How do I apply for a residence permit in Portugal?

AIMA · IRN · Residence & nationality

• Residence permits are now handled by AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum), which replaced SEF (the former Foreigners and Borders Service) in this role.
• The type of permit depends on your situation — work, study, family reunification, job seeking — and you apply through the AIMA portal or by appointment.
• First, gather the usual documents: valid passport, proof of means of subsistence, accommodation and criminal record.
• Processing times and appointment queues vary a lot: track your application status in the personal area of AIMA.

Automatically translated. Always confirm on the official Portuguese source.