Portugal Golden Visa: Court Rulings, AIMA Lawsuits & Permit Cancellations

Constitutional Court Rejects Citizenship Law Provisions

Portugal's Constitutional Court has declared four provisions of the newly proposed citizenship law unconstitutional. This ruling protects applicants from controversial retroactive norms, though the exact timeline and parliamentary response remain pending.

For now, there are no confirmed changes extending the citizenship timeline from five to ten years. However, the legal landscape remains in a state of turbulence as the government navigates the court's decision.

Investors Sue AIMA Over Processing Delays

Frustration is mounting among Golden Visa applicants due to severe processing delays by the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA).

Taking legal action against AIMA is becoming a standard procedure for investors trying to secure their residence cards. Applicants whose waiting periods have exceeded legal limits are increasingly turning to the courts to force a resolution.

Police Crackdown on Residence Permit Violations

Portuguese authorities are tightening control over existing residence permit holders. The Public Security Police (PSP) has recently submitted over 1,000 proposals to cancel residence permits due to various compliance violations.

This crackdown highlights the critical importance of adhering to the physical presence requirements associated with Portuguese residency. Authorities are actively checking whether residents are meeting their obligations.

Next Steps for Golden Visa Holders

In light of increased scrutiny and bureaucratic hurdles, the digest notes that investors must be proactive in maintaining their residency status and progressing their applications.

• Carefully track your required days of stay in Portugal.
• Collect and retain concrete proof of physical presence, such as shopping receipts and boarding passes.
• Consider discussing potential legal action against AIMA with a qualified attorney if application timelines have been severely exceeded.