AIMA in 2026: how do appointments and renewals work, why is it so slow, and what are my rights while I wait?

AIMA (the agency that replaced SEF) is where almost every immigrant hits a wall: appointments, renewals and long waits. The rules keep moving, so this is a practical map of how it works in 2026 — and, crucially, your rights while your card is stuck in the queue.

Two different tracks: new permit vs renewal

• First residence permit (you arrived on a consular visa, or through an earlier manifestação de interesse): you need an agendamento (appointment) at AIMA to give biometrics and hand in documents. Book through AIMA's online scheduling / contact form (contactenos.aima.gov.pt).
• Renewal of a card you already hold: use the Portal das Renovações — no counter visit for most cases; you upload documents and pay a DUC (payment reference).

Renewals — how the portal works

AIMA opens the renewal portal in waves, by the month your title expires (for example, May/June-2026 expiries opened earlier in 2026). Check whether your month is open, log in, confirm your data, upload the required documents and pay the DUC. Keep the submission receipt — you will need it constantly (see below).

Your rights while you wait

• You stay legal. Once you have submitted the renewal (or hold a valid appointment), your expired card plus the comprovativo do pedido prove you are in a regular situation.
• You can keep working and stay enrolled in Segurança Social, SNS, bank, etc.
• Travel is riskier. An expired card + receipt is accepted inside Portugal, but airlines and other Schengen borders may not recognise it — travel is safest with a valid card. If you must travel, carry everything and check the current rules for your route.

CPLP citizens (Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries)

Since Lei 9/2025 (13 February 2025), the CPLP residence authorisation is issued in the uniform card model, which means you must attend an appointment to give biometrics. Issuance carries a €15 DUC (payable 48h after it is generated). Renewals of CPLP titles also run through AIMA's renewal service.

If your case is stuck

• Use AIMA's official contact form (contactenos.aima.gov.pt) and the Linha AIMA; keep every reference number.
• Escalate to the Provedor do Migrante or a local immigrant-support office (CLAIM/GAIM).
• For genuinely urgent, long-overdue cases, an immigration lawyer can file a court intimação to force AIMA to act — a last resort, but effective.

Documents you will usually need

NIF, valid passport, proof of accommodation (see our guide — since 29 Nov 2025 AIMA no longer accepts a junta atestado on its own), proof of means / work contract, NISS, criminal record, and health cover. Exact lists vary by permit type — confirm yours before the appointment.

Related: proof of address when the landlord won't sign · how to get your NISS · AIMA in your first 120 days.