

These updated fees reflect an effort to improve transparency and the overall experience for Golden Visa applicants.

What does this mean for immigration and investors?
Portugal’s immigration policies aim to recruit talented workers and foreign businesses. By digitizing and automating critical operations, AIMA hopes to shorten and simplify the application process for citizenship and the Golden Visa program.

These improvements make it easier and more effective for international workers and investors to get residency and citizenship in Portugal. Individuals interested in making use of these

reforms should verify that they meet the eligibility requirements and remain up to speed on AIMA upgrades.