AIMA: Your Complete Guide to Portuguese Immigration

If you're planning to move to Portugal, you'll need to become familiar with AIMA - the Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum). This agency handles all immigration matters in Portugal.

What is AIMA?

AIMA was created in 2023 to replace the previous SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). It's responsible for:

Processing residence permits (autorização de residência)

Managing visa applications

Handling citizenship applications (nacionalidade)

Supporting immigrant integration

Types of Residence Permits

D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)

For retirees and those with stable passive income. Popular with pensioners from other EU countries and beyond.

Digital Nomad Visa

For remote workers earning at least 4x the Portuguese minimum wage from foreign sources.

Golden Visa

Investment-based residence permit (though property investment options have been limited since 2023).

Work Visa

For those with a job offer from a Portuguese employer.

Essential Portuguese for Immigration

Autorização de residência - Residence permit

Visto - Visa

Agendamento - Appointment

Documentos - Documents

Número de contribuinte (NIF) - Tax number

Preciso de um agendamento - I need an appointment

Tips for Success

Book appointments early - AIMA appointments can have long wait times

Prepare all documents - Have everything translated and apostilled

Learn basic Portuguese - It helps with communication and shows commitment

Be patient - The process can take several months

Consider a lawyer - Immigration lawyers can help navigate complexities

Useful Resources

AIMA official website: aima.gov.pt

Portuguese consulates in your country

Local Loja do Cidadão (Citizen Shops) for general assistance

Moving to Portugal is an exciting journey. Boa sorte! (Good luck!)