AIMA processing times in 2026: what to expect before you apply
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Most relocation questions start with "which visa," but the more useful question in 2026 is "how long." Portugal's immigration agency, AIMA, has a real backlog, and the gap between applying and actually holding a residence card is often the part that catches people off guard.
What the timelines look like right now
By law, a Portuguese consulate has 60 days to decide a residence visa application such as the D7 or D8, but actual waits depend on the consulate and are often longer: in March 2026, Público reported waits of more than 200 days for some visa types at consulates in Brazil. Once issued, the residence visa is valid for four months and two entries. In that window you apply to AIMA for the residence permit, and AIMA has 90 days by law to decide, extendable by 30 in exceptional cases.
The AIMA stage is where most of the delay sits. In February 2026, the Lisbon administrative court had about 131,000 pending cases involving AIMA, almost all of them urgent requests from applicants asking the court to make AIMA act. In practical terms: if the consulate and AIMA both meet their legal deadlines, the process takes about five to six months from a complete application, plus waiting time for the AIMA appointment and the card itself. The law firm FRESH Legal advises planning for about 12 months from the start of the visa process to the card.
D7 or D8: the distinction that matters now
The D8 is the residence visa for people who work remotely for employers or clients outside Portugal, with average monthly income over the last three months of at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (€3,680 a month in 2026). The D7 is for retirees and people living on passive income, such as pensions, rents, dividends or royalties, so it does not fit applicants whose main income is a salary. Choosing the wrong route on paper can add real delay if the consulate asks for more documents or a new application.
A citizenship timeline change worth knowing early
Since May 19, 2026 (Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026), naturalization requires 10 years of legal residence, or 7 years for EU citizens and nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries, up from 5. Time spent waiting for a residence permit no longer counts, and applications already pending on May 19 stay under the old law. It does not change the visa process itself, but it changes the long-term plan those visas sit inside, and it is worth factoring in from day one rather than discovering it years in.
What this means for planning a move
- Treat the AIMA stage as its own timeline, not an afterthought to the consulate step.
- Confirm which visa route matches your income profile before applying, not after.
- Build a runway of at least six months into any relocation plan, and up to a year to be safe.
- Plan the long-term residency and citizenship timeline separately from the initial visa, since the rules for each move independently.
This is no reason to delay a move. Plan the timeline honestly, and the wait will be expected rather than stressful.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take AIMA to issue a residence card in 2026?
AIMA has 90 days by law to decide a first residence permit, extendable by 30. With the consulate's 60 days before that, the legal timeline is about five to six months from a complete application, and appointment backlogs often make it longer. Planning for up to a year is safer.
Should I apply for a D7 or a D8 visa?
The D8 is for people who work remotely for employers or clients outside Portugal and earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (€3,680 a month in 2026). The D7 is for retirees and people living on passive income, such as pensions, rents or dividends.
Which stage of the process causes the most delay?
Consulates have 60 days by law to decide a residence visa, though many take longer. The AIMA stage that follows, the appointment and residence permit inside Portugal, is where most of the delay sits.
How many years of legal residency does Portuguese citizenship now require?
Ten years since May 19, 2026, or seven for EU citizens and nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries, up from five (Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026). Time spent waiting for a residence permit no longer counts.
Urbanis coordinates the full visa and settling-in process, including realistic timeline planning, through one dedicated team.
Talk to the relocation teamThis article is general information, not legal or immigration advice, and does not replace guidance from a licensed advisor on your specific case.