If you’re applying for the Portuguese Golden Visa in 2025, you may have noticed references to AIMA instead of SEF, which historically managed immigration. This change has caused some confusion, but it is crucial for applicants to understand: the Agência para a Imigração e Mobilidade (AIMA) is now the primary body overseeing immigration services, including the Golden Visa program.
This detailed guide explains what AIMA is, how it works, and what Golden Visa applicants need to know about dealing with Portuguese immigration authorities.
What is AIMA?
AIMA, officially the Agência para a Imigração e Mobilidade, is the Portuguese government agency established to manage immigration services. It replaced SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) after years of debate about restructuring Portugal’s border and residency administration.
The transition aimed to:
- Streamline immigration services.
- Separate security and border enforcement from residency and mobility services.
- Improve efficiency for long-stay visas, residency applications, and renewals.
Why Was SEF Replaced by AIMA?
SEF faced long-standing criticism for:
- Excessive bureaucratic delays in processing Golden Visa and residency applications.
- Limited appointment availability, especially for biometrics.
- Backlogs that caused some investors to wait more than a year for residence permits.
By creating AIMA, the government separated administrative residency processes (now managed by AIMA) from border control and security functions (shifted to police authorities).
AIMA’s Role in Golden Visa Applications
AIMA is now responsible for:
- Receiving and reviewing Golden Visa applications.
- Pre-approving investment documentation before biometrics.
- Scheduling and conducting biometric appointments for applicants and dependents.
- Issuing and renewing residence permits tied to Golden Visa investments.
- Conducting background checks in coordination with Portuguese and international police databases.
For Golden Visa applicants, AIMA is the main administrative touchpoint from start to finish.
Key Stages of the Golden Visa Process with AIMA
- Application Submission – All documents and proof of investment submitted via the AIMA online portal.
- Pre-Approval Review – AIMA lawyers review legal documents, investment contracts, criminal records, and fund compliance.
- Biometric Appointment – Applicants attend an in-person appointment in Portugal to provide fingerprints, photos, and signatures.
- Residence Card Issuance – After biometrics, AIMA issues the initial 2-year Golden Visa residence card.
- Renewals and Residency Maintenance – Renewals at years 2 and 4 are processed through AIMA.
How AIMA Differs from SEF
| Function | SEF (Old System) | AIMA (New System) |
| Immigration Processing | Managed visas, permits, border enforcement | Dedicated to visas, permits, and mobility |
| Border Control | Yes | Transferred to police authorities |
| Golden Visa Applications | Severe backlogs, frequent delays | Designed for faster, specialized processing |
| Focus | Security + Immigration | Immigration & Mobility Service Delivery |
By creating AIMA, the government intends to offer more efficient and applicant-friendly services while keeping Portugal aligned with EU standards.
Impact on Golden Visa Applicants
For new applicants in 2025:
- Applications are processed exclusively by AIMA.
- Existing cases submitted under SEF have been transferred to AIMA’s system.
- The separation of duties means shorter waits for approvals and biometrics, though demand can still create delays.
- Transparency and digitalized online systems are expected to improve, reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Challenges Still Present
Despite improvements, challenges remain:
- Appointment delays can still occur in high-demand years.
- AIMA is still fine-tuning internal structures, occasionally causing confusion during the transition.
- Applicants should remain proactive with legal representatives to book biometrics early.
Why Legal Assistance Is More Important Than Ever
While AIMA simplifies immigration processes, the legal complexity of Golden Visa applications has increased due to stricter due diligence and eligibility reviews. Lawyers play a critical role in:
- Ensuring investments are pre-approved and compliant.
- Submitting documents correctly translated, notarized, and apostilled.
- Navigating new AIMA digital submission systems and appointment scheduling.
- Preventing rejections from administrative errors.
Conclusion
The creation of AIMA has restructured Portugal’s immigration system, making it more transparent, streamlined, and efficient compared to the old SEF process. For Golden Visa applicants, AIMA now handles the entire journey — from application submission to biometrics and residence permit issuance.
While the transition still presents challenges, the move ensures a more applicant-focused system that supports Portugal’s long-term residency goals.
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