AIMA Appointments in Portugal (2026): How to Book and What to Do About Delays

By Claire Lawrence, who moved to Portugal and now helps others do the same. Last updated June 2026. Rules and waiting times change; always confirm on aima.gov.pt before you rely on them.

To book an AIMA appointment, use the official channels only: the contact form at contactenos.aima.gov.pt, the Contact Centre on 217 115 000, or email geral@aima.gov.pt. Take a complete set of documents. If you face long delays you can escalate to the Ombudsman, and as a last resort applicants have gone to court to compel AIMA to schedule.

What is AIMA?

AIMA (the Agencia para a Integracao, Migracoes e Asilo) is the Portuguese agency that took over residence and immigration matters from the former SEF. It is who you deal with to get and renew your residence permit.

How do you book an AIMA appointment?

Use official channels only:

Online contact form: contactenos.aima.gov.pt
Contact Centre: 217 115 000
Email: geral@aima.gov.pt
In person for renewals: the SIGA platform at siga.marcacaodeatendimento.pt

Choose the topic that matches your situation. Appointments are in short supply, so apply early and keep a record of every reference code and message.

What to bring

The single biggest cause of a wasted appointment is a missing document. Based on the official requirements, prepare:

Valid passport and your visa
Your NIF
Proof of accommodation
Proof of means of subsistence
Proof that tax and social security are up to date, where relevant
A declaration authorising a criminal record check

What to do about delays

Long waits are common. Work down these in order: keep escalating through the Contact Centre and contact form with a paper trail; complain to the Provedor de Justica (the Ombudsman), which is free; and as a last resort, applicants have used the administrative courts to force a scheduling, which needs a lawyer. Speak to an immigration lawyer if you reach that point.

If your permit has expired

Because of the backlog, the validity of many permits was extended. As confirmed by AIMA and gov.pt in 2026, permits that expired between February 2020 and 30 June 2025 are valid until 15 April 2026, and those expiring after 30 June 2025 get a six-month extension. Carry your expired card and the QR-coded renewal receipt, and check the current dates on aima.gov.pt before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book an AIMA appointment?

Use official channels only: the AIMA contact form at contactenos.aima.gov.pt, the Contact Centre on 217 115 000, or email geral@aima.gov.pt. Renewals can be booked in person through the SIGA platform at siga.marcacaodeatendimento.pt.

What documents do I need for my AIMA appointment?

Typically your passport, your visa, your NIF, proof of accommodation, proof of means of subsistence, proof that your tax and social security are up to date where relevant, and a declaration authorising a criminal record check. Take everything, originals and copies.

What if I cannot get an AIMA appointment?

Keep trying through the official channels and keep a record of every attempt. You can complain to the Provedor de Justica (the Ombudsman), and where delays are unreasonable, applicants have gone to the administrative courts to compel AIMA to schedule. That step needs a lawyer.

My residence permit has expired. Am I still legal?

Many expired permits were extended. As confirmed in 2026, permits that expired between February 2020 and 30 June 2025 are treated as valid until 15 April 2026, and permits expiring after 30 June 2025 get six months from expiry. Carry your expired card and the official renewal receipt, and confirm the current dates on aima.gov.pt.

Is there a fee to book an AIMA appointment?

No. AIMA does not require you to pay a private third party for an appointment. Be wary of anyone selling guaranteed slots on social media.

AIMA is one of the most stressful steps. Our packages include the full AIMA Appointment Survival Kit, the checklist and the trusted contacts.

See what is included

Sources

AIMA: aima.gov.pt, contactenos.aima.gov.pt, Contact Centre 217 115 000
gov.pt, Renewing your residence permit
SIGA booking: siga.marcacaodeatendimento.pt. Ombudsman: provedor-jus.pt
Permit-validity extensions confirmed via aima.gov.pt and gov.pt, June 2026