SEF, AIMA, and Immigration Services in the Algarve
Residency permits, visa processing, and the new immigration agency
Immigration and residency matters in Portugal are handled by AIMA (Agencia para a Integracao, Migracoes e Asilo), which replaced the former SEF (Servico de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) in 2023. The transition has been accompanied by significant operational challenges, including backlogs, staff shortages, and an overwhelmed appointment system that has caused frustration for applicants across the country, including in the Algarve.
AIMA is responsible for processing residency permit applications, renewals, and changes of status for non-Portuguese nationals. EU citizens exercising their right of free movement register through a simpler process at the local camara municipal, but non-EU nationals, including post-Brexit UK citizens, must go through AIMA for their residency documentation.
The main AIMA office serving the Algarve is in Faro, on Rua Luisa Todi. Appointments are theoretically booked online through the AIMA website, but the system has been plagued by unavailability, long waits for appointment slots, and technical problems. Waiting times of six months or more for an initial appointment are common, and the situation has been widely criticised by expat community groups, legal professionals, and the Portuguese Ombudsman.
The residency process for UK citizens typically begins before arrival in Portugal with the obtainment of an appropriate visa (most commonly the D7 passive income visa, the D8 digital nomad visa, or a work visa) from the Portuguese consulate in the UK. On arrival, the applicant must schedule an AIMA appointment to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) and submit supporting documents. A temporary residency certificate is issued, followed by a residency card (titulo de residencia) which is typically valid for two years initially and five years on renewal.
Required documents generally include a valid passport, proof of the visa used to enter Portugal, proof of accommodation (rental contract or property deed), proof of income or employment, Portuguese NIF, health insurance or SNS registration, and a clean criminal record certificate from the country of origin and from Portugal. Exact requirements vary by visa type and can change, so checking the current AIMA guidelines or consulting an immigration lawyer is advisable.
Immigration lawyers and relocation agencies in the Algarve offer services to manage the application process on behalf of clients, including document preparation, appointment booking, and attendance at AIMA. Fees range from 500 to 2,000 euros depending on the complexity of the case. For many applicants, particularly those unfamiliar with Portuguese bureaucracy or uncomfortable with the language, professional assistance is a worthwhile investment.
The transition from SEF to AIMA is ongoing, and improvements to the system are expected as the new agency establishes its processes. In the meantime, patience, thorough documentation, and, if possible, professional support are the best strategies for navigating the residency process in the Algarve.
The residency documentation, once obtained, must be carried at all times in Portugal. The titulo de residencia (residency card) serves as identification and proof of legal status. Police, border officers, and public service providers may request to see it. Losing the card requires a replacement application through AIMA, which can take several weeks.
For UK nationals, the post-Brexit situation has created additional complexity. Those who were legally resident before 31 December 2020 and registered under the Withdrawal Agreement hold protected status. Those who arrived after must follow the standard third-country national process, including obtaining a visa before arrival. The distinction is important and affects healthcare access, social security rights, and family reunification options. The British Embassy in Lisbon and the Portimao consulate provide guidance, but individual circumstances vary and professional legal advice is recommended for complex cases.