Portugal has taken significant strides to simplify immigration procedures, particularly for foreign workers with employment contracts. The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) recently launched a dedicated portal designed to expedite the conversion of work permits to citizenship.
This initiative aims to address the growing demand for Portuguese citizenship and streamline the application process. This news is especially relevant for expats considering a move to Portugal.
Key Changes for Foreign Workers in Portugal
The new measures apply to individuals with employment contracts contributing to Portugal’s Social Security system before June 4, 2024. A key requirement is a minimum of one month of contributions to be eligible for the program. This simplifies the path to legal residency for many skilled workers.
The AIMA portal will significantly increase the processing of citizenship applications, potentially by as much as 50%. This boost in efficiency is crucial as Portugal continues to receive a high volume of applications.
Statistics show that approximately 1.4 million people have applied for Portuguese citizenship in the last six years, highlighting the country’s appeal to international residents.
Golden Visa Program Gets a Digital Overhaul
In addition to the work permit initiative, AIMA has also launched a new portal to streamline the Golden Visa application process. This is welcome news for investors seeking Portuguese citizenship through investment. The changes aim to address previous processing delays and make the system more efficient.
What’s New for Golden Visa Applicants?
The updated Golden Visa process includes several key changes:
1. Electronic Document Submission: Applicants are now required to upload all necessary documents electronically through the ARI Portal. This digital approach eliminates paperwork and speeds up processing times.
2. Automated Biometric Appointments: Starting January 15, 2025, biometric appointments will be booked automatically. This automated system simplifies scheduling and reduces administrative burden.
3. On-site Fee Payment: Applicants must now pay all residence permit fees during their biometric appointments. This change ensures a more streamlined payment process.
Golden Visa Fees
Below is a breakdown of the revised fee structure for Golden Visa applicants:
| Type of Fee | Amount to be Paid |
|---|---|
| Certified Documents | €6,045.20 per application |
| Uncertified Documents | €8,060.20 per application |
These updates will enhance transparency and efficiency, making the Golden Visa application process smoother for investors and expatriates seeking residency in Portugal.
What This Means for Immigrants and Investors
Portugal’s latest immigration reforms reflect its commitment to attracting skilled workers and foreign investors. By digitizing and automating key processes, AIMA aims to reduce bureaucracy and improve processing times for both citizenship applicants and Golden Visa investors.
For foreign workers and investors, these changes offer a more straightforward and accessible pathway to residency and citizenship in Portugal. Those interested in benefiting from these reforms should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and stay updated on further announcements from AIMA.
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