In recent years, many individuals have moved to Portugal, drawn by the country’s golden-visa program, which promises a pathway to citizenship. However, obtaining this citizenship has proven more complicated than anticipated.
According to Bloomberg, numerous applicants have faced delays in getting their golden-visa requests approved. In response, hundreds are now suing the Portuguese government, seeking to expedite the process. Immigration lawyers indicate that many of their clients have taken legal action to ensure the state meets a 90-day deadline for decisions on residency applications.
Laely Heron, an American winemaker who relocated to Lisbon in April 2023, expressed her frustration, stating, “It’s not ideal to start your relationship with the Portuguese state by going to court. But it seems this may be my only way out.”
The golden-visa program allows foreign nationals to invest in Portugal in exchange for citizenship. Since its inception in 2012, it has raised approximately $7.6 billion. However, due to a significant rise in immigration linked to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum is currently managing a backlog of over 400,000 visa applications, with a portion pertaining to golden visas. The agency did not respond to Bloomberg’s request for comment.
Frustrated by the delays, many applicants feel that they have paid substantial sums for access to Portuguese citizenship without receiving the benefits as promised. Renhai Wang, who purchased an apartment in Lisbon for $380,000 in 2021, is still waiting for his application to be processed.
“It’s not fair that those who have paid the most to get a residency permit seem to be the last in line to get their visa,” Renhai told Bloomberg. “I just want this nightmare to end.” He also mentioned that had he known the process would take so long, he would have considered investing in another country. Other nations, such as Greece, Italy, and Spain, also offer similar golden-visa programs that have gained popularity in recent years.
While golden-visa programs may appear to be a sound investment for those with the financial means, they can also lead to considerable stress and complications.
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