The Current State of AIMA's Backlog
As we move through 2026, AIMA continues to grapple with one of the largest immigration backlogs in European history. At its peak, the agency inherited over 400,000 pending applications from the former SEF, with an additional wave of new submissions compounding the problem. While official figures suggest that significant progress has been made, the reality on the ground tells a more nuanced story for hundreds of thousands of applicants still waiting.
AIMA chairman Pedro Portugal Gaspar confirmed that the agency reviewed all 440,000 expressions of interest that had been pending. Of these, approximately 170,000 cases were archived because applicants failed to respond to requests for documentation or updates. While this technically reduces the backlog numbers, it raises concerns about whether legitimate applicants may have been caught up in administrative oversights or communication failures.
Progress Made So Far
The government has reported that 93 percent of pending immigration cases across all categories have been resolved. This includes processing 500,000 criminal records and collecting biometric data from a massive number of applicants. Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro has been vocal about these achievements, particularly during the 2026 State Budget hearings where he announced that AIMA would finalize the remaining backlog this year.
However, these statistics deserve careful scrutiny. Resolved does not necessarily mean approved. Many cases were archived, rejected for incomplete documentation, or returned for additional information. The number of cases that received a positive final decision and resulted in an actual residence permit being issued is considerably lower than the headline figure suggests. For applicants still in the queue, the distinction between statistical resolution and practical resolution is critically important.
Which Case Types Are Most Affected
The backlog does not affect all case types equally. Golden Visa applications remain among the most severely impacted, with some applicants waiting three years or more for final approval. AIMA has been scheduling biometric appointments for Golden Visa holders from January through March 2026, but many applicants report continued delays even after completing biometrics. The government has estimated that clearing the Golden Visa backlog alone could generate €85 million in revenue, highlighting the economic significance of these delays.
Work permit applications and general residence permit renewals have seen more progress, with processing times improving to the three-to-six-month range in many cases. Family reunification cases occupy a middle ground, with the new two-year residency requirement adding complexity to an already strained system. Student visa applications, while generally processed faster, have also experienced knock-on delays due to the overall system congestion.
Government Promises vs Reality
The Portuguese government has repeatedly promised to clear the AIMA backlog, setting multiple deadlines that have come and gone without full resolution. During the 2026 State Budget hearings, the latest promise was to finalize everything by the end of 2026. Immigration lawyers and industry experts have met these pledges with skepticism, noting a pattern of politically motivated announcements that fail to translate into tangible results for applicants.
The criticism goes beyond simple delay. Lawyers have denounced the timing of recent promises as politically motivated, designed to generate positive headlines rather than address systemic issues. The disconnect between government statistics and applicant experiences has eroded trust in the system. Many applicants report being unable to reach AIMA by phone or email, receiving conflicting information from different offices, and facing unexplained changes to their case status without notification.
What This Means for Your Application
If your case is still pending with AIMA, the practical implications depend heavily on your specific situation. For those with pending renewal applications, the end of automatic extensions means you must ensure your renewal was submitted before your permit expired. A six-month grace period applies, but you need to carry your expired card along with proof of renewal submission. For permits that expired by June 30, 2025, validity extends to April 15, 2026, but action is needed before that deadline passes.
New applicants face the strict complete-application requirement that took effect on April 28, 2025. AIMA now rejects any application missing even a single required document, meaning thorough preparation before submission is more important than ever. This change, while intended to streamline processing, has created additional barriers for applicants unfamiliar with the exact documentation requirements.
Steps You Can Take Right Now
First, verify your application status through AIMA's online portal. If you submitted an expression of interest under the old system, confirm it has not been archived. If you cannot access information about your case, consider submitting a formal written request to AIMA demanding a status update, which creates a paper trail and legal standing. Second, ensure all your documentation is current and complete, including updated proof of accommodation, financial means, and health insurance.
For cases that have been pending beyond reasonable timeframes, legal action remains one of the most effective remedies. Filing an administrative subpoena can compel AIMA to process your case within two to three months. However, there is a one-year deadline to file legal action from when AIMA's decision deadline expires, so do not wait indefinitely. Consulting with an immigration lawyer who specializes in AIMA cases can help you understand your options and the best timing for potential legal intervention.