The latest data report (Relatório de Migrações e Asilo) published by AIMA (Agência Portuguesa para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) on the 17th of September 2024 reveals relevant data in Portugal’s immigration landscape. According to the report, the number of residency permit applications, particularly under the Golden Visa and family reunification programmes, has tripled in the past year.
This surge in demand has resulted in backlogs, but the agency has also made notable progress in streamlining its processes, highlighting both the significant growth in demand and the efforts underway to address processing delays. With over a million foreign residents now in Portugal, the country’s appeal continues to increase, including through its Golden Visa programme. While backlogs remain a challenge, AIMA’s newest task force and the government's commitment to digitalisation represent a positive step toward improving the immigration process.
The Surge in Foreign Resident Population and Golden Visa Applications
A key highlight from the report is the sharp increase in Portugal’s foreign resident population, which grew by 33.6% compared to 2022, bringing the total to over 1 million foreign residents in 2023. The report indicates that 1,044,606 expats now hold residency permits in Portugal, a spike largely attributed to growing interest in the country due to its many benefits.
The Golden Visa programme is also responsible for the high amount of people moving to Portugal and remains one of the most popular pathways for foreign investors seeking residency in Portugal. In 2023, a total of 2,901 residency permits were granted under the Golden Visa programme, officially termed "Autorizações de Residência para Atividade de Investimento" (ARIs), in accordance with Article 90-A of Law 23/2007. This category has seen a growth, driven by foreign investment in Portugal, particularly in real estate and capital transfers. Even though the real estate option was discontinued in October 2023, the Golden Visa Programme remains operational with other options such as donations to Science and Arts pre-approved projects and investment in equity and venture capital Funds.
The report also explains that only in 2023, Portugal granted 328,978 residency permits, representing a 129.9% increase compared to the previous year. The Golden Visa programme saw an interesting drift in the applicant's’ nationality, with investors coming from different countries than previous years. In 2023 the United States (with 567 visas) took the lead with the Golden Visa programme, followed by China (306), the United Kingdom (234), Brazil (219), and India (199). These figures highlight the growing demand from countries such as the US and the UK, which in previous years had not made the Top 5 in applications, particularly from high-net-worth individuals seeking residency in Portugal through investment.
In addition to investment-related permits, family reunification remained a significant category, with 1,554 permits granted for family reunification under Article 98 of the same law, allowing families to join residents already in Portugal. The main countries represented in these applications were Brazil, Angola, and Cape Verde, reflecting Portugal’s strong ties with other Portuguese-speaking nations. This is the first time AIMA has released numbers on the current situation of the Golden Visa programme since September 2023, when the previous migration agency (SEF) released for the last time updates of the programme.
Long Queues and Backlogs: Challenges Facing AIMA
With the surge in immigration applications, AIMA has faced challenges in managing the influx, resulting in backlogs and delayed processing times for many applicants. Family reunifications and Golden Visa applications, in particular, have been affected, with some applicants waiting for extended periods to complete necessary steps such as biometric data collection and document verification.
The high demand has put a strain on AIMA’s resources, but the agency has made efforts to address the issue. For instance, the 2023 report revealed that over 303,000 appointments were scheduled for immigration services, with a further 697,986 calls handled by the agency’s Contact Centre. However, a notable percentage of these appointments were missed, as 12.5% were either cancelled or marked as no-shows' applicants. As for the agency's previous press announcements, those cancelled or missed appointments are of people who already left the country before fully legalising their documents.
AIMA also noted that a majority of the residence permits granted were to people in the 25-44 age range, representing 80.5% of the foreign population in Portugal. This is a highly active and employable demographic, which further solidifies the country’s position as an attractive destination for young professionals and families.
AIMA’s Task Force and Digitalisation Efforts
Recognising the need for improvements, AIMA established a specialised task force in 2023 to tackle the backlogs and ensure more efficient processing of immigration applications. This team has been working to streamline the workflows within AIMA and reduce the waiting times that have plagued many applicants. The agency has also invested in technological improvements, with a focus on digitalisation, to better manage appointments, streamline document submission, and improve communication with applicants.
The Portuguese government is contributing to these efforts by focusing on the digitalisation of public services across all sectors. The aim is to simplify processes and increase transparency, particularly in high-demand services like immigration. The integration of online systems is expected to significantly reduce the workload on AIMA’s administrative staff while giving applicants better access to real-time information on their application status, as well as allowing residents to renovate their residency visas automatically on the new agency Portal.
Portugal’s Continued Appeal to Expats and Investors
Despite the operational challenges, Portugal remains one of the most attractive destinations for expatriates and investors. The Golden Visa programme, which grants residency in exchange for investment in different sectors, continues to draw considerable interest from individuals looking to secure residency in a European Union country. Portugal’s favourable tax regime, high quality of life, and stable economic environment are key factors driving this demand.
AIMA’s efforts to improve its immigration services demonstrate that the agency is actively working to address the backlogs and improve efficiency. The establishment of the task force and the push for further digitalisation of processes are expected to yield positive results, reducing the current waiting times and ensuring that Portugal remains competitive in attracting foreign talent and investment.
Portugal Homes, part of the Harland & Poston Group, is committed to keeping you informed on all the latest Golden Visa updates and Portugal news. Whether you're an investor looking to stay current on visa regulations or simply interested in the country's evolving property market, we ensure you're always in the loop. From changes in immigration laws to new investment opportunities, we provide accurate, timely information to help you navigate Portugal's dynamic landscape with ease and confidence. Stay connected with us for the most relevant insights.
