Understanding AIMA: The Immigration Authority in Portugal

If you're planning to move to Portugal — or you're already here — you'll almost certainly come across AIMA.

Many people hear the name long before they understand what it actually does. Some believe AIMA issues visas. Others think it deals with tax numbers, healthcare or citizenship.

In reality, AIMA has a very specific role within the Portuguese immigration system. Understanding that role will save you time, reduce frustration and help you contact the right organisation when you need assistance.

What is AIMA?

AIMA stands for Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum). It is the Portuguese public authority responsible for many immigration and international protection matters inside Portugal.

AIMA replaced the immigration functions previously carried out by SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) as part of a wider reform of Portugal's immigration system. Today, AIMA is the organisation responsible for many of the procedures that foreign residents complete after arriving in Portugal.

What does AIMA do?

Depending on your situation, AIMA may be responsible for:

• Processing residence permit applications.
• Renewing residence permits in cases handled directly by AIMA.
• Family reunification procedures.
• Biometrics appointments.
• Issuing many residence cards.
• Processing changes to immigration status.
• International protection and asylum procedures.
• Integration and reception services for migrants.

Not every immigration procedure passes through AIMA, but many of the most important ones do.

What AIMA does NOT do

This is one of the biggest sources of confusion. AIMA is not responsible for everything. For example:

Residence visas

These are generally issued before you travel to Portugal by Portuguese Consulates abroad.

Tax numbers (NIF)

Your Portuguese tax number is issued by the Portuguese Tax Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira), commonly known as Finanças.

Social Security (NISS)

Your NISS is handled by Segurança Social.

National Health Service (SNS)

Healthcare registration is handled by the Portuguese health authorities.

Portuguese nationality

Nationality applications are generally processed through the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN).

Knowing which authority is responsible for each process can save weeks of unnecessary frustration.

When will you deal with AIMA?

Most applicants first interact with AIMA after arriving in Portugal. Depending on your immigration route, this may include:

• Attending a biometrics appointment.
• Submitting additional documents.
• Receiving your residence permit.
• Renewing your residence permit.
• Applying for family reunification.
• Updating certain immigration records.

Some people will interact with AIMA only once every few years. Others may need to contact AIMA several times during their immigration journey.

Why do people find AIMA confusing?

There are several reasons. Portugal's immigration system has changed significantly in recent years. Many older articles on the internet still refer to SEF, while newer information refers to AIMA.

At the same time, different organisations are responsible for different parts of the immigration process, making it easy to contact the wrong authority. Understanding who does what from the beginning helps avoid unnecessary delays.

How can I contact AIMA?

AIMA provides several official channels depending on the type of request. These may include online services, contact forms, telephone support, in-person appointments and service centres.

The available channels and procedures may change over time, so always use the official AIMA website to find the most up-to-date contact information.

Before contacting AIMA

Before you contact AIMA, prepare as much information as possible. Depending on your situation, this may include your full name, passport number, residence permit number (if applicable), process number, date of birth and the details of your request.

Providing complete information from the beginning usually makes it easier for AIMA to identify your case.

Common questions

Can I go directly to an AIMA office without an appointment?

This depends on the service you need and the procedures in force at the time. Many services require an appointment, while others may have different arrangements.

Does AIMA issue visas?

No. Residence visas are generally issued by Portuguese Consulates before you travel to Portugal.

Does AIMA issue NIF or NISS?

No. These are handled by different Portuguese authorities.

Can AIMA help with family reunification?

Yes. Family reunification is one of the immigration procedures handled by AIMA.

I found information about SEF. Is it still valid?

Some older information may still describe procedures that were carried out by SEF before its functions were transferred. Always confirm that the information you're reading reflects the current Portuguese immigration system.

Continue reading

Continue with Residence Visa vs Residence Permit.