Golden Visa Portugal › AIMA delays and litigation
AIMA delays and litigation · Updated 2 Nov 2026AIMA Golden Visa delays: the 90-day deadline and when to go to court
- The legal decision deadline is 90 days. Lei 62/2026 (11 Sep 2026) sets 90 days, extendable by 30. Lawyers read it as covering ARI files; no official statement yet.
- When AIMA does not decide, applicants go to the administrative court with an intimação.
- On 7 October 2026 about 6,000 of 46,000 pending Golden Visa files had been processed.
Is your Golden Visa file past the legal deadline?
Enter your submission date and stage to see how long you have waited against the 90-day deadline and its 30-day extension. It is a first orientation, not legal advice.
Enter your submission date to check your file.
The 90-day deadline and the 30-day extension come from Lei 62/2026 (11 September 2026). Lawyers read it as covering ARI applications, but there is no official statement yet.
The 90-day deadline for AIMA, explained
90 days to decide
The legal decision deadline for a Golden Visa application is 90 days.
Extendable by 30
The law of 11 September 2026 sets 90 days, extendable by 30. Lawyers read it as covering ARI files; no official statement yet.
Deadlines are exceeded
About 6,000 of 46,000 pending Golden Visa files had been processed on 7 October 2026.
What you can do when AIMA is late
| Option | When it fits | Things to weigh |
|---|---|---|
| Wait | You are inside the 90 days, or nothing depends on timing. | The backlog is large and timing is uncertain. |
| Follow up with AIMA | You have a specific gap, such as a missing appointment or document. | Keep a record of every request and every reply. |
| Intimação in the administrative court | The legal deadline has passed and you want AIMA ordered to act. | Needs a lawyer. Cost, timing and result depend on the case and are not guaranteed. |
What to gather before a case review
What a lawyer does with your file
- Checks your dates against the 90-day deadline and its extension
- Reviews your proof of submission and the status of each applicant
- Explains whether to wait, follow up or go to court
- If you proceed, prepares and files the intimação and represents you
How long does a court case take?
The time depends on the court, the case and how it is handled, so we do not promise a date. Press coverage reports that intimações against AIMA have multiplied and that the Lisbon administrative court handles a heavy share of them. For general court timelines, see our guide to the court case timeline in Portugal.
Sources: Diário de Notícias, Executive Digest. See also our Lisbon lawyers and the Golden Visa process and timeline.
AIMA delays and litigation: frequently asked questions
What is the legal deadline for AIMA to decide a Golden Visa application?
The legal decision deadline is 90 days. Lei 62/2026 (11 September 2026) sets 90 days, extendable by 30. Lawyers read it as also covering ARI applications, but there is no official statement yet.
What is an intimação against AIMA?
It is a court action in the administrative court that applicants use when AIMA does not decide or act within the legal time. Whether it fits your file depends on the facts, so a lawyer should review it first.
Can I sue AIMA if my Golden Visa is delayed?
You can ask the administrative court to order the authority to act. Many Golden Visa applicants now do. Outcomes and timing vary by case and cannot be guaranteed.
How long is AIMA's Golden Visa backlog in 2026?
On 7 October 2026 AIMA had processed about 6,000 of 46,000 pending Golden Visa files and scheduled about 30,000 biometric appointments, according to the Minister of the Presidency in Parliament.
Should I wait or take action?
It depends on how long you have waited, which stage you have reached and what is at stake for you, for example a deadline for your family. A short file review is the best first step.
What documents do I need to show that I applied?
Proof of submission, any AIMA acknowledgement, correspondence and appointment requests, proof of the qualifying investment, and the identity documents of every applicant.
Which court handles these cases?
Applications are handled by the administrative courts. Reports say the Lisbon administrative court handles a heavy share of Golden Visa intimações.
Will going to court affect my application?
It is a legal route to make AIMA act, and applicants use it because of the delay. We explain the risks and the alternatives before you decide, so you can choose with full information.
Official sources
Figures on this page were checked on 2 November 2026. Always confirm amounts and dates with the official source before you act.
Talk to a lawyer about your Golden Visa
Tell us your route, dates and questions. We usually reply within one working day. Your results above are added to your message.
