AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) of Portugal is tightening the requirements for applying for a residence permit. From April 28, 2025, applications will be accepted only if there is a complete set of documents. The previous ten-day rule for correcting deficiencies in documentation will no longer apply. An applicant who arrives with an incomplete package will be rejected and will lose his slot in the queue.
These changes cause reasonable criticism from the legal community. Experts note that the new rules contradict the Portuguese Code of Administrative Procedure, which, in article 77, obliges the administration to notify applicants of the need to eliminate deficiencies in documents.
What will change in the application procedure
According to the new rules, AIMA is abandoning the practice of providing additional time to report missing certificates. Previously, applicants had 10 days to correct errors and complete the package of documents. Now, if any defects are found in the registration, the application will not even be registered, and the appointment will be canceled.
Innovations are taking place against the background of a critical workload in the migration system. As of the beginning of 2025, there are 410,000 immigration cases pending in Portugal. Despite plans to hire 100 new employees, AIMA cannot cope with the sharp increase in the number of foreigners. Over the past 2 years, the number of migrants living in the country has increased by 130%.
Pedro Portugalo Gaspar, president of AIMA, reported in February 2025 that of the 446,000 pending regularization processes, 250,000 had appointments, but many applicants did not attend them. As a result, the agency was forced to send 76,000 rejection notices.
The situation is complicated by cases of fictitious registration. In 2025, a scandalous case was revealed when 1,600 migrants registered at a single address in the Pena de France area of Lisbon.
What risks should be considered?
- A complete refusal to register the application. Missing certificates or the slightest mistake in registration will lead to the fact that the application will simply not be accepted. AIMA employees will not register an incomplete package and the whole procedure will stop at the very initial stage.
- The loss of a precious slot. Making an appointment to apply to AIMA is not an easy task. If the documents are refused, this slot is canceled. You’ll have to go through the whole waiting and recording process all over again.
- Lack of on-site assistance. You should not rely on the advice of AIMA employees “at the window”. They will not check the completeness or indicate which certificate is missing and where to get it. The responsibility for the completeness and correctness of the package of documents lies entirely with the applicant.
- The risk of delays and violations of the length of stay. An unsuccessful application and the need to re-register may lead to the fact that the period of legal stay in the country (for example, on a visa) will expire before the successful application for a residence permit.
Information about the slots currently available in 2025
Slots for D visas appear randomly and are usually available for 10 minutes – 1.5-2 hours. They can give their best every day for 10 minutes, or they may not appear for more than a month. It’s unpredictable.
Real case – recording attempt on a residence permit
Guarantee of successful legalization
In the light of stricter requirements and the risks of cancellation of the record, the importance of preliminary verification of documents is increasing. Our company offers to conduct an express check of the package of documents before submitting to AIMA. The service includes the consultation of an expert on migration law and a detailed audit of the prepared kit for compliance with the current requirements of Portuguese legislation and internal AIMA regulations.
- We will answer all your questions
- We will help you choose the best option
- We will guide you through every step or do everything for you
Contacting experts will avoid the loss of a slot in AIMA and the need to register again, which may delay legalization for months. According to statistics, about 40% of independent requests are rejected due to incomplete documents or design errors.
Consulting with a specialist will save weeks of nerves and time. Get a clear action plan and be fully prepared to submit documents to AIMA.
Leading expert on visas and residence permits in the EU. Since 2016 I specialize in the development and coordination of programs for digital nomads. Comprehensive support at all stages of the migration process.
Login with Google