AIMA Portugal is the public entity that supports foreign citizens living or seeking to live in Portugal. Created in 2023, its mission is to facilitate legalization processes, visas, social integration, and international protection for migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees.
Its responsibilities include:
AIMA’s main mission is to ensure that the documentation and legalization process for foreign citizens is clear and accessible. This is the first step for those seeking visas, residence permits, or family reunification in Portugal.
In addition to documentation, AIMA also works on the social and professional integration of migrants, promoting reception policies based on human rights and internationally recognized for their inclusive nature.
With services available nationwide, AIMA strives to be close to its citizens, offering support in areas such as documentation, reception, integration, and inclusion.
With AIMA Portugal, migrants can access faster residence permits and certain visa-related applications processes, alongside inclusive integration support.
AIMA Portugal provides several essential services for foreign citizens wishing to live, work, or study in Portugal. From issuing visas and residence permits to supporting social and professional integration, the agency is now the main point of contact for migrants and asylum seekers.
In addition to documentation, AIMA supports foreigners in accessing key areas of life in Portugal, such as education, health, employment, and cultural inclusion, making the reception process simpler, more organized, and more humane.
AIMA processes applications for visas and residence permits in Portugal, including temporary and permanent residence, and family reunification. This is the first step for foreign citizens to legally reside in the country in a safe and structured manner.
In addition to legalization, AIMA supports migrants in their integration process in Portugal. Services include Portuguese language courses, training programs, employment support, and guidance on accessing healthcare, housing, and education.
The National Migrant Integration Support Centers (CNAIM), located in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, offer personalized assistance in various areas of daily life. These centers provide migrants with information and specialized support, facilitating their adaptation to the country.
AIMA is also responsible for analyzing and monitoring asylum requests in Portugal. The agency guarantees protection to people at risk in their country of origin, ensuring that human rights are respected throughout the process.
AIMA Portugal operates in a decentralized manner, with services available throughout the country. The goal is to maintain a close relationship with foreign citizens, ensuring that each process is carried out with quality, speed, and transparency.
AIMA’s work combines three main dimensions:
AIMA’s work is distinguished by its humanistic character and focus on fundamental rights and guarantees, aligned with international policies for safe and orderly migration.
The work of AIMA Portugal isn’t limited to issuing documents. To ensure the effective integration of foreign citizens, the agency operates as a network, creating strategic partnerships with various public and private entities.
We highlight here some areas of collaboration:
The creation of AIMA Portugal in 2023 marked the dissolution of the former SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service) in its administrative functions. While the police aspect was transferred to the Judicial Police and PSP/GNR, AIMA remained responsible for the documentation of foreign citizens, visas, residence permits, and asylum applications.
AIMA’s response times vary depending on the type of process.
AIMA aims to process residence permit applications within 30 to 90 days, although some cases may take longer.
Despite initial challenges in the transition from SEF to AIMA, the agency’s goal is to offer a faster, more humanized service that is closer to citizens, with greater investment in digital platforms and decentralized service.
The creation of AIMA Portugal marked a new chapter in the way the country manages migration, documentation, and the integration of foreign citizens. More than replacing the former SEF, the agency seeks to offer faster and more humane responses, placing rights and inclusion at the center of its mission.
If you’re looking to live, work, or study in Portugal, AIMA is now the go-to organization for handling visas, residence permits, social integration, and asylum applications.
If you need more information, please don’t hesitate to contact Pearls of Portugal for support in your move to Portugal.
AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) is the public body that replaced part of the functions of the former SEF, being responsible for visas, residence permits, migrant integration and asylum applications.
Yes. Since 2023, AIMA has taken over administrative functions related to foreign citizens, while the police side of SEF has been transferred to the Judiciary Police, PSP, and GNR.
The main in-person services are available at CNAIM (Lisbon, Porto, and Faro) and at several decentralized branches. Online services are also available through the official portal www.aima.gov.pt.
You can schedule online through the official portal www.aima.gov.pt or in person at CNAIM offices in Lisbon, Porto or Faro.
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