What AIMA is and what replaced SEF
AIMA — the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum is the public body that took over the immigration duties of the former SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service). It is, as a rule, the authority that receives, processes and decides residence permit applications from third-country nationals.
In practice, AIMA handles:
- Issuance and renewal of residence titles.
- Collection of biometric data (photo, fingerprints and signature).
- Family reunification processes.
- Conversion and regularisation of residence situations.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens follow a different path: they formalise their right of residence with the municipality, not with AIMA.
How AIMA appointments work
Almost everything at AIMA goes through an appointment: the moment the applicant attends in person to submit documents, give biometrics or handle a request. Appointments can arise from:
- Active booking by the applicant — through AIMA's official channels (portal and helpline), where available.
- A summons from AIMA itself — in many cases the agency notifies the date and place, especially for cases already under way or inherited from SEF.
It is essential to keep your contact details up to date and to watch for notifications and emails, because failing to attend can significantly delay your case. The booking rules and channels have been changing; always confirm the current procedure on the official AIMA source or talk to us.
From application to title: the stages
For those who need to regularise residence, the journey has distinct stages:
- Document preparation — gathering, translating and legalising the required documents.
- Consular visa (where applicable) — many applications begin with a residence visa obtained in the country of origin.
- Appointment and biometrics at AIMA — in-person submission and collection of biometric data.
- Decision and title issuance — review of the case and, if approved, issuance and delivery of the residence card.
Each route — D7, D2, D8 or Golden Visa — has its own proof requirements. A well-built file reduces requests for additional documents and the risk of delay.
Timelines: why they vary and what to expect
The most common question is: how long does it take? The honest answer is that timelines are variable. AIMA has been managing a high volume of pending cases inherited from SEF, which can make scheduling and decision times long and unpredictable.
That is why we avoid publishing fixed timeframes: the numbers change, and setting wrong expectations would be counterproductive. The law sets legal decision deadlines, but their practical application depends on the type of request and the stage your case is at. For a realistic estimate of your specific case, talk to us or check the official AIMA information.
Documents and prerequisites to handle first
Before any appointment, some steps speed up everything else:
- NIF (tax identification number) — the basis for renting, opening an account and signing up for services. You can obtain it remotely with our NIF and tax team.
- Proof of address — frequently required in the process.
- NISS and SNS registration — needed to work and to access healthcare.
- Legalised home-country documents — certificates, criminal record and proof of means of subsistence, depending on the route.
Gathering and organising documents in advance is the single biggest factor in reducing avoidable delays with AIMA.
How Blue Ocean handles your case
AIMA's bureaucracy is demanding and the rules change often. Our role is to prepare complete, error-free files, track appointments and notifications and anticipate problems before they cost months.
Blue Ocean Immigration, with offices on Av. da Liberdade in Lisbon, supports investors and international families throughout their relationship with AIMA: route selection, documentation, appointments and title issuance. Book an initial assessment and receive a clear, realistic plan.