Portugal's immigration and asylum agency — the successor to SEF since October 2023, responsible for residence permits, visa processing, and migration policy.
AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo — is Portugal's immigration authority, created in October 2023 to replace SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). AIMA took over SEF's residency and immigration functions while law enforcement responsibilities transferred to the PSP and GNR. AIMA is a civil administrative agency — it does not have police powers.
For expats in Portugal, AIMA issues all residence permits (autorizações de residência), including: the D7 Passive Income Visa permit, the Digital Nomad Visa permit, the Golden Visa (ARI — Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento), highly qualified worker permits, family reunification permits, and long-term resident status. AIMA also processes Portuguese citizenship applications that depend on residency history.
AIMA inherited a significant backlog from SEF. As of 2025, processing times for initial residence permit applications remain long — applicants frequently wait 12–24 months or more. The government has introduced measures including expanded capacity and digitalisation, but delays persist. Applicants receive an agendamento (appointment confirmation) which in many cases serves as proof of pending legal status while the application is processed.
Applications are submitted via the AIMA portal (aima.gov.pt) or by post, followed by an in-person biometric appointment. Many applicants use an immigration lawyer given the complexity of documentation requirements and the difficulty of navigating an agency handling very high volumes.
The D7 Visa — one of the most popular routes for non-EU retirees and passive-income holders — requires applicants to demonstrate sufficient passive income (minimum approximately €820/month as of 2025 for a single applicant), valid health insurance, and an accommodation plan in Portugal. After AIMA issues the residence permit, the holder can apply for permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 5 years of continuous legal residence.
SEF was Portugal's combined border control and immigration authority, dissolved in October 2023. AIMA took over immigration, residency, and asylum functions. Border control and enforcement went to PSP/GNR. AIMA is purely administrative — it has no police powers.
Log in to the AIMA portal (aima.gov.pt) using the credentials you created when applying. You can view application status, scheduled appointment dates, and any document requests. Your immigration lawyer can also monitor on your behalf via power of attorney.
Yes, via naturalisation. After 5 years of legal residence in Portugal, you may apply for citizenship. The D7 residence permit is renewable and counts towards the 5-year period. Continuous residence — not spending more than 6 consecutive or 8 total months per year outside Portugal — is generally required.
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