Accessing the Status Check Portal
To check your AIMA application status, log into the AIMA digital portal using the email address and password you set up when creating your account. Navigate to the My Applications section, which displays all applications associated with your account. Each application shows its current status, the date of the most recent status change, and your case reference number. If you have multiple applications, such as an initial permit and a subsequent renewal, each appears as a separate entry with its own status.
If you do not have portal access, you may have submitted your application before the portal was available, or your account may not be linked to your case. Contact AIMA's contact center at (+351) 217 115 000 with your case reference number, passport number, and NIF to request information about your application status. You can also send an email to geral@aima.gov.pt with the same identifying information. While the portal provides the most immediate and up-to-date status information, phone and email inquiries can sometimes reveal additional details about your case's position in the processing queue that the portal status does not convey.
Understanding Status Meanings
Your application progresses through several defined stages, each reflected in the portal status. Submitted means your application has been received by AIMA and is in the queue for review. This is the initial status after online submission or after an in-person appointment where your documents were accepted. Under Review means a case officer has been assigned and is actively examining your file, checking documents, and verifying information. This is a positive sign, as it indicates your case has moved from the general queue to active processing.
Additional Information Required means AIMA needs something more from you, such as an updated document, additional evidence, or clarification on a specific point. Respond promptly to these requests through the portal's document upload feature. Decision Pending indicates the review is complete and your case is awaiting a formal decision by the authorized officer. Approved means your application has been accepted and the next step, usually biometric collection and card production, will follow. Denied means the application was rejected, and the notification should include the reasons and information about appeal rights. Card Production means your residence permit is being printed and will be available for collection shortly.
When to Follow Up
The appropriate timing for follow-up depends on the expected processing time for your application type and the stage your application is in. For standard applications, if no status change has occurred within three months of submission, a follow-up inquiry is reasonable. For renewals processed through the online portal, the expected timeframe is shorter, and a follow-up after six to eight weeks of no change is appropriate. For urgent matters where your legal status is at risk, follow up more aggressively, with weekly portal checks and contact attempts.
Use the portal messaging system for follow-ups, as messages are linked to your case file and create a documented record of your inquiry. Be specific in your message: state your case reference number, the date of submission, the current status, how long the status has remained unchanged, and any urgency factors such as approaching deadlines or legal status concerns. Polite but clear communication about the impact of the delay on your situation is more effective than expressing frustration or making demands. Case officers handle many files and a well-structured inquiry that helps them quickly understand your situation is more likely to receive a prompt response.
What to Do If Status Has Not Changed
If your status has not changed for an extended period despite follow-up inquiries, escalate systematically. Start with a phone call to the contact center asking specifically about the reason for the delay. If the phone call does not provide clarity, send a formal written inquiry by email detailing your case history, the duration of the stall, and requesting a specific timeline for the next step. If the written inquiry goes unanswered for two weeks, file an internal complaint through AIMA's complaints mechanism.
If internal escalation does not produce results within a reasonable period, external options include filing a complaint with the Portuguese Ombudsman (Provedor de Justiça), which triggers an independent investigation, or consulting an immigration lawyer about legal action. If the statutory processing deadline has been exceeded, the one-year clock for filing an administrative subpoena begins, and acting within this window is critical to preserve your legal options. The progression from portal check to phone call to written inquiry to formal complaint to legal action represents a graduated escalation that demonstrates reasonable behavior while building toward the strongest available remedies.
Tracking Timeline Benchmarks
Understanding typical processing times helps you calibrate your expectations and identify when your case is genuinely delayed versus simply in the normal queue. Initial residence permit applications typically take three to six months from submission to card issuance. Permit renewals through the online portal are generally faster, at two to four months. Family reunification cases can take four to eight months due to the additional documentation review. Golden Visa applications currently have the longest processing times, often exceeding twelve months due to the accumulated backlog and the complexity of investment verification.
These benchmarks are based on aggregate data and individual experiences vary widely. Factors that affect your specific timeline include the completeness of your application (complete applications move faster), the complexity of your case, your AIMA office's current workload, and whether your case requires inter-agency verification such as criminal record checks from foreign countries. Keep a personal log of your case timeline, noting each status change date and any communications with AIMA. This record is valuable for demonstrating delays if legal action becomes necessary and helps you track your case progression against the benchmark timelines to identify genuine anomalies early.