Suing the Portuguese government has indeed become an option for some Golden Visa applicants experiencing significant delays, given AIMA’s extensive backlog. Based on my experience working with clients in similar situations, I’ve found that legal action is often quite effective and typically helps expedite the process, given that clients who invest in legal assistance for similar cases typically see a positive outcome. In successful cases, these legal actions can prompt the courts to order AIMA to prioritize specific applications, often resulting on a response within some months, instead of the typical delay. This has been a game-changer for many clients who would otherwise, inevitably, face these multi-year delays. While it is not possible to guarantee a certain outcome, in my experience, most clients pursuing this route have benefited from faster processing. AIMA’s backlog—over 400,000 applications—reflects widespread issues within Portugal's immigration system. The Government is aware of these challenges, and while they’re actively working on AIMA’s reform, any substantial improvements to processing times could take time. Considering potential delays, while legal action is generally a last resort, factoring it into your 2025 application plan could provide a valuable safeguard against these, helping you avoid lengthy wait times and ensure a smoother process. Nonetheless, future AIMA reforms might alleviate some of the current delays.
