Our AIMA experience

It’s been 5 months since we arrived back in Portugal after getting our Stage 1 temporary visas stamped inside our passports. The temporary visas are for 4 months and are meant to be a bridge that covers the time before a stage 2 residence appointment and permit is given.  

Whilst we were at the Consulate in Manchester we were told we’d need to contact AIMA whilst in Portugal to obtain our stage 2 appointments. This was disappointing as I’d heard how difficult it has been for people to get in touch with AIMA, many having to take them to court after years of trying to get an appointment. So when we arrived in Portugal we joined the large queue of people sending emails to AIMA everyday in the hopes of getting that illusive stage 2 appointment. 

After a few months I finally received a reply from AIMA, stating that there was a new website and form to fill out in order to request an appointment:

https://contactenos.aima.gov.pt/contact-form

(Please note that the website only works whilst in Portugal, so if you’re outside the country you’ll need a VPN to access) 

The options to put for getting a stage 2 visa are:

Tipo de Assunto - 

Autorização de Residência 

Subtipo de Assunto-

Autorização de Residência com visto consular (Não CPLP)

It took a few tries filling out the form before it worked, but now I think it’s up and running permanently.

A couple of weeks later we were emailed our AIMA appointments, it was in 7 days time at an AIMA office in Lisbon. 

We then started the mad rush into get our paperwork in order ready for the appointment. The list of documents that are needed can be found here:

https://aima.gov.pt/pt/viver/autorizacao-de-residencia-regime-e-requisitos-gerais-art-o-77-o-n-o-1

(Please note that these are the requirements for the stage 2 appointments of the D7 visa, other types of visa requirements can be found on the AIMA website)

• Two identical passport-style photographs, in colour with a plain background, recent and clearly identifiable (if the appointment is made at the AIMA offices in Odivelas or Aveiro);

• Passport or other valid travel document;

• Valid residence visa;

• Proof of means of subsistence;

• Sworn statement of residence, stating the terms under which you reside in the indicated dwelling (e.g. owner, tenant, subtenant, usufructuary, bailee, among others); and

• In situations where you live in the property as the owner or usufructuary, you must present a land registry certificate or provide the respective access code to prove your right of ownership or right of usufruct, or

• In situations where you live in the property as a tenant or lessee, among others, a statement from the landlord or accommodation provider, mentioning the legal situation underlying the right to use the property;

• Document proving family ties, where applicable;

• Proof of registration with the tax authorities;

• Proof of registration with social security.

• Health insurance or proof that you are covered by the National Health Service.

(Please note that this document list is correct at the time of writing 20/09/25 but for an up-to-date and accurate list go to the link above)

Here are the documents that each of us took:

Dan (D7 visa lead applicant)

• 2 Passport Photos

• Application form (filled out)

• Passport

• Annuity Confirmation

• 3 months Portuguese bank statements (Annuity Payments highlighted)

• Notarised sworn statement of residence (didn’t ask for it, but we gave it)

• Land Registry Deed

• Atestado de Residencia

• Marriage Certificate + Copy

• Term of responsibility Notarised (The same one from Stage 1)

• NIF

• Proof of NISS application (no response yet received)

• AXA health Insurance

Laura (D8 accompanying family member)

• 2 passport photos

• Application form (filled out)

• Passport

• Annuity Confirmation

• 3 months Portuguese bank statements (Annuity Payments Highlighted)

• Notarised Sworn Statement of Residence 

• Land Registry Deed

• Atestado de Residencia

• Marriage Certificate + Copy

• Term of Responsibility Notarised (The same one from Stage 1)

• NIF 

• Proof of NISS Application (no response yet received)

• Utente Number 

Please note that the documents in BOLD are the documents that they asked us for during the appointment. Different staff members and different offices may ask for different documentation. 

The staff at the office had only been on the job for a week. The office had many desks with lots of staff (and many more in training too), we were told that they’re going to be opening up more offices and increasing the opening hours. So it looks like AIMA is starting to get on top of the huge backlog of applicants. 

Once we handed over the documents we had our photographs and biometrics taken, paid the 181 EUR each, and were told our residence cards would take up to 90 days to arrive. Once we have the cards we can start the process of matriculating our truck. The Residence visa lasts for 2 years and can be renewed.

NISS numbers -

We were worried before the appointment because we hadn’t received any response to our NISS application and had heard that offices could be strict on showing the NISS. We had printed out proof of our application, and had went to the loja do cidadão prior to our appointment to ask if we could be issued our Numbers as they were required for our AIMA appointment, but were told we had to wait for a response. We weren’t asked for any proof of NISS during our appointment, but different offices and different staff members may ask for it. 

Health Insurance +/ Utente Numbers -

I had a Utente number from when I had registered at the doctors in 2023, but when we went to the health centre to register Dan we were told that they no longer issue the Utente numbers without a residence card. So we purchased health insurance for Dan instead. If you have registered at the doctors in the past even if you were only a tourist at the time, it might be worth checking to see if you have the Utente number.