I used DeepL to translate the e-mail I received from AIMA as most of us have been using the English Translation and I though a different translation may help clarify some points.
I’ve included the full translation below but two key points stand out:
- “You must upload the documentation for ARI applications for investors and their families.”
- “Once the application has been updated in accordance with the above terms, AIMA will automatically register an appointment to visit an AIMA service desk, in accordance with the chronological criteria for updating applications.”
So, it’s clear that you need to update the expired documents of your entire family and that appointments will be scheduled in order where the updated documents are submitted. No mention of what happens if an application is submitted without updating the documents.
AIMA, I.P. hereby announces that it has changed its policy for analyzing online registrations and scheduling applications for Investment Residence Permits (ARI), in order to prioritize older applications and process applications for residence permits electronically.
The current procedure involves inviting all applicants and legal representatives to complete the applications awaiting analysis through the respective online registration on the ARI portal, which precedes the application for a residence permit, in accordance with the provisions of article 65-D, no. 16 of Regulatory Decree no. 84/2007, of 5/11. To this end, the status of the applications on the ARI portal that were in the “under analysis” status were automatically placed in the “awaiting submission” status, which allows for the updating of documents in the application. In addition, those in the “accepted” status will be moved to the “awaiting submission” status, thus allowing processes that have not yet been formalized to proceed as indicated below.
From the moment this notification is received, it will be possible to submit new documents, update the validity of those already submitted and correct formalities, for example by attaching certified copies.
We therefore inform you that you should proceed as follows:
UPDATING ARI APPLICATIONS ON THE ARI PORTAL
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You must submit all the documentation legally and exhaustively required by article 65-D, no. 16 of Regulatory Decree no. 84/2007, of 5/11, which must be duly valid, legalized (if the document is foreign and translated into Portuguese, preferably or English) and preferably certified in accordance with current legislation. If you submit documentation that is not certified, you must present the original documentation at the time of attendance.
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You must upload the documentation for ARI applications for investors and their families.
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The documentation submitted may not exceed a limit of 2MB per document, so if necessary, you should split the document into parts.
AGENDA
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Once the application has been updated in accordance with the above terms, AIMA will automatically register an appointment to visit an AIMA service desk, in accordance with the chronological criteria for updating applications.
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These appointments will take place from January 15, 2025 and cannot be less than 30 days or more than 90 days in advance.
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All situations, duly and documentarily justified, in which it is impossible to attend on the scheduled date, will be rescheduled for the second half of 2025.
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Due to flow management and the size of households, it may not be possible for applicants to choose a service desk.
FACE-TO-FACE SERVICE
During the face-to-face service, the foreign citizen’s biometric data will be collected and confirmation of presence on national territory will be made (in accordance with the provisions of Article 77(1)(c) of Law 23/2007 of 4 July and presentation of the Initial Application),
You must present the Initial Application and passport, as well as the non-certified documentation submitted on the portal, for confirmation.
PAYMENT OF FEES
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Payment of all fees inherent to the issuing process will be made at the time of attendance.
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In view of the amounts, payments will only be accepted via TPA, so if necessary, you must first request authorization from the respective banking authority to make the payment at the time of attendance.
Therefore, if you still wish to apply for a residence permit for investment under Article 90-A of Law 23/2007 of 4/07, for the purposes of the administrative procedure relating to your representative’s application, made via the ARI portal, you are hereby notified that you must submit the required documentation in the manner indicated in this communication, failing which the application will be rejected.
If the application for an ARI has already been formalized, you should disregard this notification.
The Support Unit for Residence Permits for Investment (UARI)