Patricia Casaburi
The Portuguese Golden Visa has become one of the most sought-after residency-by-investment programs globally. This program offers investors the opportunity to obtain Portuguese residency by making a qualifying investment. As part of the application process, potential investors need to schedule a biometrics appointment.
A biometrics appointment is a scheduled session during which a Golden Visa applicant provides physical identifiers like fingerprints, photographs, and sometimes a signature to verify their identity for immigration or legal purposes. These appointments are also commonly required for other visas, permanent residency applications, or citizenship processes.
During the session, the provided data is securely collected and cross-referenced against databases to ensure there are no security or identity concerns. In this article, we take a closer look at the biometrics appointment for Golden Visa applications. You’ll also find out more about:
What do I need to know about the Portugal Golden Visa Biometrics appointment?
Overall, biometric appointments for Portugal Golden Visa applicants are scheduled automatically by AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum). Appointments are assigned within 30-90 days of submitting the application and are assigned to any location within mainland Portugal, offering no personal preference. The appointment process involves:
Automatic scheduling
AIMA assigns biometric appointments automatically after analyzing approved applications.
Processing time
Applicants can expect a lead time of 30 to 90 days between application submission and the biometric appointment.
Location appointment
Appointments are location-specific and may be in Lisbon, Porto, or regional branches, including the islands.
Rescheduling details
Missed appointments can only be rescheduled in the second half of the year for valid, documented reasons.
Appointment fees
Standard biometric fees are collected during the appointment, and no additional fees apply for in-person document delivery.
The Portugal Golden Visa Program
Aided by its high ranking on the Global Peace Index, relatively affordable and quite diverse options, the Portugal Golden Visa scheme has established itself as one of the most popular worldwide.
To qualify, you must make a minimum investment of €250,000 in the country. This can range from fund investment and capital transfer to investing in a Portuguese business, science and engineering research, or cultural heritage. As the new rules state, real estate investment is no longer available, but there are many other investment opportunities.
Fund investment proves popular, particularly with Americans. For this option, you will need to invest in a qualifying Portuguese investment fund, such as private equity funds or venture capital funds. The minimum investment amount varies depending on the chosen route.
The Golden Visa Program in Portugal offers many advantages, including improved travel freedoms, greater financial security, tax benefits, family reunification, and the ability to live in a high-quality European Union country.
After five years, you can apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship.
To be eligible for the Portuguese Golden Visa program, you must fulfill the following:
- Be a non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss national
- Minimum investment of €250,000
- Hold a clean criminal record
- Have health insurance and in good health
- Open a local bank account
- Spend a minimum of seven days in Portugal in the first year, then a minimum of 14 days for each subsequent two-year period.
The Portugal Golden Visa: Process
The capturing of your biometric details is one of the last steps in the Golden Visa application process. Before you can book your biometrics appointment, you have to complete:
- Onboarding: First, you must decide on the Golden Visa investment option and collect the paperwork for yourself and any dependents you want to include in the Portugal Golden Visa application. A law firm can submit the paperwork for review on your behalf.
- Set up your Bank account and NIF: We will appoint a fiscal representative to you to obtain your personal tax identification number (NIF) in Portugal. You’ll need this to pay taxes and conduct business. When you have secured your NIF, we can help you open a Portuguese bank account. This can be done remotely before you even come to Portugal.
- Make the investment: We begin securing your investment and can guide you through the paperwork that will be required to ensure a successful investment for the Golden Visa.
- Online Golden Visa application: You will then need to lodge your application online.
- Pre-approval: Your Portuguese Golden Visa application will be pre-approved on the basis that you fulfill all the requirements.
After your Golden Visa approval, you can then schedule your biometrics appointment.
How to Schedule a Biometrics Appointment for Portugal Golden Visa
For your Golden Visa application to be processed, you will need to attend the biometrics appointment. Once your application is received, AIMA will automatically schedule appointments for biometric data collection and in-person verification. The agency will notify you 30 to 90 days before your biometric appointment, and unfortunately, it might not be at the nearest AIMA branch.
Since AIMA is still facing a massive backlog, the appointment location can be anywhere in mainland Portugal. Additionally, you can’t choose the date or time of the appointment. Appointments can be rescheduled only for cases with a justifiable reason, and that will only be in the last half of the year.
You’ll need to bring:
- Your passport
- Proof of legal entry such as a foreign registration or a stamp at the Portuguese border.
- Completed AIMA form
Steps to complete biometrics for Portugal Golden Visa
On the day of your biometrics appointment, we recommend that you aim to arrive around 30 minutes before your scheduled time slot. You should be aware of the following:
- You must attend the appointment yourself, and you cannot send someone in your stead
- Only Golden Visa applicants, their dependent parents and dependent children, and caregivers can attend the appointment
- Bring all the requested documents.
At the Golden Visa Portugal biometrics appointment, you will provide your biometric data. You must submit a fingerprint, and a photograph will be taken. Your photograph must show your full face. This is referred to as biometric information collection.
After the Golden Visa Biometrics Appointment
After attending the biometrics appointment, it can take around four months for your Golden Visa to be approved by AIMA. Once your Golden Visa is issued, you will have Golden Visa residency status, and your Golden Visa residence permit will be valid for two years.
Following this, you will need to renew your Golden Visa until you can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship, should you so desire. The renewal process for your residence permit is quite straightforward, although you will need to present your documents for each Golden Visa renewal. You will then get a new Golden Visa residence card.
A Portuguese passport is one of the most powerful in the world and can unlock visa-free travel to 172 countries. As a Portuguese citizen, you can also travel, live, and work in any EU or Schengen country without needing a Schengen Visa.
How can you score a biometrics appointment without delay?
As mentioned previously, it can take quite some time to schedule (or reschedule) a biometrics appointment with AIMA. While getting an appointment is largely outside of your control, there are some strategies that you can put in place to speed up the process.
- If you are working with a lawyer, they can book an appointment on your behalf. Be sure to ask about their strategy for getting their client’s appointments so that you’re aware of how long you can expect to wait. We highly recommend having a legal representative in your corner to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
- If you are traveling to Portugal for a few days or just a couple of weeks, let your lawyer know. Your lawyer can then be on the lookout for last-minute cancellations. As these are often just for the next day or two, you may be able to benefit from this if you are in the country.
- If you are lucky enough to find multiple appointments at different branches of AIMA, we recommend avoiding appointments in Lisbon. This is because the processing time for getting your residence card is noticeably longer, and it will take longer to obtain your residency permit.
AIMA Taken to Court to Speed Up the Process
As part of the Golden Visa process, applicants need to attend an appointment at AIMA to provide the required legal documents and for AIMA to collect their biometric data.
Once AIMA analyzes the Golden Visa application and receives the go-ahead, the agency then indicates the dates available to schedule the appointment.
The legal provision (Article 105) states that AIMA has three months to inform the applicant of their decision and indicate the dates available for the applicant to make an appointment (this can be extended to a further 90 days in exceptional circumstances).
AIMA foresees a deadline of 10 to 60 days for the scheduling of the biometrics collection. However, it is unclear as to whether this refers to making the appointment or whether the appointment itself should occur within this time frame.
This process of scheduling an appointment is taking much longer, up to 18 months, due to the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the high number of applications for the program.
Many investors have taken AIMA (and the former SEF) to court over the delays in obtaining a Golden Visa to speed up the process. It is this deadline provided in the law for appointments that the courts have made favorable decisions for foreign investors, thereby making the delays in the process illegal.
Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa?
- Global approach by local experts: A team of experienced local case executives, immigration lawyers, and investment specialists based in Portugal.
- Independent service:We are not a marketing agency for any projects. You will access all eligible routes for the Golden Visa, with over 40 vetted qualifying investment options, so you can decide on the best option for you.
- 100% approval rate: We have the unique distinction of never having had a Golden Visa case rejected and have helped hundreds of clients from more than 35 countries.
- All-encompassing solution: Our dedicated onboarding and immigration teams will assist you throughout the process and beyond with a single channel of communication.
- Transparency: Our fees are clear and detailed, covering the entire process with no hidden costs.
- Privacy: Your personal data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
To see the full list of reasons why to work with Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa, you can find out more here: Why Work with Global Citizen Solutions for Your Golden Visa Portugal Application?
Frequently Asked Questions About the Golden Visa Biometrics Appointment
What is the biometrics appointment for Portugal?
The biometrics appointment for Portugal is a required step where you provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature as part of your residency application process. This data is used to verify your identity and complete your application.
What to expect during the Golden Visa biometrics appointment?
During the biometrics appointment, your identity will be verified by checking your passport and other necessary documents. You’ll then provide your fingerprints, have your photograph taken, and sign electronically. The appointment usually lasts between 15 to 30 minutes.
How do I schedule a biometrics appointment?
For the Golden Visa biometrics visit, you will be notified by AIMA when your biometrics appointment will take place. Unfortunately, you have no control over when and where it will happen.
How long do biometrics appointments take?
Biometrics appointments typically take about 15 to 30 minutes. The actual time can vary depending on the location and the number of applicants, but the process itself is usually quick and straightforward.
What happens if I miss my Golden Visa biometrics appointment?
If you miss your Portugal Golden Visa biometrics appointment, your application may face delays or risk cancellation. You must promptly contact AIMA to explain and request a new appointment. Missing the appointment without notice can negatively affect your visa process and legal standing.
Can I reschedule my Golden Visa biometrics appointment?
Yes, you can reschedule your Portuguese Golden Visa biometrics appointment by contacting AIMA through their online portal or helpline. Rescheduling is subject to availability, and delays may affect your visa timeline, so request changes as early as possible.
Do all family members need to attend the biometrics appointment?
Yes, all family members included in the Portugal Golden Visa application must attend their individual biometrics appointments with AIMA. Each person, including children, is required to provide fingerprints, photos, and signatures to complete the residence permit process.
Can I travel to Portugal specifically for the Golden Visa biometrics appointment?
Yes, you can travel to Portugal specifically for the Golden Visa biometrics appointment. Ensure your entry aligns with visa-free access or a valid visa, and bring all required documents for AIMA. Scheduling the appointment in advance is essential to avoid entry issues or delays.
Can the biometrics appointment for the Golden Visa be completed outside Portugal?
No, the biometrics appointment for the Portugal Golden Visa must be completed in person at an AIMA office within Portugal. Fingerprints, photos, and signatures are collected locally as part of the residence permit process. AIMA does not allow this step to be done abroad and even a law firm can’t help you.
How long after submitting the application will I get the biometrics appointment date?
After submitting the Portugal Golden Visa application, it typically takes 2 to 6 months to receive a biometrics appointment date from AIMA. Timelines vary based on processing volume and region. Applicants should monitor AIMA notifications and prepare the required documents in advance.
Where are the AIMA offices for Golden Visa biometrics appointments located?
AIMA offices handling Golden Visa biometrics appointments are located in major cities including Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Coimbra. These regional centers schedule and process appointments for AIMA. Availability varies, so applicants should confirm the assigned location through official AIMA communications.
What is the waiting time for a Golden Visa biometrics appointment in 2025?
The waiting time for a Portugal Golden Visa biometrics appointment typically ranges from 3 to 9 months after application approval. Delays depend on regional processing capacity and demand at AIMA offices.
Do you need to bring health insurance or birth certificates for the biometric appointment?
Generally, for the Golden Visa biometrics appointment, you don’t need to bring health insurance, birth certificates, or proof of accommodation. However, AIMA may request additional documents depending on your case, so always check your appointment notice for specific requirements.
