Professional Views on Golden Visa Online Renewals

Much has been publicised about the recent decision to move Golden Visa Renewals online by the Portuguese Authorities. But what does it really mean, is it enough and what more can be done? We asked 3 leading operators in this space for their views:

Tomas Teixeira (CCA Law Firm): This is a pilot project ending on the 31st of March 2023 which is positive and should significantly accelerate the renewal process and create some availability to process new applications. All involved want to save time, money, and resources. Expectation, or rather the hope in the market, is that this project is extended. 

But why stop here? There are other easy wins to be considered such as the collection of biometric data at Portuguese Consulates and Embassies around the world. This should help get the program back on track.

Michael Maxwell (EQTY Capital): This compromise from SEF is a step in the right direction and a clear acknowledgement that there is room for improvement and initiatives must be implemented to speed up the Golden Visa application process to an acceptable level. This is certainly positive and is an initiative that has been discussed for a while.

We are confident that the Portuguese Golden Visa is the premier offering in this space when compared to competing jurisdictions and hence its popularity. These volumes are not easy to deal with of course and greater resources such as staff or technological improvements need to be developed by the authorities to cater for the demand to align the excellence of the program with the experience on the ground of applicants.

Vanessa Lima (Prime Legal): Prime Legal submitted all renewal applications on the day this new initiative was launched and have had residency cards already delivered. It is working and importantly the reputation of the Portuguese Golden Visa Program is back on track. 

What could accelerate this improvement is the utilisation of consulates, eliminating the double analysis of paperwork that now exists with the electronic and biometric applications and the creation of an independent department to deal with Golden Visa applications where the immigration officers could gain specific experience and expertise in the program and its unique characteristics.

Tomas Teixeira, Partner at CCA Law Firm

Michael Maxwell, Head of Business Development at EQTY Capital

Vanessa Lima, Founder of Prime Legal