Portugal is overhauling its immigration system to tackle chronic backlogs, introducing stricter requirements for residence permit applications starting April 28, 2025. The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) announced the changes to streamline processing delays caused by incomplete submissions. Under the revised Foreigners Law, only fully documented applications will be accepted, marking a pivotal shift in how residency requests are managed.
AIMA’s updated policy mandates that all residence permit applications must include complete documentation at the time of submission. Incomplete files or those failing to comply with Law No. 23/2007 will be rejected immediately. This move aims to clear the agency’s staggering backlog of 400,000 pending cases, which has left applicants waiting months—or even years—for approvals.
The transition from the former Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) to AIMA in October 2023 exacerbated delays, with applicants struggling to secure biometric appointments and residence cards. By enforcing stricter submission standards, AIMA hopes to prioritize efficiency and meet its goal of resolving the backlog by June 30, 2025.
Portugal’s reforms are driven by an urgent push to modernize its immigration system. Central factors motivating these changes include:
Digital Transformation: AIMA is transitioning to a fully electronic submission system via its ARI portal to minimize paper-based delays.
Automatic Biometric Appointments: Since January 2025, biometric appointments are scheduled automatically to accelerate processing.
Multilingual Support: Documents in English, French, or Spanish no longer require translation, reducing costs for applicants.
Extended Validity: Existing residence permits and visas remain valid until June 30, 2025, easing pressure on those awaiting renewals.
Golden Visa applicants face heightened scrutiny under the new rules. AIMA is prioritizing older applications and enforcing electronic submissions, with biometric slots assigned automatically. However, 15% of daily appointment no-shows continue to slow progress.
Critics argue the stricter requirements may disadvantage non-Portuguese speakers navigating complex documentation. While AIMA must notify applicants of deficiencies within 10 days, enforcement inconsistencies remain a concern. Lawyers also highlight risks for those lacking legal guidance, particularly with translation and document legalization.
To ensure a smooth application process:
Verify Documents: Cross-check requirements on AIMA’s official guidelines.
Legalize and Translate: Ensure non-Portuguese documents are apostilled or legalized (unless exempt).
Submit Digitally: Use the AIMA website or ARI portal for faster processing.
Track Communications: Save proof of submissions and AIMA correspondence.
Applicants facing prolonged delays can submit an Ação de Intimação (legal injunction) to legally enforce AIMA’s compliance with the mandatory 90-day processing deadline
AIMA is expanding its capacity to meet demand, with plans to hire 300 additional staff and open 30 new service centers by June 2025. These efforts aim to modernize Portugal’s immigration system while balancing efficiency and fairness.
Applicants are advised to stay updated via AIMA’s official channels or expat forums like “AIMA e Nacionalidade Portuguesa” on Facebook. For personalized guidance, consult an immigration lawyer to navigate the evolving rules.
AIMA’s efforts to reduce processing delays align with broader EU immigration trends. For a detailed analysis of Portugal’s policy shifts, read "Portugal Tightens Residence Permit Rules to Reduce Processing
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