AIMA Residence Permits in Portugal: Processing Times, Requirements & Best Practices for Employers and HR

As a Global Mobility Manager or HR professional in a mid-sized company, managing the residence permits of international employees relocating to Portugal is a key responsibility. Since late 2023, Portugal’s immigration system transitioned from SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service) to AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum), affecting residence permit processes significantly. This guide covers essential details on AIMA residence permits, processing times, requirements, and practical advice for smooth employee relocations.

What is AIMA and How Does It Affect Residence Permits?

AIMA is the new authority responsible for immigration and asylum matters in Portugal, having taken over from SEF. This change aims to streamline immigration but has also brought temporary processing delays and procedural shifts. HR professionals should be updated on the latest AIMA procedures, as these directly impact permit renewals and new applications for work-related relocations.

Processing Times for AIMA Residence Permits

• The overall processing time varies but typically ranges between 6 to 18 months depending on the type of permit and current workload at AIMA.
  
  
• For Golden Visa (investment-based permits), it can take around 12-18 months including biometrics appointment scheduling and card issuance.
  
  
• General residence permit issuance after biometrics typically takes about 4 months.
  
  
• Processing delays are caused by high volume of applications, system transitions, and limited appointment availability.
  
  
• Residence permits expiring up to June 30, 2025, have had their validity extended to October 15, 2025, to allow for smooth transition and renewal.
  

Key Requirements for Employers and HR

• Employment contracts and proof of job offer in Portugal are mandatory.
  
  
• Documentation must be submitted through AIMA's online platform, including identification, proof of residence, and supporting work documentation.
  
  
• Companies should maintain compliance with Portuguese labor and immigration laws regarding salaries, working conditions, and insurance.
  
  
• Timely communication with employees about their renewal deadlines and necessary documentation is essential.
  
  
• Employers must be prepared for in-person biometrics appointments for employees and dependents at AIMA.
  

Best Practices for Efficient AIMA Residence Permit Handling

• Start permit applications early, ideally 3-6 months before planned employee relocation or contract start date.
  
  
• Monitor AIMA notifications and emails closely, as permit holders receive direct communication for renewals or appointment scheduling.
  
  
• Use the online AIMA renewals portal for convenient submission and tracking of renewal cases.
  
  
• Coordinate biometric and in-person appointment scheduling promptly to avoid prolonged delays.
  
  
• Consider geographic flexibility; applying at less busy AIMA offices outside major cities like Lisbon may reduce wait times.
  
  
• Maintain a comprehensive document checklist and ensure all paperwork meets AIMA’s detailed requirements to avoid application rejections.
  
  
• Educate your HR and global mobility teams on upcoming immigration policy changes, including the dissolution of SEF and new AIMA regulations.
  

Conclusion

For HR managers and Global Mobility professionals managing employees' residence permits in Portugal, understanding the AIMA system is crucial. While processing delays persist due to systemic changes, proactive management, early application submission, and close coordination with AIMA can help ensure timely permit issuance and smooth employee integration. Jobbatical.com offers expert guidance and a technology-driven platform to streamline your company’s relocation and immigration processes across Europe, including Portugal.