Is AIMA finally getting on top of Portugal’s residency backlog?

For thousands of foreign residents and prospective newcomers, Portugal’s immigration system has become synonymous with delays, uncertainty and frustration. Since replacing SEF in 2023, the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has faced the daunting task of processing hundreds of thousands of pending residency applications, many of which were inherited from its predecessor.

Over the past year, the government has repeatedly promised to clear the backlog, deploying additional staff, extending operating hours and introducing new digital systems. While progress has undoubtedly been made, many applicants continue to report lengthy waits for appointments, residence card renewals and final decisions.

The issue extends far beyond administrative inconvenience. Delays can affect everything from access to healthcare and banking services to employment opportunities and travel within the Schengen Area. For families seeking to relocate to Portugal, uncertainty over residency processing can also influence decisions about where to live, work and invest.

The government insists that the situation is improving. Speaking this week, Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro said that “the situation is substantially better than a year ago”, pointing to the resolution of hundreds of thousands of pending immigration cases and the significant reduction in the backlog inherited from the previous system.

According to official figures, AIMA and the special task force established to tackle the problem have processed hundreds of thousands of applications over the past year. However, immigration lawyers and relocation specialists continue to report delays in several categories, suggesting that the experience on the ground remains uneven.

The challenge comes at a time when Portugal continues to rely heavily on immigration to support economic growth. Employers in sectors ranging from tourism and construction to agriculture and healthcare have repeatedly warned that labour shortages cannot be addressed without a steady flow of foreign workers.

For the government, resolving the AIMA backlog is therefore about more than administrative efficiency. It is also a test of Portugal’s ability to maintain its reputation as one of Europe’s most welcoming destinations for international residents, entrepreneurs and investors.

While there are signs that progress is being made, many applicants will reserve judgement until residency decisions are arriving in weeks rather than months. Until then, AIMA’s performance is likely to remain under close scrutiny from both residents and businesses alike.

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