Portugal Golden Visa Timeline in 2025: How Long Each Step Takes

What’s the Real Timeline for the Portugal Golden Visa in 2025?

Portugal’s Golden Visa has long been a pathway for Americans seeking a calmer, more globally connected lifestyle. But how long does the process actually take?

This 2025 timeline guide gives you a realistic picture, step by step. We also include important context about proposed changes to Portugal’s citizenship law — so you can make informed decisions now, not scramble later.

Step 1: Choose an Investment & Gather Documents (2–4 weeks)

Before you apply, you’ll need to choose a qualifying investment (most Americans now favor fund options over real estate) and collect essential documents. These usually include:

• FBI background check

• Passport copies

• Proof of funds and source of income

• Investment documents (e.g. fund subscription agreement)

• Portuguese tax number (NIF)

Many of these need to be notarized, apostilled, and translated. Working with a qualified advisor can streamline this step significantly.

Step 2: Get a NIF and Open a Portuguese Bank Account (1–2 weeks)

To make your investment, you’ll need:

• A NIF (Portuguese tax identification number)

• A Portuguese bank account to fund your investment

Both can often be set up remotely with a legal representative. Still, allow at least a week or two for paperwork processing, especially if bank compliance checks require extra documentation.

Step 3: Submit Your Application to AIMA (~1 week)

Once your investment is complete and paperwork is ready, your legal team submits your Golden Visa application to AIMA — Portugal’s new immigration agency (formerly SEF).

Expect to submit:

• Application form and proof of investment

• Clean criminal record

• Health insurance coverage

• Proof of legal entry into Portugal (even just a short tourist stay counts)

This step is relatively fast, but make sure everything is accurate because errors can slow things down dramatically.

Step 4: Wait for Pre-Approval (3–6 months)

As of mid-2025, AIMA is still managing a backlog of applications. Once your case is submitted, it enters the queue for pre-approval, where they spending time checking and confirming that your documents and investment meet Golden Visa requirements.

Wait times vary, but the average is now 3 to 6 months. Submitting earlier in the year (Q1 or Q2) may speed things up.

Step 5: Schedule and Attend Biometrics (1–3 months)

Once pre-approved, you’ll be invited to attend a biometrics appointment in Portugal. These are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and availability varies by region.

During your appointment, AIMA will collect your fingerprints and photos for your residence card.

Plan ahead for this trip, especially if you’ll need to coordinate travel from the U.S.

Step 6: Final Approval and Residence Card Issuance (4–8 weeks)

After biometrics, your application moves to the final stage. AIMA issues your residence permit, which you can receive in Portugal or via your legal representative.

This marks your official start of residency and the beginning of your legal rights as a Portuguese resident.

Golden Visa Timeline Summary (2025)

Stage	Estimated Time
Investment & Documentation	2–4 weeks
NIF + Bank Setup	1–2 weeks
Application Submission	~1 week
Pre-Approval Wait	3–6 months
Biometrics Scheduling & Travel	1–3 months
Final Approval & Card Issuance	1–2 months
Total Timeline	6–12 months

What About Citizenship After 5 Years?

As of today, Golden Visa residents may apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of residency — provided they meet the requirements:

• A2-level Portuguese language certificate

• Clean criminal record

• Minimum stay of 7 days/year in Portugal

• Proof of ties to the country

However, in June 2025, Portugal’s government proposed extending the citizenship requirement from 5 to 10 years. This change is not yet law as it’s still being debated in parliament and may be amended or delayed.

What this means for you:

• Applications submitted before any law change takes effect are expected to follow current rules.

• If you're aiming for citizenship in 5 years, starting your Golden Visa process now is critical.

We’ll keep this article updated with confirmed developments.

Tips to Avoid Delays

• Triple-check your documentation: Small errors cause major delays.

• Use a qualified legal team: Professionals can navigate AIMA, banks, and fund compliance faster.

• Start early in the calendar year: Historically, wait times spike in Q3 and Q4.

• Stay responsive: Respond quickly to document requests or appointment scheduling.

In Summary: Planning Ahead is Key in 2025

The Portugal Golden Visa remains a powerful way to gain EU residency and start a new lifestyle abroad. But with citizenship laws potentially changing, timeline awareness is more important than ever.

If you're considering the program — whether for future flexibility, peace of mind, or eventual citizenship — now is a smart time to begin.

Curious how your timeline might look?

We’re happy to walk you through a personalized roadmap and help you understand your options before the rules change.