The announcement was reported by Público following comments from Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro during parliamentary discussions on the proposed 2027 State Budget.

Golden Visa applications, officially known as Residence Permits for Investment Activity (ARI), generate high administrative fees, making their processing an important source of revenue for AIMA.

According to Público, the minister acknowledged that regularising these applications would be a priority next year. The publication reported that individual permits can generate fees of approximately €6,000.

The announcement comes as the government seeks to improve immigration services while financing the agency’s operations through fees collected from foreign nationals.

AIMA budget set to increase

Under the proposed 2027 State Budget, AIMA’s funding is expected to rise from €97 million to €146 million, an increase of approximately 50%.

During a parliamentary hearing on 3 November, Leitão Amaro said immigration-related fees would finance more than €100 million in expenditure covering documentation, public services, integration programmes and improvements to administrative capacity.

Secretary of State for Immigration Rui Armindo Freitas also outlined planned spending, including more than €4 million for digital transformation and €4.2 million for improving customer services.

Approximately €1.4 million is earmarked for Portuguese-language learning, employment training and support for mediators assisting immigrant communities.

The government maintains that the additional spending will be financed through immigration-related revenue rather than general tax receipts.

These include fees charged for residence permits, renewals, visas and other administrative services.

The proposed budget has passed its initial parliamentary vote but remains subject to further scrutiny and final approval.

Golden Visa processing remains a concern

Portugal introduced its Golden Visa programme in 2012 to attract investment from outside the European Union.

The scheme allows eligible investors and qualifying family members to obtain residence permits, provided they meet the relevant investment and legal requirements.

Although property purchases no longer qualify for new Golden Visa applications following changes introduced in 2023, other investment routes remain available.

These include qualifying investment funds, scientific research, cultural projects and certain forms of business investment.

Existing investors must continue to meet the requirements applicable to their residence permits, including maintaining qualifying investments where required.

Processing delays have remained a concern for applicants seeking initial permits and renewals.

The government’s intention to prioritise outstanding applications could therefore be significant for investors whose residence documents have been delayed.

However, no specific timetable has been announced for clearing the outstanding Golden Visa caseload, and the minister’s comments do not establish a guaranteed processing deadline for individual applicants.

How much do Golden Visa permits cost?

AIMA’s official fee schedule, updated on 1 March 2026, lists different charges depending on the type of application and applicable fee category.

For example, the published schedule includes an initial residence permit issuance fee of €6,314.20 in one category, while another lists €8,418.90.

Renewal charges are listed separately, and applicants may also have to pay processing fees.

The amount payable therefore depends on the procedure and applicable fee rules. The investment itself is separate from these administrative charges.

AIMA introduced an online renewal procedure for Golden Visa holders in February 2026, allowing applicants to submit documentation and pay the relevant fees electronically.

In-person appointments may still be required where biometric information needs to be collected.

The agency’s guidance also requires applicants to maintain appropriate documentation, including evidence of their qualifying investment and compliance with applicable residence conditions.

Further investment in immigration services

The proposed increase in AIMA’s budget forms part of wider government plans to improve the handling of immigration applications and strengthen administrative capacity.

A government resolution published on November 3 authorised expenditure of up to €31.35 million for the production and issuance of residence documents and other official security documents covering 2026 and the first half of 2027.

The resolution allocates up to €7.2 million to 2027, with provisions allowing unused funds from the previous year to be carried forward.

The government has also indicated that a new National Integration Plan will be presented, supported by immigration-related fees and European funding.

For Golden Visa holders awaiting decisions, the announced priority represents a change in government emphasis, but the practical effect will depend on AIMA’s ability to process applications and issue residence


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