Good news for those with a consular visa: The Door to Fast Residence Permit Opens at AIMA

Everyone who has passed this route knows very well how tiring the bureaucracy and endless appointment queues can be during the process of moving to Portugal. However, the move implemented by the Integration, Immigration and Asylum Authority (AIMA) is a lifeline for those going through this process.

If you have a valid national visa (such as D-type visas) obtained from the Portuguese consulates in your home country, you will now be able to benefit from a priority and expedited service for your residence permit (Autorização de Residência) applications.

How Does the System Work?

Let's take a closer look at how things work in the field and what it means for applicants:

Ready Appointment from the Consulate: As soon as the consulates approve your visa and print your passport, your AIMA appointment is automatically defined through the system or you are entitled to make an expedited appointment directly.

Special Service Channel: AIMA's official channels and offices offer special, expedited lines to people entering the country with a valid consular visa. Thus, the ordeal of waiting in line for months in the general appointment pool is largely eliminated.

Direct Document Delivery and Biometrics: When the appointment day comes, you can go to AIMA offices and submit only your missing documents, provide your biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs and complete your transaction quickly.

What should be done to speed up the process?

In order to benefit from this opportunity in the smoothest way, there are a few critical steps we pay attention to in the field:

Keep Passport and Visa Details Ready: When confirming your appointment through the AIMA portal or contact form, make sure that your passport number and the information on your visa sticker match exactly.

Prepare Your Document File Completely: The fast line advantage may be disrupted in case of lack of documents. Carry originals and photocopies of essential documents such as NIF (tax number), Portuguese bank account, proof of accommodation and criminal record.

Check Your Visa Duration: It is always the safest way to contact AIMA and start the process before your visa expires after entering the country.

This acceleration of bureaucracy will significantly ease the adaptation process of those new to the country.

Source: AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo)