Last updated: September 2026
You've got your D7 or D8 visa, you've landed in Portugal, and there's one big step left: your AIMA appointment. It's the moment your visa becomes a residence permit, and it's also the step that causes the most stress in every expat group we know.
This guide covers how AIMA appointments are booked, what to do if you don't have one, what to bring, what happens on the day and how to handle the most common problems, including a visa that expires before your appointment.
Quick answer
For most D7 and D8 visas, the consulate books your AIMA appointment when it issues the visa, and the details are linked from the visa sticker itself. If you don't have one, you can request it through AIMA's online contact form, by phone (217 115 000) or by email. Bring a complete, organized set of documents: at the appointment, AIMA checks your file, takes your biometrics and fee, and your residence card is produced and sent afterwards.
AIMA appointment at a glance
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Who books the appointment? | Usually the consulate, when your visa is issued |
| Where do I find it? | Via the link on your visa sticker |
| No appointment? | AIMA contact form, phone 217 115 000 or geral@aima.gov.pt |
| How long is my residence visa valid? | 4 months, with two entries |
| Appointment after the visa expires? | Common in practice; there's a legal mechanism to extend your stay |
| What happens on the day? | Document check, biometrics, fee, receipt |
| How much does it cost? | Set by Portaria 307/2023, updated every March 1 |
What is AIMA?
AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) is the agency that handles residence permits in Portugal. It replaced the former immigration service, SEF, in 2023, so if you read older guides that mention SEF, the process now runs through AIMA.
Your D7 or D8 visa is not a residence permit. It's an entry document that lets you come to Portugal and apply for one. The AIMA appointment is where that application is formally submitted. If you're earlier in the process, our complete D7/D8 visa process guide covers everything from the consulate to the residence card.
How do I book an AIMA appointment?
1. Check your visa first: you probably already have one
According to AIMA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs books the residence permit appointment when it issues your consular visa. Proof of the booking appears at the bottom right of the visa sticker as a link. Open that link to see the location, date and time of your appointment.
Do this as soon as you receive your passport back from the consulate, and save a screenshot of the details.
2. If the link doesn't work or there's no appointment
AIMA says that if the link on the sticker doesn't work, you should book your own appointment through its online contact form. When filling it in, choose "Autorização de Residência" and then the option for residence permits with a consular visa.
AIMA also lists two other channels:
- Phone: AIMA's contact center, 217 115 000.
- Email: geral@aima.gov.pt.
In every case, AIMA says you'll receive a confirmation email. Many applicants report that the phone line is very busy, so the contact form is often the most practical starting point.
3. Watch out for fake emails
AIMA's official emails come from the @aima.gov.pt domain. Be very careful with messages from any other address asking you to pay fees or share documents to "secure" an appointment. When in doubt, check directly with AIMA through the official channels above.
My visa expires before my AIMA appointment. What now?
This is one of the most common worries, and it's worth understanding clearly.
A Portuguese residence visa is valid for 4 months and two entries (Article 58 of Law 23/2007, the Foreigners Law). With current waiting times, many applicants report appointments falling after that 4-month window, sometimes well after.
Two things to know:
- This usually reflects AIMA's capacity, not a problem with your file. It's a situation many people are in.
- There's a legal mechanism for it. Article 71 of Law 23/2007 provides for an extension of stay (prorrogação de permanência), which can keep you lawfully in Portugal while you wait. It has its own requirements and fees.
Because the right approach depends on your dates, your travel plans and your specific case, this is the point where it's worth talking to an immigration lawyer, especially if you need to travel outside Portugal before your appointment.
What documents should I bring to my AIMA appointment?
AIMA can decline to process an incomplete application, so the golden rule is: bring everything, organized, with copies. The exact list depends on your visa type, so always check AIMA's official requirements for your case before the appointment.
Documents commonly requested for D7 and D8 applicants include:
- your valid passport with the residence visa;
- the appointment confirmation;
- proof of address in Portugal, such as your registered lease. AIMA's general requirements also mention a signed declaration of your address and how you live there (owner, tenant and so on). Our guide on renting a home in Portugal explains what a proper lease looks like;
- proof of means of subsistence: bank statements, contracts, invoices or pension statements, depending on your visa;
- health insurance or proof of access to the public health system. See our guide on health insurance for the D8 and D7 visa;
- your NIF (tax number) and, where applicable, your NISS (Social Security number);
- a criminal record certificate from your home country, if requested, usually apostilled and translated.
Practical tips that applicants commonly recommend:
- Bring originals and printed copies of everything.
- Put documents in a folder in the order listed above.
- Make sure your name is spelled identically across all documents.
- Have recent bank statements, not the ones you used months ago at the consulate.
- Arrive early, with time to find the office and get through any queue at the entrance.
What happens at the AIMA appointment?
Appointments are generally short and practical. A typical appointment includes:
- Document check: an officer reviews your file and may ask about your address, income or plans.
- Biometrics: your photo, fingerprints and signature are taken.
- Fee payment.
- Receipt: you receive proof that your application was submitted. Keep it safe: it's your key document while you wait.
Your residence card is then produced and sent to you. Service is often mainly in Portuguese, so if your Portuguese is basic, consider bringing someone who speaks it, or preparing a few key phrases.
How much does the AIMA residence permit cost?
AIMA fees are set by Portaria 307/2023 and, according to AIMA, are automatically updated every March 1 in line with the consumer price index. The most recent update took effect on March 1, 2026.
For a first temporary residence permit, the fee is typically made up of two parts: one for receiving and analyzing your application, and one for issuing the residence card. Reported 2026 amounts are around €133 for reception and analysis and around €114 for the card, but specific cases, reductions and exemptions can change the total.
These are illustrative figures based on amounts reported in 2026, not official quotes. Fees are updated every year and depend on your case, so always confirm the current amount with AIMA before your appointment.
How long does it take to get the residence card?
There's no single answer. Waiting times for both appointments and cards vary a lot, and applicants report experiences ranging from a few weeks to many months. These reports are examples, not a guide to what you should expect.
What you can control: submit a complete file, keep your receipt, keep your address and email up to date, and check your email (including spam) regularly for messages from @aima.gov.pt.
A useful thing to know: once your residence permit is issued, other deadlines start. For example, if you hold a foreign driver's license from certain countries, your time to exchange it counts from the date the permit is issued. See our guide to foreign driver's licenses in Portugal.
Common AIMA appointment problems (and what to do)
| Problem | What people usually do |
|---|---|
| The link on the visa sticker doesn't work | Request an appointment through AIMA's contact form |
| The appointment is far from where you live | Many applicants accept it rather than wait longer; you can ask AIMA about alternatives through the contact form |
| You can't attend on the scheduled date | Contact AIMA as early as possible through the contact form to reschedule |
| A document is missing | Contact AIMA through the contact form; don't assume it will be accepted later |
| Your visa expires before the appointment | Look into the extension of stay (Article 71) with legal advice |
| No response from AIMA for a long time | Some applicants use a court procedure called ação de intimação, with a lawyer |
When the balanced option is to wait
Legal action isn't always the best move. If your appointment date is confirmed, your stay is covered and you don't need to travel, waiting is often the simplest, cheapest option. The court route tends to make more sense when there's no response at all for a long period, or when the delay has real consequences for your work, family or travel. A lawyer can help you weigh this for your specific case.
The 5 most common AIMA appointment mistakes
- Not checking the appointment link on the visa straight away. If it doesn't work, you want to know while there's still time to book one yourself.
- Bringing only digital documents. Bring printed copies of everything, as well as originals.
- Using outdated bank statements. The statements from your consulate application may be months old by the time of your appointment.
- Panicking when the visa expires before the appointment. Many people are in this situation; look into the extension of stay and get advice instead of making rushed decisions.
- Missing emails from @aima.gov.pt. Check your spam folder regularly and keep your email address up to date with AIMA.
What comes after the residence card?
Your first residence permit is the start of your legal life in Portugal. Renewals now generally go through AIMA's online renewals portal, and after enough years of legal residence you may be able to apply for permanent residency or citizenship. Our guide to the path to permanent residency and citizenship explains what comes next.
FAQ
How do I know if I already have an AIMA appointment?
Check your visa sticker. According to AIMA, when the consulate issues your visa it also books your appointment, and the details are available through the link at the bottom right of the sticker.
How do I book an AIMA appointment if I don't have one?
Through AIMA's online contact form (contactenos.aima.gov.pt), by calling the contact center on 217 115 000, or by emailing geral@aima.gov.pt. You should receive a confirmation email.
Can I stay in Portugal if my visa expires before my AIMA appointment?
Many applicants are in this situation. Portuguese law provides for an extension of stay (Article 71 of Law 23/2007), which has its own requirements. Because it depends on your case and travel plans, it's worth getting legal advice.
Can I reschedule my AIMA appointment?
Contact AIMA as early as possible through the official contact form. Availability varies, so a new date may take time.
How much does an AIMA residence permit cost in 2026?
Fees are set by Portaria 307/2023 and updated every March 1. Reported 2026 amounts for a first temporary permit are around €133 for reception and analysis plus around €114 for the card, but confirm the current fees for your case with AIMA.
Do I need to speak Portuguese at my AIMA appointment?
It's not required, but service is often mainly in Portuguese. Bringing a Portuguese speaker or preparing key phrases can make the appointment smoother.
Can I change my AIMA appointment location?
You can ask through AIMA's official contact form, but availability varies and a change may mean waiting longer. Many applicants choose to keep an appointment in another city rather than lose their slot.
What happens if I miss my AIMA appointment?
Contact AIMA as soon as possible through the official contact form to request a new date. If your visa is close to expiring or has expired, get legal advice about your options.
Can I travel while waiting for my residence card?
It depends on your visa dates, your receipt and where you're traveling. Rules for travel while an application is pending are complex, so check with an immigration lawyer before booking trips outside Portugal.
How long does AIMA take after biometrics?
There's no official fixed timeline. Applicants report waits ranging from a few weeks to several months for the card after the appointment. Keep your receipt and check your email regularly.
How early should I arrive for my AIMA appointment?
Give yourself enough time to find the office and get through any entrance queue. Arriving a little early is a sensible habit, as offices can be busy.
AIMA procedures, fees and processing times change frequently, and this guide reflects publicly available information at the time of writing. Some situations described here have legal consequences, especially visa expiry, extensions of stay and travel while your application is pending. Before relying on any deadline or option in this article, confirm it directly with AIMA or with a licensed immigration lawyer for your specific situation.
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