The Portuguese government is taking new measures to reduce the backlog of residence permit applications and is discussing proposals to update investment options.
Pedro Barata, Head of Portuguese office at Immigrant Invest, explained how changes to AIMA’s operations will affect applicants.
When Portugal will speed up the flow
AIMA will ‘make the processing of residence by investment applications one of its priorities in 2027.’ This was announced by Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro on November 3rd, 2026, during a parliamentary discussion of the draft state budget[1]Source: Observador report of November 3rd, 2026, on AIMA’s priorities.
Previously, the agency focused mainly on applicants from more vulnerable categories, including foreigners waiting for family reunification.
Pedro Barata,
Head of Portuguese office
In October 2026, the Portuguese government reported progress in processing the backlog of residence by investment applications. Of the 46,000 applications, AIMA had processed around 6,000. Appointments for submitting biometrics had been scheduled for another 30,000[2]Source: Lusa news agency report of October 7th, 2026, on residence permit application processing, published on Notícias ao Minuto.
Increase in AIMA’s budget in 2027
The Portuguese government plans to increase AIMA’s budget by approximately 50%, from €97 million to 146 million[3]Source: The Portugal News report on AIMA’s draft budget for 2027. A significant share of the agency’s expenses will be covered by administrative fees paid by foreigners themselves rather than tax revenues.
The draft budget for 2027 has passed an initial vote in parliament but has not yet received final approval. The final vote is scheduled for November 24th, 2026[4]Source: Official announcement by the Portuguese government on the consideration of the 2027 budget.
The new budget includes additional spending on immigration services:
- €4 million to digitalise procedures;
- €4.2 million to improve services for applicants.
A further €1.4 million will fund language courses, vocational training and support for migrant integration.
What has already changed in the process for investors
For initial residence permits, a separate website is available, Portal ARI[5]Source: Information about Portal ARI on the official AIMA website. Investors use it to register applications, upload documents, and receive information about their biometrics appointment dates.
To renew, applicants do not need to visit the agency in person. Since February 16th, 2026, AIMA has moved residence by investment renewals to the Portal de Renovações electronic platform[6]Source: Official AIMA announcement on the launch of online residence by investment renewals. Holders of residence permits by investment can submit renewal applications and pay government fees online. An in-person visit to the agency is required only to submit biometrics.
How investment options may change
Members of Portugal’s parliament from the governing parties proposed amendments to the draft state budget for 2027 on November 6th, 2026[7]Source: Amendment No. 2692C-2 to Bill No. 110/XVII/2 on the 2027 state budget on the Portuguese parliament website.
The 3 main proposed changes concern:
- Stricter requirements for investment funds. The minimum investment will remain €500,000, but it is proposed to increase the share invested in Portuguese companies from 60 to 80%. At the same time, investments must be directed towards increasing the companies’ share capital.
- A new social investment option — €250,000+. The money will be directed towards the construction and restoration of facilities for children, elderly people, and people with disabilities, as well as centres for the integration of foreigners.
- A reduction in the investment threshold for scientific research. It is proposed to reduce the minimum amount from €500,000 to 250,000.
The amendments are scheduled to be considered in parliament from November 18th to 24th, 2026. The final vote on the budget is expected to take place on November 24th[8]Source: Schedule for consideration of Portugal’s 2027 state budget on the parliament website.
If parliament adopts the amendment as proposed, the changes may come into force on January 1st, 2027. However, they will apply only to applications submitted after the law comes into force.
How to obtain a Portugal residence permit by investment
The Portugal Golden Visa has been available since October 2012. It allows foreigners from countries outside the European Union to obtain a residence permit by investing in the country’s economy.
Investors choose one of 5 options:
- Support for cultural projects — €250,000+. The money is directed towards developing the arts and restoring or preserving national cultural heritage.
- Investment in scientific research — €500,000+. The money is transferred to organisations that are part of Portugal’s scientific and technological system.
- Purchase of investment fund units — €500,000+. The funds must meet the requirements of Portuguese legislation.
- Investment in Portuguese businesses — €500,000+. The investments are accompanied by the creation or maintenance of jobs.
- Job creation — 10 jobs. No minimum investment amount is set for this option.
For some options, the minimum investment amount is reduced by 20% if the project is located in a low-population-density area and meets the requirements.
Immigrant Invest lawyers monitor changes to AIMA’s operations and the rules for issuing residence permits by investment. We will help you choose a suitable option, prepare documents, and apply for a residence permit in Portugal.
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