In October 2023, Portugal significantly changed its approach to immigration protocol and services by dissolving the SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) and replacing it with a newly created department called the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum, or AIMA for short.
Portugal abolished SEF to reform its immigration and border control services. The decision was motivated by several factors, including the need to streamline administrative processes, address long-standing inefficiencies, and improve public confidence following a scandal involving the death of a Ukrainian national in SEF custody in 2020. This incident intensified criticism and calls for reform of the agency.
In this article, we’ll explore the role of AIMA in Portugal, how to apply for the Golden Visa, a residence permit, or passport renewals, and the fate of SEF facilities.
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What is AIMA in Portugal?
So, what is AIMA in Portugal? AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) manages matters concerning foreign documents, permits, and visa renewals in Portugal. The agency’s core mission is facilitating the country’s integration, migration, and asylum processes. AIMA plans to establish a mega-operation to resolve pending cases promptly and enhance security associated with document issuance.
Immigration and Visa Processing: AIMA now handles all administrative matters related to immigration and Portuguese residency, including visa processing, residence permit applications, and renewals. This is a critical task in a country with a significant immigrant population, with more than 300,000 pending cases inherited from SEF. In the 2025 budget, the Portuguese government allocated €5.97 million to support the authority’s goal of clearing all pending Golden Visa application cases by 30 June 2025.
Asylum and Refugee Management: AIMA is tasked with managing asylum applications and overseeing the integration of refugees into Portuguese society. This includes coordinating with various government and non-governmental organizations to ensure migrants and asylum seekers receive appropriate services.
Streamlining and Efficiency: AIMA aims to address some of the longstanding challenges associated with SEF, such as long waiting times and procedural inefficiencies. The agency is expected to implement digital infrastructure improvements and increase staffing to expedite case processing and reduce delays.
AIMA’s Services and Responsibilities
The creation of AIMA is part of a major shift in how Portugal manages migration. Various responsibilities that SEF once held are now distributed across multiple specialized agencies. For example, border control and security are now under the jurisdiction of the GNR and PSP, while criminal investigations related to illegal immigration and human trafficking have been transferred to the Judiciary Police (PJ).
GNR responsibilities
The Republican National Guard oversees monitoring, inspecting, and controlling maritime and land borders, including cruise terminals. The GNR Coastal Control Unit will be renamed the GNR Coastal and Border Control Unit.
Public Security Police (PSP) responsibilities
The Public Security Police (PSP) monitors, inspects and controls airport borders and manages temporary airport facilities. Within PSP, the Organic Airport Security and Border Control Unit was created. This unit oversees people entering and leaving the country by air and ensuring airport security.
Judiciary Police (PJ) responsibilities
The Polícia Judiciária (PJ) is responsible for investigating illegal immigration and human trafficking. Portugal has been conducting a major crackdown on illegal immigration in recent years, and authorities from other countries are now working with the PJ to tackle problems related to illegal immigration.
Borders and Foreigners Coordination Unit responsibilities
Also known as “mini-SEF,” the Borders and Foreigners Coordination Unit will operate under the leadership of Paulo Vizeu Pinheiro, the secretary general of the Internal Security System. This unit is responsible for coordinating actions between different police forces, the IRN and AIMA. This ensures cooperation and coordination regarding people’s movement, return, and border control.
The Borders and Foreigners Coordination Unit will also manage administrative functions related to police databases and information systems related to borders and foreign and international police cooperation.
Future of SEF facilities
The physical facilities once dedicated to borders service SEF will undergo a transformation, with the offices across the country being transferred to the new responsible services. However, the specific details regarding the future of the SEF headquarters in Porto Salvo (Oeiras municipality, Lisbon district) have not been disclosed in Portugal news, but they will likely be repurposed or integrated into other government operations.
What is the backlog of Aima Portugal?
Since its inception, AIMA has had ambitious plans to address the backlog of approximately 347,000 pending immigration cases and visa renewals in the first quarter of 2024. However, in January 2024, AIMA revised the timeline and planned on reducing the SEF backlog of pending cases and speeding up pending expressions of intention in the coming year. To address this, the newly elected Portuguese government is implementing an action plan to resolve pending issues by June 2025.
In addition to hiring more workers, AIMA president Luís Goes Pinheiro confirmed that the Council of Ministers approved the validity of residency visas and documents by one year until 30 June 2025. Other steps that the government has taken include modernizing computer systems and an enhanced method for scheduling appointments and expressions of interest.
Frustrated with AIMA’s slow pace of processing residency and immigration paperwork, thousands of complaints have also been filed against the agency. As many as 50 complaints per day have made their way through the legal system, and recent estimates peg the total number of complaints to around 8,000.
A large percentage of the legal actions are aimed at compelling AIMA to provide definitive decisions on individual Golden Visa Portugal applications. These legal measures have been successful in many cases, benefiting not only applicants awaiting final decisions but also those still seeking pre-approval.
Portugal Immigration Services: A helpful guide to relocation
AIMA SEF: Implications of AIMA Replacing SEF
Portugal’s dissolution of SEF and the introduction of AIMA represent a substantial shift in the country’s approach to immigration and its processes. AIMA’s ambitious plans and focus on streamlining processes aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of immigration services for both residents and foreign nationals.
However, some delays may be expected during this transitional period, so applicants should be prepared for potential adjustments as AIMA takes over SEF and its new responsibilities.
How to apply for residence permits and passport renewals?
An expat in Portugal and family members living in Portugal who need to apply for new permits must go to AIMA, as they are now the agency responsible for all administrative functions. Foreign nationals and family members must provide their valid and accepted documents at the appointment.
The Instituto de Registo e Notariado (IRN) issues the Portuguese electronic passport (the regular, special, temporary, and passport for foreign citizens) and is also the agency responsible for any residence permit. To accommodate this new sector, 75 non-police workers from SEF will move to the IRN.
AIMA will handle resident permit cases for victims of human trafficking and investment purposes.
Where to apply for new residence permits?
The Government formally announced that AIMA would invest strongly in digital infrastructure and hire an additional 190 employees. In addition to the current 34 service counters, at least ten new branches will open within a year.
Specifically, these are the main measures announced by the Socialist Executive:
- AIMA Portal was launched in late 2023 and started with requests for family reunification.
- A mega operation is being conducted to recover the 347,000 pending cases. This operation involves local authorities, professional orders, and employees of the Local Support Centers for the Integration of Migrants.
The agency’s headquarters will be on Avenida António Augusto de Aguiar in Lisbon, a nine-story building centrally located to ensure efficient operation and proximity to migrants. In addition to the 34 service centers it already has, AIMA is working on plans to open 10 more.
How to get an AIMA appointment?
To get an AIMA appointment, visit the AIMA portal to book online. Alternatively, call +351 217 115 000 or +351 965 903 700.
Both numbers are available from 8 am to 8 pm, Lisbon time.
AIMA in Portugal and the Golden Visa
AIMA aims to provide better efficiency in handling the backlog of Golden Visa applications, family reunification, and similar programs. By adding more local support centers, the relevant local authorities and civil society members can assist.
However, thousands of complaints have been filed against the agency by Golden Visa Portugal applicants who are frustrated with AIMA’s slow pace of processing residency and immigration paperwork.
It’s important to note that while courts cannot directly decide on Portugal Golden Visa applications, they can require AIMA to issue decisions within specified deadlines. If AIMA fails to comply, its directors could be held accountable, as higher courts have already ruled. These lawsuits are an effective tool for addressing the ongoing delays, as legal action has often accelerated timelines by pressuring AIMA to prioritize responses.
Still, even with legal intervention, further bottlenecks such as biometric data collection could arise during subsequent Portugal immigration stages. The hope is that a more streamlined system will be in place at that point, although the potential need for additional legal measures cannot be entirely ruled out.
Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal
If you’re considering making the move to Portugal, it’s essential to be informed about the various visa and residency options available. The Golden Visa Portugal program is an attractive option for many, offering residency to investors and their families. For those eyeing retirement in this beautiful country, the Portugal D7 Visa is tailored for you. Digital nomads can take advantage of both short and long-stay options with the Digital Nomad Visa (D8).
For the entrepreneurial spirit, Portugal offers the Entrepreneurship/startup Visa (D2) – Start-up Visa (open company) tailored for those looking to establish their businesses in the country. Those with specialized skills can explore the Work visa for highly qualified employees (D3). Additionally, if you have Portuguese ancestry, you might be eligible for Citizenship by descent.
However, moving to a new country isn’t just about visas. If you’re thinking of buying property, our guide on Buying Property in Portugal can offer invaluable insights. Dive deeper into the immigration process with our comprehensive Portugal immigration guide. For Americans specifically looking to relocate, we have curated information on Americans moving to Portugal. Lastly, one can’t forget the importance of the NIF (Tax Identification Number), a crucial step in any relocation process.
