Recently, the Minister of the Presidency of the Portuguese Republic officially announced that the Portuguese Immigration Bureau will complete the clearing of all backlogged cases within the year and has committed to achieving "zero backlog and efficient operation" by 2026.
For many who have been waiting for a long time and are concerned about Portuguese immigration or the Golden Visa, this is undoubtedly a reassuring message—"slow approvals and long waits" may soon be a thing of the past.
This is not only an administrative reform but also signifies that a faster, more transparent, and more stable approval environment is on the way.
Clearing 900,000 Cases in One Year! The Data Speaks for Itself
The Portuguese government is serious about this—so far, the AIMA has processed 900,000 backlogged applications, including:
• Approximately 440,000 applications from Portuguese-speaking countries
• Approximately 220,000 various residence renewal applications
• Several other special transitional cases
The Minister also promised that by the end of 2025, all backlogged cases will be "cleared"! This will lay a solid foundation for efficient operations in 2026.
Three Major Reforms to Speed Up Approvals
To achieve "zero backlog plus zero backlog operation," the Portuguese Immigration Bureau is making simultaneous efforts in policy and resource allocation:
• Increasing manpower: Hiring more staff to enhance approval efficiency
• Full digitization: System upgrades to reduce human error
• Standardized processes: Each step is clearer and traceable
Although there are still some minor issues (such as delays in card delivery or appointment systems), the overall speed has significantly improved!
Golden Visa Applicants Welcome "Triple Benefits"
For investors and those planning to apply for the Golden Visa, this reform is a tangible benefit:
• Faster approvals: Once the backlog is cleared, new applications will no longer be queued, and approval times are expected to be greatly reduced.
• Transparent processes: With the digitization of processes, approvals will be more transparent and timelines more predictable.
• Smoother planning: Family reunification, renewals, and other procedures will be more seamless, providing greater peace of mind for long-term planning.
It can be said that this reform has ushered the Golden Visa into an era of "fast track"!
Now is the "Best Entry Window"
The reforms at the Portuguese Immigration Bureau are not only about administrative efficiency but also signal that Portugal welcomes investment and immigration!
If you have already submitted your application, this reform is your "accelerator".
If you are still on the fence, now is the "golden period"! Once the efficient operations are fully in place by 2026, the processing of new applications will enter the optimal phase.
In summary, the earlier you submit, the more you can enjoy the policy benefits!
Currently, through the Portuguese Fund Investment Immigration Program, investors can apply for Portuguese Golden Residence status for their entire family across three generations with an investment starting from €500,000.
Additionally, immigration to Portugal can also be achieved through the Portuguese Cultural and Artistic Donation Program. According to the regulations, applicants only need to invest €200,000 to apply for Portuguese Golden Residence status for their entire family across three generations, providing a low-cost and convenient way to obtain an EU passport.
(For more details, please click to read: Worldway and Huawei, Tencent, etc. honored as one of the 'Top 500 Asian Brands')
For more information on Portuguese immigration, please contact mainland China: 400-138-2929, Hong Kong customer service center: (852)2802 8798