In October 2023, Portugal significantly changed its approach to immigration protocol and services by dissolving the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) and replacing it with a newly created department called the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum, or AIMA for short.
Portugal abolished SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) in order to reform its immigration and border control services. The decision was motivated by several factors, including the need to streamline administrative processes, address long-standing inefficiencies, and improve public confidence following a scandal involving the death of a Ukrainian national in SEF custody in 2020. This incident intensified criticism and calls for reform of the agency.
In this article, we’ll explore the implications of this change, including the role of AIMA in Portugal, how to apply for the Golden Visa, a residence permit or passport renewals, and the fate of SEF facilities.
What is AIMA in Portugal?
AIMA manages matters concerning foreign documents, permits, and visa renewals in Portugal. The agency’s core mission is facilitating the country’s integration, migration, and asylum processes. AIMA plans to establish a mega-operation to resolve pending cases promptly and enhance security associated with document issuance.
Immigration and Visa Processing: AIMA now handles all administrative matters related to immigration, including visa processing, residence permit applications, and renewals. This is a critical task in a country with a significant immigrant population, with more than 300,000 pending cases inherited from SEF.
Asylum and Refugee Management: AIMA is tasked with managing asylum applications and overseeing the integration of refugees into Portuguese society. This includes coordinating with various government and non-governmental organizations to ensure migrants and asylum seekers receive appropriate services.
Streamlining and Efficiency: AIMA aims to address some of the longstanding challenges associated with SEF, such as long waiting times and procedural inefficiencies. The agency is expected to implement digital infrastructure improvements and increase staffing to expedite case processing and reduce delays.
Reducing SEF the backlog
Since its inception, AIMA had ambitious plans to address the backlog of approximately 347,000 pending immigration cases and visa renewals in the first quarter of 2024. However, in January 2024, AIMA revised the timeline and planned to clear the backlog of pending cases in the coming year. To address this, the newly elected Portuguese government is implementing an action plan to resolve pending issues by June 2025.
In addition to hiring more workers, AIMA president Luís Goes Pinheiro confirmed that the Council of Ministers approved the validity of residency visas and documents by one year until 30 June 2025. Other steps that the government has taken include modernizing computer systems and an enhanced method for scheduling appointments and expressions of interest.
Frustrated with AIMA’s slow pace of processing residency and immigration paperwork, thousands of complaints have also been filed against the agency. As many as 50 complaints per day have made their way through the legal system, and recent estimates peg the total number of complaints to around 8,000.
A large percentage of the legal actions are aimed at compelling AIMA to provide definitive decisions on individual Golden Visa Portugal applications. These legal measures have been successful in many cases, benefiting not only applicants awaiting final decisions but also those still seeking pre-approval.
AIMA's Services and Responsibilities
The creation of AIMA is part of a major shift in how Portugal manages migration. Various responsibilities that SEF once held are now distributed across multiple specialized agencies. For example, border control and security are now under the jurisdiction of the GNR and PSP, while criminal investigations related to illegal immigration and human trafficking have been transferred to the Judiciary Police (PJ).
GNR responsibilities
The Republican National Guard oversees monitoring, inspecting, and controlling maritime and land borders, including cruise terminals. The GNR Coastal Control Unit will be renamed the GNR Coastal and Border Control Unit.
Public Security Police (PSP) responsibilities
The Public Security Police (PSP) monitors, inspects and controls airport borders and manages temporary airport facilities. Within PSP, the Organic Airport Security and Border Control Unit was created. This unit oversees people entering and leaving the country by air and ensuring airport security.
Judiciary Police (PJ) responsibilities
The Polícia Judiciária (PJ) is responsible for investigating illegal immigration and human trafficking. Portugal has been conducting a major crackdown on illegal immigration in recent years, and authorities from other countries are now working with the PJ to tackle problems related to illegal immigration.
Borders and Foreigners Coordination Unit responsibilities
Also known as “mini-SEF,” the Borders and Foreigners Coordination Unit will operate under the leadership of Paulo Vizeu Pinheiro, the secretary general of the Internal Security System. This unit is responsible for coordinating actions between different police forces, the IRN and AIMA. This ensures cooperation and coordination regarding people’s movement, return, and border control.
The Borders and Foreigners Coordination Unit will also manage administrative functions related to police databases and information systems related to borders and foreign and international police cooperation.
Future of SEF facilities
The physical facilities once dedicated to borders service SEF will undergo a transformation, with the offices across the country being transferred to the new responsible services. However, the specific details regarding the future of the SEF headquarters in Porto Salvo (Oeiras municipality, Lisbon district) have not been disclosed, but they will likely be repurposed or integrated into other government operations.
Portugal Immigration Services: A helpful guide to relocation
Implications of AIMA replacing SEF
Portugal’s dissolution of SEF and the introduction of AIMA represent a substantial shift in the country’s approach to immigration and its processes. AIMA’s ambitious plans and focus on streamlining processes aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of immigration services for both residents and foreign nationals.
However, some delays may be expected during this transitional period, so applicants should be prepared for potential adjustments as AIMA takes over SEF and its new responsibilities.
AIMA in Portugal and the Golden Visa
AIMA aims to provide better efficiency in handling the backlog of Golden Visa applications, family reunification, and similar programs. By adding more local support centers, the relevant local authorities and civil society members can assist.
However, thousands of complaints have been filed against the agency by Golden Visa applicants who are frustrated with AIMA’s slow pace of processing residency and immigration paperwork.
It’s important to note that while courts cannot directly decide on Portugal Golden Visa applications, they can require AIMA to issue decisions within specified deadlines. If AIMA fails to comply, its directors could be held accountable, as higher courts have already ruled. These lawsuits are an effective tool for addressing the ongoing delays, as legal action has often accelerated timelines by pressuring AIMA to prioritize responses.
Still, even with legal intervention, further bottlenecks could arise during subsequent stages, such as biometric data collection. The hope is that a more streamlined system will be in place at that point, although the potential need for additional legal measures cannot be entirely ruled out.
How to apply for residence permits and passport renewals
Foreign nationals residing in Portugal who need to apply for new permits must go to AIMA, as they are now the agency responsible for all administrative functions.
The Instituto de Registo e Notariado (IRN) issues the Portuguese electronic passport (the regular, special, temporary, and passport for foreign citizens) and is also the agency responsible for any residence permit. To accommodate this new sector, 75 non-police workers from SEF will move to the IRN.
AIMA will handle resident permit cases for victims of human trafficking and investment purposes.
Where to apply for new residence permits
The Government formally announced that AIMA would invest strongly in digital infrastructure and hire an additional 190 employees. In addition to the current 34 service counters, at least ten new branches will open within a year.
Specifically, these are the main measures announced by the Socialist Executive:
- AIMA Portal was launched in late 2023 and started with requests for family reunification.
- A mega operation is being conducted to recover the 347,000 pending cases. This operation involves local authorities, professional orders, and employees of the Local Support Centers for the Integration of Migrants.
The agency’s headquarters will be located on Avenida António Augusto de Aguiar in Lisbon, a nine-story building that ensures both efficient operation and proximity to migrants, as it is centrally located in Lisbon. In addition to the 34 service centers it already has, AIMA intends to open 10 more by the end of 2024.
How to get an AIMA appointment
To get an AIMA appointment, visit the AIMA portal to book online. Alternatively, call +351 217 115 000 or +351 965 903 700.
Both numbers are available from 8 am to 8 pm, Lisbon time.
Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal
If you're considering making the move to Portugal, it's essential to be informed about the various visa and residency options available. The Golden Visa Portugal program is an attractive option for many, offering residency to investors and their families. For those eyeing retirement in this beautiful country, the Retirement Visa (D7) is tailored for you. Digital nomads can take advantage of both short and long stay options with the Nomad Visa (D8). Meanwhile, the NHR - Non Habitual Tax regime provides significant tax benefits for new residents.
For the entrepreneurial spirit, Portugal offers the Entrepreneurship/startup Visa (D2) - Start-up Visa (open company) tailored for those looking to establish their businesses in the country. Those with specialized skills can explore the Work visa for highly qualified employees (D3). Additionally, if you have Portuguese ancestry, you might be eligible for Citizenship by descent.
However, moving to a new country isn't just about visas. If you're thinking of buying property, our guide on Buying Property in Portugal can offer invaluable insights. Dive deeper into the immigration process with our comprehensive Portugal immigration guide. For Americans specifically looking to relocate, we have curated information on Americans moving to Portugal. Lastly, one can't forget the importance of the NIF (Tax Registration Number), a crucial step in any relocation process.
Frequently Asked Questions about AIMA taking over SEF
Is SEF Portugal disbanded?
Yes, Portugal dissolved the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) in October 2023. The new agency responsible is the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA). As local authorities, they will handle all administrative functions related to foreign documents, migrants, and asylum. The change aims to streamline immigration processes and address longstanding backlogs.
Who will replace SEF?
The government of Portugal will replace SEF with the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA). AIMA will handle all aspects of immigration, focusing on administrative tasks concerning foreign citizens in Portugal, including resident permits, refugee matters, and Portuguese citizenship applications.
This includes visa applications, family reunification, and residency concerns.
What is AIMA in Portugal?
The Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum (AIMA) was created to replace SEF and the High Commission for Migrations, which was also abolished.
AIMA is responsible for administrative tasks related to foreign citizens in Portugal, namely resident permits and refugee matters.
What is the difference between AIMA and SEF?
The key difference between AIMA and SEF lies in their scope. SEF was both an immigration administration agency and the borders service. AIMA focuses solely on the administrative side, issuing documents and promoting immigrant integration, while border control duties shifted to police forces.
Is AIMA working in Portugal?
Yes, AIMA began operating in Portugal on October 30, 2023. This new agency was created in order to create a more integrated immigration system with greater efficiency.
Will AIMA make Portugal's immigration system more efficient?
AIMA has the potential to make Portugal’s immigration system more efficient. Unlike SEF, it doesn’t have to deal with border control duties and immigration issues. Additionally, AIMA has invested heavily in human resources and digital infrastructure. Ultimately, this helps the new agency process applications quicker and makes these services more efficient in the medium to long term.
Will AIMA handle the Golden Visa applications?
Yes. To streamline processes and expedite the backlog of immigration, renewals and Golden Visa applications. AIMA aims to utilize technology to make
How much is the AIMA fee in Portugal?
The fees for AIMA services differ depending on the specific service needed. It’s recommended to check the official AIMA website or your nearest local support center or contact AIMA directly for detailed information on fee structures.
How does AIMA handle citizenship applications?
AIMA oversees the entire citizenship application process, including document verification, submission, and follow-up. It ensures compliance with Portuguese nationality laws and provides guidance on required documents and procedures.
