The Portuguese government, through the Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA), has taken a major step in addressing delays in immigration processes by opening 30 new service centers across the country. This effort is part of a broader strategy to speed up the processing of residence permits and family reunifications, addressing a significant backlog that has affected many immigrants.

The first of these centers has already opened in Lisbon, marking a significant milestone in this initiative. The Lisbon center operates through a strict appointment system, ensuring efficient processing and minimal waiting times. Immigrants can book appointments and are required to present all relevant documentation in order to expedite their case resolution.

How the Lisbon Service Center Operates

The new Lisbon Service Center, located at Alameda Mahatma Gandhi, operates strictly by appointment. Immigrants can only enter the premises 30 minutes prior to their scheduled time to avoid unnecessary crowding. Upon arrival, they are required to present a notice either printed or visible on a mobile device, along with the original documents that were uploaded during their application process. This system is designed to minimize processing delays and improve efficiency in handling pending immigration cases.

The goal of these centers is to drastically reduce the time it takes to process residence permits and reunify immigrant families, a priority that has been difficult to meet due to increasing numbers of applicants. With the new centers, AIMA aims to restore confidence in the immigration process by providing quicker and more secure service.

Email Notifications for Rescheduling Appointments

To further expedite the process, AIMA has begun sending out emails to immigrants with pending cases, informing them of rescheduled appointments. The content of these emails provides clear instructions on how to proceed with their immigration case. Below is an example of such a notification:

Dear Mr./Ms. [Name],

The Task Force for Recovering Pending Cases at AIMA was created on 10 July this year by the Resolution of the Council of Ministers n. 87/2024 to speed up the processing of cases for granting and renewing residence permits that fall within AIMA’s remit.

In order to fulfil its mission, this new entity is developing new procedures and information systems and is setting up several service centers throughout the country. These measures will allow immigrant citizens to conclude their residence permit procedures more quickly and safely.

To speed up your application, you are required to re-upload all necessary documentation to AIMA’s Service Website before your scheduled appointment, regardless of previously uploaded information.

Please disregard your previous appointment and instead, be present on [YYYY-MM-DD] at 10:30, at the Lisbon Service Center – Zone 7, Alameda Mahatma Gandhi, 1600-500 Lisboa.

To ensure a smooth process, please bring the originals of all previously uploaded documents and this notice, either printed or displayed on a mobile device. Please arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before your appointment to avoid overcrowding.

If you have any questions, contact us at: manifestacao.interesse@aima.gov.pt.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,
EM AIMA – Task Force for Recovering Pending Cases at AIMA

Emails also contain security warnings, advising recipients to be cautious of fraudulent messages and only trust communications from official @aima.gov.pt email addresses. These precautions help protect immigrants from potential scams.

This new initiative is expected to have a significant impact on speeding up immigration procedures, ensuring better integration and reducing the backlog of pending applications.

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