SEF is Now AIMA - What are the Differences

On October 29, 2023, the Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA) officially began its functions, taking over the responsibilities that were previously under the purview of the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF). The Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) will now be responsible for issuing all types of passports and for accepting requests for the renewal of temporary residence permits. However, the ultimate decision-making authority continues to rest with AIMA.

AIMA will process and decide on the renewal of residence permits in special cases, such as for victims of human trafficking and individuals seeking permits for investment purposes (also known as Golden Visas). AIMA will also handle the granting of extensions of stay, residence permits (the Passive Income Visa is one of the options available), renewals of residence permits, residence cards, and permanent residence cards for family members of third-country nationals who are nationals of a European Union member state. Additionally, AIMA will manage permanent residence certificates for European Union citizens and residence permits for British nationals covered by the Agreement on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community. 

Furthermore, AIMA will issue travel documents for foreign citizens within the national territory and oversee compliance with administrative responsibilities outlined in legislation governing the entry, stay, departure, and removal of foreigners from the national territory. The agency will provide support at border crossing points for visa issuance and assess family reunification rights. It will also issue opinions on consular visa applications and participate in processes related to Portuguese nationality. 

Ultimately, AIMA will initiate, process, and decide on asylum, subsidiary protection, and temporary protection procedures. This includes determining the acceptance of asylum applications, conducting the necessary procedural steps for determining the state responsible for processing the respective applications, and facilitating the transfer of applicants between European Union Member States.

It's important to note that AIMA and IRN can delegate their powers to the organs and services of the autonomous regions and other public administration bodies for the renewal of Temporary Residence Permits.

If you have any further inquiries or require assistance regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are here to offer our support and guidance.