Undoubtedly, the new AIMA to regularize immigrants in Portugal is a fact. In October 2023, the previous socialist executive ended SEF, transferring its powers to different organizations. The Agencia para a Integracao, Migracoes e Asilo (Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum or AIMA) was one of the organizations created.
The AIMA is a significant step taken by Portugal towards a more regularized and efficient immigration system. In this article, we’ll talk about the processes that AIMA handles and how it benefits you as an immigrant in Portugal.
What is the AIMA to Regularize Immigrants in Portugal Process?
As said earlier, AIMA was formed in October 2023 replacing the previous agency SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). Specifically, SEF was split into about three different arms separating law enforcement from administrative tasks. Now AIMA handles residence permit applications, extensions, and renewals all under one roof.
At the code, AIMA is in charge of controlling the entry and stay of foreign citizens on Portuguese soil. Their tasks include granting stay extensions, residence permits, renewing residence permits, residence cards, and permanent residence cards for relatives of EU nationals who are nationals of a third country, permanent residence certificates for EU citizens and residence permits for British citizens under Brexit.
Another significant progress that makes AIMA different from SEF, is that it collaborates with Portuguese lawyers to offer legal guidance and protect immigrants from exploitation.
How does AIMA benefit immigrants?
AIMA especially comes at a time when people are tired of the Portuguese bureaucracy. And why the agency still has to deal with its many hiccups, it’s working hard toward helping immigrants avoid a complex web of paperwork. With AIMA, application processes are now streamlined, and waiting times are now lower.
AIMA especially has an online appointment scheduling system. So you only have to schedule your appointment ahead of time.
That said, AIMA still has challenges to deal with. A notable issue is the backlog of cases it inherited from the previous agency. AIMA has to handle over 347,00 immigration processes waiting to be analyzed. At first, the agency said it was going to handle the backlog within the first quarter of 2024. However, AIMA has revised its timeline, extending it by 18 months. Now the Agency plans to complete the backlog by mid-2025.
Even so, on 18th April, thousands of immigrants protested at AIMA’s headquarters regarding the delays in getting their residence cards.
AIMA expanding its presence in Portugal
To handle the backlog, AIMA launched a mega operation connecting Portuguese authorities and the Centros Locais de Apoio a Integracao de Migrantes or the Rede CLAIM (Local Support Centers for the Integration of Migrants Network). AIMA is also exploring creating a dedicated center for contact by partnering with universities, municipalities, and other entities.
AIMA also wishes to create a digital portal for online residence permits applications. The new portal will focus on long-term resident requests for family reunification. And at inception, it will target children aged 5 to 10 residing irregularly in Portugal.
Plus, there’s a plan by the Portuguese government to create a permanent audit team. This audit team will focus on internal procedures and preventing fraud. For this reason, AIMA’s operational budget is about 81 million Euros.
There’s also a plan to launch a strategy for promoting Portuguese language learning. Recently, several associations that managed the Local Immigrant Assistant Centers (CLAI) saw delays in European support programs. However, Goes Pinheiro is optimistic that approved projects will be paid retroactively so that the financing timeline won’t be affected.
You should also note that AIMA began with over 740 employees in 2023. Now there are plans to hire an additional 190 in the coming years to improve the quality and efficiency of the immigration process in Portugal.
How to apply for residence permits and passport renewals now?
Presently, AIMA hasn’t set up the online scheduling system yet. Also, note that AIMA is not meant for applying for visas. Instead, it’s for foreign nationals who are already within Portugal and seeking new residence permits, extending their visas, and more .
So if you want any of these things, you must go to AiMA. However, if you want the Portuguese electronic passport (the special passport, the temporary passport, the regular passport or the passport for foreign citizens, you must go to Instituto de Registo Notariado (IRN).
The IRN also handles renewing residence permits, both temporary and permanent. The IRN has 75 non-police workers that it got from the SEF focused on its initiative. However, resident permit cases for investment purposes or of victims of human trafficking are to be handled by AIMA.
Where to go for new residence permits at AIMA?
As said earlier, AIMA handles all new residence permit procedures. AIMA also serves as the primary point of contact for foreign nationals in Portugal. Also, remember that the government is planning on opening about 34 service counters. However, presently, you need to make an appointment at the AIMA portal. Alternatively, you can make your appointment by calling +351217 115 000 or +351 965 903 700. These numbers can be reached between 8 am and 8. pm Lisbon time.
Why do immigrants love Portugal?
Unlike many European countries, Portugal provides easy immigration processes. Many Portuguese long-stay visa options can afford you permanent residency in 5 years. Hence, immigrants are quickly absorbed into the legal economy, paying taxes and social charges right away. Hence, Portugal has one of Europe’s open immigration regimes. And in the past 5 years, the country has doubled its foreign-born population.
Frequently Asked Questions about AIMA Regularizing Immigrants
What is the purpose of SEF in Portugal?
The purpose of SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) was responsible for immigration and border control. However, the Assembly of the Republic on October 22, 2021, decided to end the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF). And by October 29, 2023, the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) was abolished. This dissolution meant notable change in the Portuguese immigration landscape. Before now the SEF was responsible for handling foreign national’s administrative needs including family reunification processes, residence permits, visa extensions, and document issuance.
What immigration options are available in Portugal
Portugal has a variety of visa and long-stay residency options. One of the most attractive is the Golden Visa Portugal program. It’s a great choice for retirees and investors. There’s also the D7 passive income program tailored to those seeking retirement in the country. Also, some digital nomads and freelancers with some degree of passive income go after this visa.
However, the new Digital nomad visa option is also available. There are both short- and long-stay options too under this new Digital Nomad (D8) visa. Entrepreneurs, however, opt for the Entrepreneur/Startup Visa – D2. There’s also the traditional work visa alongside the work visa for highly qualified employees (D3). Plus, if you have Portuguese ancestry, you can be eligible for Citizenship by descent. Undoubtedly, there are many ways to relocate to Portugal.
What is happening with SEF in Portugal?
SEF has been abolished in Portugal owing to the inefficiencies and the backlog of immigration processes causing protests. SEF is now replaced by seven bodies: The Public Security Police (PSP), the Republican National Guard (GNR), the Judiciary Police (PJ), the Institute of Registration and Notary (IRN), and the Integration, Migration and Asylum Applications (Agencia para a Integracao, Migracoes e Asilo). So, it’s the arm responsible for the actual integration, migration, and asylum applications that’s been transformed into AIMA.
How long does it take to get a residence permit in Portugal?
The processing time for residence permits can vary. It also depends on AIMA’s current load. It’s best to check with AIMA directly for the most updated information. Also working with a Portuguese immigration lawyer puts you at a great advantage. That way you can access the latest information.
What are the new rules of residency in Portugal?
Portugal is making new residency law changes especially following the new elections. One such is the new law that states that the legal residence period required for obtaining Portuguese citizenship begins from the time that you apply for a temporary residence permit rather than the time elapsed since your temporary residence permit was issued. This new law covers for the delays at AIMA, where many are presently not able to have their temporary residence permit applications approved. So for instance, if you applied for the Golden visa in March 2023 and you still haven’t gotten your biometric data appointment or received your residency permit, you would still be able to submit your Portuguese nationality application in March 2028.
What is the most common job in Portugal?
Portugal has hundreds of open jobs across diverse industries. Of notable impact are industries that directly deal with tourism and hospitality. Also there are tons of open informal job opportunities. Examples are farmers, laborers and even fruit pickers.
Can I convert my tourist visa to a work permit in Portugal?
It’s not possible to convert your tourist visa to a work permit. It’s also illegal to work with the tourist visa. So, you’ll have to apply for a work visa directly. Nevertheless, Portugal provides diverse types of work visas ranging from the traditional work visa to remote work visa.
