Portugal Golden Visa Processing Times Reach Record 39.6 Months in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Portugal Golden Visa faces up to 39.6 months processing delays, longest in program history.
• Saint Lucia CBI experiences delays due to incomplete applications and high demand, reforms set for 2025.
• Portugal digital-only ARI portal and automatic biometric scheduling implemented; investment routes now focus on social projects.

As of July 18, 2025, major changes and ongoing delays are affecting both the Portugal Golden Visa and the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. Applicants, investors, and families considering these popular immigration routes need to understand what has changed, who is affected, and what steps to take next. This update provides a clear summary of the latest developments, effective dates, required actions, and the practical implications for pending and new applications.

Summary of Key Changes and Delays

The Portugal Golden Visa program is facing record-long processing times, with some applicants waiting up to 39.6 months—over three years—for a decision. These delays are the longest in the program’s history. At the same time, the Saint Lucia CBI program is also experiencing slowdowns, mainly due to incomplete applications and a surge in demand. Both countries are taking steps to address these issues, but applicants must be aware of new rules, stricter requirements, and changes in how applications are handled.

Portugal Golden Visa: Record Processing Times and New Procedures

What Has Changed?

• Processing Times: The legal deadline for a decision on Portugal Golden Visa applications is 90 days. However, due to a large backlog, some applicants are now waiting up to 39.6 months for approval. This is a significant increase from previous years.
• Backlog Resolution: The Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (AIMA) is working to clear the backlog by July 2025. They have hired more staff, launched a digital application system, and automated the scheduling of biometric appointments.
• Digital-Only Submissions: All documents for the Portugal Golden Visa must now be uploaded through the ARI portal. Paper submissions are no longer accepted.
• Biometric Appointments: Appointments for fingerprinting and photo collection are now automatically scheduled based on the order in which documents are uploaded. Applicants receive 30–90 days’ notice and cannot choose the location or time. However, AIMA has opened more service points across the country to help meet demand.
• Investment Route Changes: The government has removed commercial and real estate investments as qualifying options for the Golden Visa. Instead, a new Solidarity Visa Portugal channels investments into social projects that help immigrants integrate into Portuguese society.

Who Is Affected?

• Current Applicants: Those who applied before the end of 2024 and are still waiting for a decision are directly affected by the backlog and new procedures. These applicants should expect final approvals by the end of 2025, as long as they respond to any requests for more information or documents.
• New Applicants (2025 Onward): People applying in 2025 will benefit from the new digital system and increased staffing. Processing times for new applications are expected to drop to 3 to 6 months, and in some cases as fast as 2 months, especially for those using full-service providers and submitting complete documentation.
• Investors: Anyone considering the Portugal Golden Visa must now choose from the new investment options under the Solidarity Visa Portugal, as real estate and commercial investments no longer qualify.

Effective Dates

• Backlog Clearance Target: July 2025 is the target date for clearing the backlog and returning to normal processing times.
• Digital-Only Submissions: Already in effect for all new and pending applications.
• Investment Route Changes: Real estate and commercial routes were removed in 2023–2024; only new qualifying investments are accepted now.

Required Actions for Applicants

• Check Documentation: Make sure all documents are complete, accurate, and uploaded through the ARI portal. Incomplete or incorrect submissions will cause further delays.
• Prepare for Biometric Appointments: Be ready to attend your appointment as scheduled. There is no option to reschedule or choose a different location.
• Respond Quickly to Requests: If AIMA asks for more information or documents, respond as soon as possible to avoid losing your place in line.
• Work with Experts: Consider using experienced legal or immigration service providers to help with the process and avoid common mistakes.

Implications for Pending Applications

• Long Waits for Older Applications: If you applied before 2025, you may still face a long wait, but AIMA expects to process all pending cases by the end of 2025.
• Faster Processing for New Applications: Starting in mid-2025, new applicants should see much shorter wait times, thanks to the digital system and extra staff.
• No Refunds: Once you invest through the Portugal Golden Visa program, refunds are generally not possible. The return of your capital depends on the type of investment and market performance.

Statistics and Trends

• Since October 2012, more than 15,619 investors and 22,000 family members have received Golden Visas.
• Chinese nationals are the largest group of applicants, but there is growing interest from the United States 🇺🇸, Brazil, Turkey, Nigeria, Hong Kong, and South Africa.
• The program’s popularity has contributed to the backlog, especially after the pandemic.

Why Are There Delays?

• Surge in Applications: More people applied after the pandemic, overwhelming AIMA’s resources.
• Switch to Digital: Moving from paper to digital applications caused temporary slowdowns.
• Resource Limits: AIMA did not have enough staff or offices to handle the surge, but this is being fixed.
• Legal Actions: Some frustrated applicants have taken legal action to speed up their cases.

Practical Tips for Portugal Golden Visa Applicants

• Double-Check Everything: Make sure every document is correct and complete before uploading.
• Stay Informed: Watch for updates from AIMA and your legal advisor.
• Be Patient but Proactive: While delays are frustrating, responding quickly to any requests can help your case move forward.
• Use Official Resources: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (AIMA) official website.

Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment: Delays and Upcoming Reforms

What Has Changed?

• Processing Delays: The Saint Lucia CBI program is currently slower than usual. Normally, it takes 10 to 12 months to receive citizenship and a passport after submitting a complete application. However, many applications are now taking longer because they are incomplete or require extra checks.
• High Volume of Inquiries: The Citizenship Program Unit is dealing with a large number of questions and requests from applicants, which is slowing down the process.
• Reform Plans Announced: In May 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire announced that Saint Lucia will restore the CBI program to its original structure. This means reversing some changes made by the previous government.

Key Reforms Coming in 2025

• Minimum Net Worth Requirement: Applicants will need to show they have a certain amount of wealth to qualify.
• Stricter Due Diligence: The government will check applicants’ backgrounds more carefully to prevent abuse.
• Escrow Account Rules: Investments must be held in special accounts to protect both the applicant and the country.
• Annual Quota System: There will be a limit on how many people can get citizenship each year, to prevent overuse of the program.

Who Is Affected?

• Current Applicants: If you have already applied, you may face delays, especially if your application is incomplete or missing documents.
• Future Applicants: Anyone applying after the reforms take effect will need to meet the new requirements and may face more competition due to the annual quota.
• Denied Applicants: If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision with help from an authorized agent.

Effective Dates

• Reforms Announced: May 2025, with changes expected to take effect soon after.
• Processing Delays: Ongoing as of mid-2025, with the government promising to resolve them as quickly as possible.

Required Actions for Applicants

• Submit Complete Applications: Make sure every required document is included and properly translated into English if needed.
• Work with Authorized Agents: Only authorized agents can submit applications and help with appeals.
• Monitor for Updates: Stay in touch with your agent and watch for announcements about when the new rules will take effect.

Implications for Pending Applications

• Longer Waits: If your application is incomplete or requires extra checks, expect a longer wait.
• Possible Stricter Review: Even pending applications may be reviewed more closely as the new rules are put in place.
• Appeals Process: If denied, you have the right to appeal, but you must follow the official process and work with an authorized agent.

Background and Context

• The Saint Lucia CBI program was created in 2015 and has become a popular choice for people seeking a second passport in the Caribbean.
• The program has faced challenges, including political changes and concerns about security and international standards.
• The new reforms are designed to make the program more trustworthy and sustainable.

Expert Advice and Future Outlook

• Work with Professionals: Experts recommend using experienced legal and investment advisors to avoid mistakes and delays.
• Prepare for Stricter Rules: The new requirements in Saint Lucia will make it harder to qualify, but they are expected to improve the program’s reputation.
• Monitor Policy Changes: Both Portugal and Saint Lucia are likely to continue updating their rules, so applicants should stay informed and be ready to adapt.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect a global trend toward stricter controls and higher standards in investment-based immigration programs. Countries want to attract quality investors while protecting their own interests and meeting international expectations.

Official Contacts and Resources

• Portugal Golden Visa:
  • Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (AIMA) – Official portal for applications and information.
  • ARI Portal – Mandatory digital platform for submitting Golden Visa documents (access through AIMA website).
• Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment:
  • Citizenship by Investment Unit, Saint Lucia – Official body managing CBI applications.
  • Authorized Agents – Only these professionals can submit applications and handle appeals.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

• For Portugal Golden Visa Applicants:
  • Gather and upload all required documents through the ARI portal.
  • Be ready for automatic biometric appointments and attend as scheduled.
  • Respond quickly to any requests from AIMA.
  • Use official resources and consider professional help to avoid mistakes.
  • Monitor the AIMA website for updates on backlog clearance and new procedures.
• For Saint Lucia CBI Applicants:
  • Ensure your application is complete and all documents are properly translated.
  • Work only with authorized agents for submission and appeals.
  • Prepare for stricter requirements and possible longer waits.
  • Stay in contact with your agent and watch for official announcements about the new rules.

Conclusion

Both the Portugal Golden Visa and Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment programs are going through important changes in 2025. Applicants must be aware of longer processing times, new digital systems, and stricter requirements. By staying informed, working with trusted professionals, and following official guidelines, you can improve your chances of success and avoid unnecessary delays. For the latest updates and detailed instructions, always rely on official government websites and authorized agents.

Learn Today

Portugal Golden Visa → A residency-by-investment program allowing investors to gain Portuguese residency through qualifying investments.
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) → A program where individuals can obtain citizenship by making qualifying investments in a country.
ARI portal → Portugal’s mandatory online platform for submitting all Golden Visa application documents digitally.
Biometric Appointments → Scheduled processes where applicants provide fingerprints and photos for identity verification.
Solidarity Visa Portugal → New investment route focusing on social projects, replacing real estate and commercial options.

This Article in a Nutshell

Major delays impact Portugal Golden Visa and Saint Lucia CBI programs in 2025. Portugal’s backlog reaches 39.6 months, with digital systems introduced. Saint Lucia plans stricter reforms including net worth checks and quotas. Applicants must submit complete documents, prepare for biometric appointments, and work with authorized agents to ensure success.
— By VisaVerge.com