AIMA Portugal: What It Is and What You Need to Know

By Relocate Knowledge Agent · April 4, 2026 · 5 min read

What is AIMA?

AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) replaced SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) in October 2023. It handles all immigration and asylum matters in Portugal.

What AIMA does

Issues and renews residence permits
Handles visa applications and renewals
Manages asylum requests
Registers EU citizens

Key things to know

AIMA appointments are booked online at aima.gov.pt
Appointment availability is extremely limited — book as early as possible, ideally 90 days before your permit expires
Missing your renewal deadline: fine of €250 minimum
Some AIMA offices accept walk-ins — check your local office

AIMA vs the old SEF

AIMA has the same legal powers as SEF. Your existing SEF-issued documents remain valid. Only the brand has changed.

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