Updated: January 30, 2025
Portugal’s immigration system has been reshaped with the introduction of the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), replacing the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF). This transition, which began in October 2023, aims to fix delays, modernize immigration and asylum procedures, and expedite visa and residence permit processing.
Let’s explore AIMA’s role and what this change from SEF means for those living in or moving to Portugal. If you’re thinking about making Portugal your home, this information will help you navigate the visa and residence permit process.
AIMA, or the
Agência para a Imigração e Mobilidade Administrativa, is Portugal’s new immigration agency that handles foreign documents, permits, and visas. It took over SEF’s responsibilities to tackle issues like backlogs and slow processing times.
AIMA aims to modernize Portugal’s immigration system, offering quicker processing, better security, and improved services for foreigners. Its main goals are:
- Immigration and visa processing: They want to reduce the backlog of over 300,000 pending visa applications, residence permit applications, and renewals from SEF.
- Asylum processes and refugee management: AIMA manages asylum applications and works with organizations to help refugees integrate into Portugal.
- Streamlining and efficiency: The agency wants to reduce waiting times and administrative inefficiencies, including improving digital systems to speed up case processing.
AIMA reducing the SEF backlog
One of AIMA’s main goals is to clear the backlog of immigration applications left by SEF. The transition aims to create a better system to process requests more effectively. At the start of 2024, there were about 347,000 pending cases, and AIMA plans to work with a law firm to resolve all backlogged cases by June 2025.
AIMA, led by Pedro Portugal Gaspar, plans to address the causes of delays in residence permits, renewals, and visa applications, ensuring that Portugal’s immigration services align with international standards and meet the needs of its growing expat community.
In addition to hiring more staff and updating computer systems, the validity of residency visas and documents was extended until 30 June 2025 to address concerns received by the agency.
AIMA’s Services and Responsibilities
To succeed in improving immigration processes, some of SEF’s responsibilities have been given to other local authorities. Here’s a detailed look at some of these responsibilities:
GNR responsibilities
The Republican National Guard (GNR) now oversees land and sea border enforcement and rural security, monitors illegal immigration, and ensures compliance with entry and exit regulations.
Public Security Police (PSP) responsibilities
The PSP monitors airport borders and temporary airport facilities, overseeing people entering and leaving the country and maintaining airport security.
Judiciary Police (PJ) responsibilities
The Judiciary Police (PJ) investigates serious immigration-related crimes, including human trafficking and document fraud. It works with AIMA to enforce immigration laws.
Borders and Foreigners Coordination Unit responsibilities
A specialized Borders and Foreigners Coordination Unit has been created to coordinate the police forces, the Institute of Registries and Notary (IRN), and AIMA for better cooperation.
The Unit will also oversee the administration of police databases and information systems.
Future of SEF facilities
Many former SEF facilities have been repurposed to serve AIMA and its related units and are being upgraded with new technologies. Existing SEF staff have been redistributed to support AIMA or other local authorities.
The transition from SEF to AIMA has brought changes to the immigration landscape, affecting visa applications, residence permits, and citizenship.
While the goal is to improve immigration services, it will take time. Here’s what you need to know:
AIMA in Portugal and the Golden Visa
O Portugal Golden Visa program remains in place under AIMA and allows investors to get Portuguese residency through business creation, investment, or capital transfers. AIMA now manages these applications and aims to improve processing times and provide clearer guidelines.
However, the agency still faces complaints from foreign nationals due to delays. Despite legal intervention efforts, biometric appointment delays remain challenging.
How to apply for residence permits and passport renewals
Applicants can now submit applications through the AIMA website and involves online submissions, biometric appointment scheduling, and an in-person verification process.
The IRN issues the Portuguese electronic passport and will also handle residence permits.
Where to apply for new residence permits
New applications can be filed at AIMA offices or through its new online AIMA Portal. Former SEF locations have been integrated into AIMA’s network, undergoing upgrades with digital upgrades and welcoming almost 200 additional employees to tackle the pending cases as quickly as possible. The agency is also opening new service centers.
How to get an AIMA appointment
Appointments can be scheduled online. Applicants should book early to avoid delays.
Alternatively, contact AIMA directly by calling +351 217 115 000 or +351 965 903 700 from 8 AM to 8 PM, Lisbon time.
Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal
If you’re thinking about moving to Portugal, now is the time to start the process! Portugal offers visa and immigration options to make moving easier and include:
-
D7 Visa (passive income or
Portugal retirement visa):
Ideal for retirees or remote workers with steady incomes. -
D8 Visa (
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa):
For remote workers and freelancers. - Portugal D6 Visa (Family Reunification Visa): Allows family members to join residents in Portugal.
- Portugal Golden Visa: A pathway for investors through business, investment, or capital transfers.
Each option has requirements managed by AIMA. EU citizens don’t need a visa to move to Portugal, but If you’d like to learn more about which option may suit you, contact our partners,
Global Citizen Solutions, for advice.
AIMA is a step forward in modernizing Portugal’s immigration system by addressing inefficiencies and providing a more organized system.
Whether you are hoping to move to Portugal, a property investor, or a student, understanding AIMA’s role is essential. AIMA promises to make Portugal an attractive destination for global citizens.
SEF, the Foreigners and Borders Service, was Portugal’s immigration and border authority, managing visas, permits, and immigration until AIMA replaced it in October 2023.
Yes, SEF was dissolved in October 2023, and its responsibilities were distributed across AIMA and other agencies.
AIMA has replaced SEF and manages immigration applications and mobility.
AIMA is the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum, established to streamline Portugal’s immigration services.
SEF handled immigration and law enforcement, AIMA focuses on immigration tasks, whiles the rest focus on law enforcement duties.
Yes, AIMA has been operational since October 2023 and processes applications for visas and residence permits.
AIMA aims to create a great system, addressing delays and improving times. The agency has vastly improved the computer systems, hired more staff, streamlined operations, and opened new service centers to improve efficiency and eliminate the backlog.
Yes, AIMA manages Golden Visa applications and ensures compliance.
Fees for AIMA services vary. Applicants should check the AIMA website for updated fee structures.
AIMA processes citizenship applications from start to finish and includes verifying documents, submissions, follow-ups, and legal compliance.
