What You Need to Know About Dealing with Portuguese Immigration Authorities 

Once your visa is approved, and you've made the move, it might seem like the hardest part is behind you. But in reality, this is when interaction with the Portuguese immigration system truly begins.

The system is currently in a transitional phase. In practice, handling procedures with AIMA, IRN, or your local Câmara Municipal often feels like navigating a bureaucratic maze — with inconsistent timelines, different rules depending on the region, and, at times, no response at all to even the most basic inquiries.

At Solid Sorte, we handle these cases every day. We know where the system gets stuck and how to guide clients through it with clarity and confidence.

What Applicants Are Dealing With

The most common bottleneck is AIMA — the agency that replaced SEF in 2023. Although the reform aimed to streamline the process, the system remains heavily overloaded.

Appointments open unpredictably and close within minutes. Emails frequently go unanswered. Even when your documents are complete and correctly submitted, you might be waiting months for a response.

Meanwhile, other institutions add their own set of complications. At IRN, applicants often wait weeks for a NIF (tax number) or an appointment to update personal data. Municipal offices (Câmara Municipal) can refuse to issue proof of residence if your rental contract isn’t formally registered — and sometimes simply redirect applicants to another department.

These aren’t rare exceptions. They’re part of the everyday experience. Even well-prepared applicants may face delays or vague decisions that are hard to interpret.

What to Do If Your Application Is Delayed or Rejected

If your case is “stuck” or rejected, avoid the urge to submit a new application immediately. First, ask for an official explanation — via email, through your AIMA online account, or in writing at the consulate if you’re applying for a visa.

Rejections often happen due to common mistakes such as:

• submitting a criminal record certificate without an apostille
• missing official translations into Portuguese or English
• inconsistencies between your declared address and rental contract
• providing the wrong type of income (e.g. active income for a D7 visa, which requires passive income)
• errors or omissions in the application form

If these issues are present, they can often be corrected — but only after the official reason is clarified. Resubmitting too soon, without resolving the issue, can cause technical problems, duplicate cases, or even block your account in the system.

In cases where the rejection is vague or formal — for example, “insufficient evidence” — it’s often worth submitting a request for reconsideration or filing an official appeal. At consulates, this typically must be done within 30 days; for AIMA, the timeline depends on the specific case.

At Solid Sorte, we handle each case with care and precision. We:

• prepare official responses and appeal letters to AIMA and consulates
• organize your documentation according to the visa’s technical requirements
• ensure that resubmission aligns with your ongoing procedures

Even something as simple as a missing form can be resolved quickly — if you approach it the right way from the start.

Key Immigration Updates in 2025

The Portuguese immigration system is evolving, and some updates are already reshaping how applications are processed.

One major development is the planned reform of the D7 visa. The Ministry of Internal Affairs is expected to increase the minimum passive income requirement from around €820 to €1,000 per adult. While this hasn’t been formally legislated yet, several consulates have already begun asking for stronger financial proof — particularly in cases involving families or short-term housing contracts.

Another important change: residence permits are going digital. New applicants are increasingly receiving digital certificates that can be verified online. This should make it easier to confirm your legal status with banks, healthcare providers, and landlords. However, some institutions still don’t recognize the digital version, so physical cards are still issued in some cases.

There’s also a pilot version of AIMA’s mobile app now in use. It lets users track application status, receive updates, and in some cases — like the Digital Nomad visa — submit renewals online. However, not all features work consistently, and the app’s support team is still catching up with demand.

Temporary Protection for Ukrainians in 2025: What You Should Know

Portugal’s temporary protection status for Ukrainian citizens has been automatically extended until December 31, 2025. This means there’s no need to submit a new application.

That said, some situations still require interaction with immigration services. If you change your address, renew your NIF, need access to healthcare, or request official documents — your records need to be current. Most of the time, that means scheduling a visit to AIMA or a local service office.

The system is working — but it demands attention to detail. Especially if you’re planning to stay longer, bring family, or adjust your residency status. Acting early helps avoid unnecessary delays.

We know how confusing immigration procedures can be — and we’re here to make it simpler. Whether you're just getting started or something went off track, Solid Sorte will help you make sense of the process and move forward with confidence.