Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), which replaced SEF in late 2023, published updated operational data showing roughly 400,000 pending residence permit and related cases as of late August 2026.
The figure has drawn renewed public and media attention in Portugal as the government prepares a broader reform of the immigration framework.
Digital tools being expanded
AIMA says it has extended online submission for family reunification requests and certain long-term residence renewals. The agency says new cases submitted digitally can skip the initial in-person submission step, though biometric appointments are still required once a case reaches that stage.
The agency has also increased the number of appointment slots available each week. However, demand for appointments continues to exceed availability in Lisbon and Porto.
What applicants in the queue should do
- Keep the email address associated with your AIMA account active and check it regularly.
- Save all submission receipts, reference numbers and official correspondence.
- Do not rely on third-party status trackers; check directly on the official AIMA portal.
- If your situation changes (employment, address, family status), notify AIMA using the correct form.
Legislative context
The Portuguese government has introduced proposals in parliament to restructure AIMA's legal framework and streamline processing. These proposals are not yet final law. Vida Digital will report when the legislative changes are enacted and what they mean in practice.
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