First week
Time
Weeks (visa first) · 1 AIMA visit
Cost
€170 approx
Difficulty
Hard
EU vs non-EU
EU/EEA: You don't need this. EU/EEA citizens skip visas and AIMA entirely. After 90 days you register at the câmara for a CRUE certificate instead. See "Register as an EU resident".
Non-EU: This is your path. Entry visa from the Portuguese consulate first, then AIMA converts it into a residence card once you're here. Start months before you move; the visa is the slow part.
What to bring
Your entry visa (D7, D8/digital nomad, work, etc.)
Passport
NIF
Proof of address
Proof of income / means
Criminal record certificate
Your options
AIMA (appointment)
The state immigration agency
€170 approx
You enter on a visa from a Portuguese consulate, then AIMA issues the residence card. Appointments are the bottleneck. Book the moment you can.
Immigration lawyer
For complex cases or peace of mind
€800–2000
Worth it for tricky situations (family reunification, appeals) or if you can’t face the bureaucracy. They also chase AIMA slots.
Relocation agency
End-to-end handholding
€1500+
Bundles NIF, bank, lease, and the AIMA process. Convenient but the priciest route.
Prices checked June 2026
Do it
- 1
Get the right visa before you arrive
Apply at the Portuguese consulate in your country (D7 for passive income, D8 for remote workers, etc.). This is the part you cannot skip.
- 2
Book your AIMA appointment
Once in Portugal with your visa, secure an AIMA slot to convert it into a residence card. Slots are scarce — keep checking.
- 3
Bring every document, twice
Passport, visa, NIF, proof of address, income, criminal record, and the application form. Originals plus copies.
- 4
Give biometrics and collect your card
They take fingerprints and a photo. The card arrives by post a few weeks later.
Words you'll hear
AIMAEYE-mah
The immigration agency (replaced SEF). Issues residence cards; appointments are the bottleneck.
Morada
Your registered address. Update it at Finanças when you move. It drives taxes, health centre, everything.
Common questions
Can I switch from a tourist stay to residency once here?
Generally no — the residence visa must come from a Portuguese consulate abroad. Narrow exceptions exist; don't build your plan on them.
How long does AIMA actually take?
The appointment is the bottleneck — weeks to months depending on luck and season. After biometrics, the card usually arrives within a few weeks.
Can my family come with me?
Yes — family reunification covers spouses and children, applied for at AIMA once your own permit is in motion.
Read more
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