It was in Cascais. I requested an appointment a couple months ago and they emailed me 2 days before with the appointment date and time.
Do you know if they support the walkin request if you queue really early on?
No, they don’t. I tried in June and they required me to email and request an appointment.
is there any aima office that can?
So this thread has been pretty quiet, which is interesting because the Portuguese parliament has been very not.
Multiple amendments have been issued, the original author of the constitution issued a judgment declaring a lot of the proposal unconstitutional, but it’s all still moving ahead in some fashion.
The extremely good news is PS has proposed multiple amendments protecting GV holders and essentially shielding us from all the changes.
Now these have not been added or passed. Everything needs to be voted on and that’s been delayed. But at least there is some group advocating for us. They haven’t completely forgotten about our existence.
So we wait and see (what’s new). Let’s get this amendment passed and get those citizenship apps in before it’s too late! Here’s hoping.
This is all being discussed in What's the potential impact of the 2025 Portuguese election on the Golden Visa program and pathway to citizenship?
Nope
Just received the following from Henley and Partners:
We wish to inform you that, following today’s parliamentary debate on the amendments to the Nationality Law, the Portuguese Government has decided to approve certain proposed amendments, which are outlined and clarified below for your reference.
The main amendments concern the acquisition of Portuguese citizenship through residence.
The key changes are as follows:
The minimum legal residence period is now set at seven (7) years for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries and European Union Member States, and ten (10) years for nationals of other countries.
Applicants must demonstrate adequate knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture, as well as of Portuguese history, national symbols, fundamental rights and duties, and the political organization of the Portuguese State.
A formal declaration of adherence to the principles of the democratic rule of law is now required.
The existing restrictions relating to criminal convictions (sentences of two years or more) and threats to national security or defence remain applicable and are now expressly extended to individuals subject to United Nations or European Union sanctions.
All eligibility criteria must be met at the time of submission of the application.
It is now clarified that, for the purpose of calculating the required residence period, all periods of legal residence — consecutive or not — may be aggregated, provided they occur within a maximum interval of ten years.
The previous rule allowing the residence period to be counted from the date of submission of the residence permit application (once approved) has been revoked. The counting will now commence only from the date of issuance of the residence card.
Please note that no transitional provisions or safeguards have been introduced for Golden Visa applicants.
Next steps in the legislative process:
The proposal will now proceed to a final vote in Parliament on 28 October.
Following parliamentary approval, it will be submitted to the President of the Republic for promulgation or veto.
The President may also refer the law to the Constitutional Court for a preventive review before promulgation.
We will, of course, keep you informed of any further developments.
This week, Portugal’s parliament approved a bill to extend the residency requirement for citizenship, impacting Golden Visa applicants. The new rules set a seven-year timeline for citizens of EU member states and Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP), and ten years for all others, with the clock starting only upon issuance of a residence permit (which typically takes 2-3 years after application submission). This effectively means a total wait of 9-13 years for most Golden Visa investors seeking citizenship and a Portuguese passport. The bill, which aims to formalize processing delays into the naturalization structure, is headed for a final vote on October 28, 2025, and is expected to pass. Pending citizenship applications filed before the law takes effect will follow the old five-year rule, but current residence permit holders who haven’t yet applied for citizenship will fall under the new timelines if they do so after enactment.
This follows earlier proposals and delays in the process, including a postponed vote last week with suggestions for transitional pathways (e.g., shorter timelines like six years for CPLP/EU nationals and eight for others until 2026). A compromise from socialists earlier this month aimed to protect existing Golden Visa investors by preserving the five-year path for those applying for residence before January 1, 2026.
On the investment side, Portugal’s Golden Visa program is approaching a €9 billion milestone in total funds raised, with continued strong interest despite the changes. Application processing times remain around 8-12 months for the initial residence permit.
Separately, there were reports of passport control delays at Lisbon Airport over the weekend, causing some passengers to miss flights, though this relates to border checks rather than new applications. No major disruptions to Golden Visa or passport application processes were noted beyond the legislative developments.
This hasn’t been the case for years now. It is more like 3 years from application to first card. Many on here have been waiting longer than that just for biometrics. It’s an utter shambles.
So if I understand this correctly, three years after I invested in a country in exchange for citizenship after five years, will now take ten more years AND the clock doesn’t start ticking until AFTER I receive a residence card, which I may or may not receive 8-12 months AFTER I’ve been fingerprinted, which I’ve been waiting three years for an appointment?
I started this process at 54, and will now be pushing 70 (or older, or possibly dead) by the time I get a Portuguese passport?
wondering why an already EU citizen would want/need another EU passport?
Yes, you are correct. 16 years sounds about right.
Welcome to Portugal.
Voting rights if they live in Portugal. Also security of a permanent status (see Brexit)
Sounds about right
This would really be only useful for those who only need 7 years to become a citizen. 10 years would mean it’s a bit of a joke, you need to have legal residence for 10 years anyway ![]()
id just either sue the government (assuming you already havent), or just pull your investment out by this point. Life’s too short to deal with this.
Hope for Veto or court review! Personally I need a delay until Jan 1 but I hope for more beneficial news for everyone here.
This is again not a loosening but a tightening of rules. Previously residence within the last 15 years was counted (of which you needed 5). Now it’s 7 or 10 out of last 10.
Huh, does that mean you could have been a resident for 2 years, left for a 5 years. came back for 3 years and then applied?
I really hope this gets vetoed/constitutional court throws it out.
It only takes 2/3 to override a presidential veto as I understand. The negative decision by the TC cannot be vetoed.
(edited for clarity)