The Processing time taken by AIMA in 2025 for golden visa applications can take anywhere from 6-15 months from the date of filing. Most of the time is consumed in bank account process and biometrics stage.
Golden Visa Timeline
Here is the breakdown of GV processing timeline of what happens in stages…from filing to citizenship.
Stage 1 – Sign Contract, Open Bank Account, NIF Tax and SS Number ( 3-4 months)
- Sign contract with the legal firm or agency. (2 weeks)
- Prepare initial KYC documents (1 month)
- Register NIF Tax number (1 month)
- Open bank account in Portugal (3-4 months can be expedited)
Note: opening a bank account and necessary compliance checks to make the account active will consume
Stage 2 – Transfer funds (< 1 month)
- Transfer funds to bank account in Portugal.
- Prepare legalized document for execution of Public deed
- Translate important documents for SEF.
Stage 3 – File the Application with AIMA (Legal representative – 1 month)
- Apply with AIMA portal application online with fees. (All documents including criminal certificate, birth certificate, marriage certificate must be legalized at Portuguese embassy or must contain apostille. Must be fresh not older than 3 months)
- AIMA takes 3-4 months to pre-approve the GV application
Stage 3 – AIMA Approval (6 months)
- Receive AIMA approval
- Schedule biometrics appointment. Appointment slots available after 6 months. During peak summer months from Jun/Jul, expect wait times 6-10 months.
Stage 4 – Arrival in Portugal for Biometrics (1 week)
Visit Portugal for biometrics for one day including with family members. if you are outside schengen, you should apply for visa at consulate to visit Portugal for biometrics.
Stage 5 – AIMA Approval (8 months)
The biometrics approval takes atleast 4-8 months.to approve the Residence cards issued for Golden Visa program.
Stage 6 – Residence cards (3-4 months)
The residence cards must be printed and sent to you. This can be collected by the proxy and can be sent to you by mail. The Residence cards is issued for 2 years validity.
Stage 7 – Renewals (After 2 years)
The Residence cards can be renewed in third or fifth year depending the GV investment. You must prove you have 14 days every 2 years via passport entry/exit stamps.
Stage 6 – Permanent Residency Filing (5 years)
After 5 years of the issuance date of the first GV card, we are now able to request for citizenship or Permanent Residency (PR). The Processing time taken by AIMA is 6-10 months.
To apply PR, you must not have criminal record, pass A2 language test, pay taxes and social security, and must have had temporary residency for 5 years. Portugal permanent residents must not be absent from Portugal for more than 24 consecutive months or 30 interpolated months within a three-year period. Family members are exempted, need to spend only 7 days per year to maintain PR status
Stage 7 – Portugal Citizenship (6 years)
Amendments to Portuguese nationality law, waiting times from the date of filing residence application counts towards citizenship after 5 years. IRN has significant backlogs and expect 3 year wait to receive your citizenship approvals.
To apply for Portuguese citizenship, this is also EU citizenship
- To have been in Portugal during the required days of stay (7 days per year on average);
- Knowledge of Portuguese – A2;
- Not sentenced to 3 or more years in prison;
- Not a threat to National Security or Defense, or be part of terrorist activities.
