AIMA Portugal guide: how to get your residence permit appointment
"I've accompanied over 80 students to AIMA appointments in Lisbon and Porto. The system has improved significantly since 2024, but it still requires patience and the right strategy. A lawyer claim is no longer optional — it's the standard way to get an appointment in a reasonable timeframe. This guide covers everything I've learned from navigating the system firsthand."
AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) processes all residence permits in Portugal. To get an appointment, either wait in the standard queue (3-6 months) or file a lawyer claim (€545) to get seen in 2-8 weeks. Bring all documents to your appointment — biometrics are collected the same day. Your residence card arrives 2-4 weeks later.
What is AIMA Portugal?
AIMA (Agencia para a Integracao, Migracoes e Asilo) is Portugal's immigration and asylum agency. It replaced SEF (Servico de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) in October 2023. AIMA handles all residence permit applications, renewals, and related immigration matters for non-EU citizens in Portugal.
If you see old guides referencing "SEF," the information may be outdated. SEF was dissolved and replaced by AIMA. All SEF processes have been transferred to AIMA, but the website, portal, and procedures have changed.
Official source: AIMA — Agencia para a Integracao, Migracoes e Asilo (aima.gov.pt)
How to book an AIMA appointment in 2026
There are two main ways to get an AIMA appointment for your residence permit application. The method you choose dramatically affects your waiting time.
| Lawyer Claim | AIMA Portal (Self) | |
|---|---|---|
| Wait time | 2-4 weeks | 3-6+ months |
| Cost | ~€545 | Free |
| Process | Lawyer submits on your behalf | Self-service online |
| Support at appointment | Lawyer present | You are alone |
| Document review | Pre-checked by lawyer | Checked at appointment |
| Recommended for | First-time applicants | Renewals, simple cases |
Option A: AIMA Portal (Self-booking)
Create an account
Visit aima.gov.pt and register with your passport number, email, and NIF (tax number).
Log in to the portal
Access your account, select the type of appointment (initial application, renewal, or biometrics collection).
Select office and date
Choose your preferred AIMA office (Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Coimbra, etc.) and pick an available slot. Slots fill up fast — check daily.
Confirm and attend
You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment date, time, and the list of documents to bring.
AIMA lawyer claim: how it works
A lawyer claim (pedido de agendamento por advogado) is a formal legal request submitted by a registered Portuguese lawyer on your behalf. It bypasses the public portal queue and typically results in an appointment within 2-4 weeks.
How the lawyer claim works
Hire an immigration lawyer
The lawyer must be registered with the Ordem dos Advogados (Portuguese Bar Association). Birlay works with vetted immigration lawyers in Lisbon and Porto. Typical fee: €400-€700.
Provide documents
Give your lawyer a copy of your passport, NIF, enrollment letter, and other supporting documents. The lawyer reviews everything before submission.
Lawyer submits the claim
The lawyer files a formal legal request (exposicao) with AIMA, requesting an appointment for your case. This goes through a dedicated legal channel.
Receive appointment date
AIMA responds with an appointment date, typically within 2-4 weeks. The lawyer notifies you and prepares you for the appointment.
Attend with lawyer
Your lawyer accompanies you to the AIMA appointment, handles communication with the officer, and ensures your documents are correctly presented.
AIMA biometrics: what to expect
At your AIMA appointment, you will go through biometrics collection. This is a standard procedure for all residence permit applicants.
What happens at biometrics
All 10 fingers are scanned digitally. Takes about 2 minutes.
Digital photo taken on-site for your residence card. Dress presentably.
Officer reviews originals and copies of all submitted documents.
Processing fee of €108 paid at the appointment. Cash or card accepted.
What to bring
AIMA waiting time and backlog
AIMA inherited a massive backlog from SEF. As of March 2026, over 400,000 cases are still pending across Portugal. Processing times vary by office location and application type.
| Stage | With Lawyer | Without Lawyer |
|---|---|---|
| Getting an appointment | 2-4 weeks | 3-6+ months |
| Biometrics to decision | 2-4 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
| Decision to card delivery | 2-6 weeks | 2-6 weeks |
| Total estimate | 6-14 weeks | 4-9 months |
Wait times by city (March 2026)
| City | Lawyer Claim Wait | Portal Wait | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | 3-4 weeks | 4-6 months | Busiest office, longest portal waits |
| Porto | 2-3 weeks | 3-5 months | Second busiest, slightly faster |
| Faro | 2-3 weeks | 2-4 months | Less demand, shorter queues |
| Coimbra | 1-2 weeks | 1-3 months | Smallest office, fastest processing |
Data based on Birlay student cases processed in Q1 2026. Individual times may vary.
AIMA contact information
Below are the official AIMA contact channels. Response times vary; email is usually the most reliable method.
Online portal for appointments, status checks, and document submission.
contacto@aima.gov.pt
General inquiries. Response time: 5-15 business days. Always include your process number.
+351 808 202 653
Mon-Fri, 9:00-17:00 Lisbon time. Expect long hold times. Portuguese and English available.
Av. do Casal Ribeiro 12, 1000-092 Lisboa
By appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Only use official AIMA channels. Never pay for "fast-track" AIMA appointments through unofficial third parties. Legitimate lawyer claims go through registered lawyers with the Ordem dos Advogados.
Common AIMA problems and how to solve them
Solution: Check the portal daily at 7-8 AM. Alternatively, use a lawyer claim (recommended) to skip the portal queue entirely.
Solution: Clear browser cache, try a different browser, or use incognito mode. If your account is locked, email contacto@aima.gov.pt with your passport number.
Solution: Most common issue is expired criminal record (must be from last 6 months) or bank statements not covering 3 months. Have your lawyer pre-check all documents.
Solution: AIMA response times are 5-15 business days. Always include your process number in the subject line. If urgent, call the helpline or visit through a lawyer.
Solution: Your lawyer claim or AIMA application receipt serves as legal proof of pending application. You are legally allowed to stay while your case is being processed. Keep this receipt with you at all times.
Residence card delivery
After your application is approved, AIMA issues a residence card (Titulo de Residencia). The card is produced by INCM (Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda) and delivered by post.
From approval to card in hand: 2-6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the AIMA queue?
How much does a lawyer claim cost?
What is the current AIMA backlog?
Can I stay in Portugal while waiting for my AIMA decision?
How long does AIMA take to deliver the residence card?
Need help with AIMA?
Birlay coordinates lawyer claims and AIMA appointments for all enrolled students. Free consultation to assess your situation.
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This content does not constitute legal advice. Immigration and residency laws change frequently and vary by individual circumstances. This guide is for informational purposes only.
Always consult a licensed immigration lawyer registered with the Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) for advice specific to your situation.
Birlay.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal services. We are an education consulting platform connecting students with DGERT-certified schools.
Information last verified: 27 March 2026 · Legal review: Dr. Ricardo Almeida, OA #18742 · Sources: aima.gov.pt, dre.pt · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · Editorial Policy
Disclosure: Birlay.com receives commission from partner schools when students enroll. This does not affect content, recommendations, or accuracy. All information is independently verified. Editorial Policy.
Legal Disclaimer: This content does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed immigration lawyer registered with the Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados).
Birlay.com is not a law firm. We are an education consulting platform connecting students with DGERT-certified schools.
Legal review: Dr. Ricardo Almeida, OA #18742 · Last verified: 25 March 2026
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