The 2026 Update: What Changed at AIMA and How It Affects Your Citizenship Application

April 10, 2026

A New Agency, Ongoing Changes

If you are an immigrant in Portugal navigating the citizenship process, you have probably encountered the acronym AIMA. You may also remember SEF. Understanding what changed, why, and what it means for your application in 2026 is essential for planning your path to Portuguese citizenship.

This article covers the transition from SEF to AIMA, the current state of immigration services, how these changes affect language requirements and citizenship applications, and practical steps you can take right now.

A note before we begin: AIMA processes are actively evolving. The information here reflects the situation as of early 2026, but specifics may shift. Always verify current procedures through official AIMA channels or a qualified immigration lawyer.

From SEF to AIMA: What Happened

The End of SEF

SEF (Servico de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) was Portugal’s immigration and border service for decades. It handled residence permits, citizenship applications, border control, and immigration enforcement. For immigrants, SEF was the primary point of contact for nearly every legal process related to their status in Portugal.

In 2023, the Portuguese government dissolved SEF as part of a broader restructuring of immigration services. The decision followed years of criticism over long processing delays, reports of mistreatment at detention facilities, and a general recognition that the agency was overwhelmed by Portugal’s growing immigrant population.

The Creation of AIMA

AIMA (Agencia para a Integracao, Migracoes e Asilo) was established to replace SEF’s civilian functions. The new agency’s mandate focuses on integration, migration management, and asylum, reflecting a shift in approach from enforcement-oriented to integration-oriented.

AIMA absorbed most of SEF’s responsibilities related to residence permits, citizenship processing, and immigrant support services. Border control and law enforcement functions were transferred to other entities, primarily the PSP (Policia de Seguranca Publica) and GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana).

The transition was not instantaneous. It involved transferring thousands of pending cases, integrating staff from multiple agencies, and building new operational procedures. This created a transitional period that affected processing times across the board.

The Backlog Reality

One of the most significant challenges AIMA inherited was a massive backlog of pending cases. At various points, reports indicated hundreds of thousands of pending residence permit and citizenship applications. This backlog predated AIMA, having accumulated during the final years of SEF, but AIMA bore the responsibility of resolving it.

The Portuguese government has acknowledged the backlog and announced various measures to address it, including hiring additional staff, streamlining procedures, and implementing digital solutions. Progress has been made, but the backlog remains a factor that affects processing times.

AIMA in 2026: Where Things Stand

Digitalization Efforts

One of the most concrete changes under AIMA has been the push toward digital services. The agency has been developing and expanding online platforms for scheduling appointments, submitting documents, and tracking application status.

For citizenship applicants, this has practical implications:

  • Online scheduling: Appointments can increasingly be made through digital platforms rather than requiring in-person visits or phone calls. This reduces (but does not eliminate) the frustration of trying to reach AIMA by phone.
  • Document submission: Some documents can now be submitted electronically, reducing the need for physical copies and in-person delivery. However, not all document types and processes have been fully digitized.
  • Status tracking: Applicants can check the status of their applications online in some cases, though the reliability and completeness of online status information varies.

The digitalization process is ongoing. Not all services are available online, and the digital platforms have experienced growing pains. Expect continued improvements but do not assume everything can be handled digitally yet.

Processing Times

Processing times for citizenship applications remain a significant concern. While AIMA has worked to reduce the backlog, the volume of applications continues to be high. Portugal’s attractiveness as a destination for immigrants, digital nomads, and retirees means that new applications continue to flow in alongside the existing backlog.

As of early 2026, citizenship processing times vary considerably based on:

  • Application type: Citizenship by naturalization (the most common pathway for long-term residents) and citizenship through marriage have different processing tracks.
  • Completeness of application: Applications with missing documents or errors take longer as they require additional communication between AIMA and the applicant.
  • Regional variation: Processing speeds can differ between AIMA offices in different parts of the country.
  • Complexity of the case: Straightforward applications with clear documentation move faster than cases with complications.

The general advice from immigration lawyers is to plan for processing times measured in months rather than weeks. Some applicants report timelines of 6-12 months or longer from submission to decision. Others have experienced faster processing.

The key takeaway: do not wait until the last minute to prepare your application. Have all documents ready, including language certification, well before you submit.

Staffing and Service Quality

AIMA has been scaling up its workforce to handle the volume of cases. New staff have been hired and trained, and the agency has worked to establish consistent procedures across its offices.

Service quality reports from immigrants are mixed. Some report improved experiences compared to the later years of SEF, particularly in terms of digital access and transparency. Others continue to report long wait times for appointments, difficulty reaching AIMA by phone or email, and inconsistent information from different offices or staff members.

This is the reality of a large agency undergoing transformation while simultaneously handling high demand. It is improving, but it is not yet where it needs to be.

How AIMA Changes Affect Your Citizenship Application

The Language Requirement Remains

The fundamental requirement has not changed: applicants for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization must demonstrate A2 Portuguese language proficiency. This has been a consistent requirement through the SEF-to-AIMA transition and remains firmly in place.

What counts as proof of A2 proficiency also remains consistent:

  • CAPLE exam certificate: The CIPLE exam (A2 level) from the Centro de Avaliacao de Portugues Lingua Estrangeira
  • PLA course certificate: Completion of a Portugues Lingua de Acolhimento course at A2 level through a DGERT-certified entity
  • School certificates: From Portuguese-language educational institutions
  • Other recognized certificates: From programs aligned with CEFR standards

The transition to AIMA has not changed what documents are accepted for proving language proficiency. If you have a valid A2 certificate from an accepted source, it will be recognized regardless of whether your application is processed by the legacy SEF system or the new AIMA system.

Document Requirements

The basic documentation requirements for citizenship by naturalization remain largely the same under AIMA:

  • Valid identification
  • Proof of legal residence for the required period (typically five years)
  • Criminal record certificates (Portuguese and from country of origin)
  • Proof of connection to the Portuguese community
  • Proof of Portuguese language proficiency at A2 level
  • Proof of registration with tax authorities and Social Security
  • Application form and fees

However, the specific forms, formats, and submission procedures may have been updated. Always check the current AIMA website or consult with an immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date requirements before preparing your application.

The Importance of Complete Applications

In the current environment, submitting a complete and correct application is more important than ever. When AIMA needs to request additional documents or clarify information, each round of correspondence adds weeks or months to your processing time.

This is especially relevant for language certification. If your A2 certificate is missing, expired, or from a non-recognized source, your application will stall. Ensure your language certificate is:

  • Current and valid
  • From a recognized source (CAPLE, DGERT-certified PLA provider, or equivalent)
  • Clearly showing your name, the level achieved (A2 or higher), and the issuing institution
  • An original or certified copy as required by AIMA

Scheduling and Appointments

Under AIMA’s evolving appointment system, getting a timely appointment can still require patience. Some applicants report that appointment availability varies by location and time of year.

Tips for managing the appointment process:

  • Check the AIMA portal regularly for available slots
  • Be flexible with dates and locations if possible
  • Prepare all documents before scheduling your appointment so you are ready when a slot opens
  • Consider working with an immigration lawyer who may have more efficient access to scheduling

Practical Guidance for 2026 Applicants

Start Language Preparation Early

Given the uncertainties around processing times, the smartest strategy is to have your A2 certification ready well before you need it. Do not wait until your five-year residency mark to start studying Portuguese.

If you are approaching eligibility for citizenship in 2026 or 2027, your language certificate should ideally already be in hand or close to completion. If it is not, make this your immediate priority.

For guidance on realistic timelines for reaching A2, see our detailed study timeline analysis.

Keep Copies of Everything

In any bureaucratic process, documentation is your protection. Keep copies (both physical and digital) of:

  • Your A2 language certificate
  • All documents submitted to AIMA
  • All correspondence with AIMA
  • Appointment confirmations and receipts
  • Application submission receipts

If anything goes missing in the system, having your own copies allows you to quickly resubmit or provide proof of what was already submitted.

Monitor Official Communications

AIMA periodically updates its procedures, requirements, and digital platforms. Stay informed by:

  • Checking the official AIMA website regularly
  • Following AIMA’s official social media channels
  • Joining immigrant community groups where people share real-time experiences and updates
  • Consulting with an immigration lawyer for significant developments

Consider Professional Help

The citizenship application process under AIMA, while not fundamentally different from the SEF era, benefits from professional guidance. An immigration lawyer familiar with current AIMA procedures can:

  • Ensure your application is complete and correctly formatted
  • Advise on the best timing for submission
  • Handle communication with AIMA on your behalf
  • Resolve issues that arise during processing

The cost of a lawyer is generally modest compared to the time and stress saved, especially when navigating a system in transition.

Be Patient but Proactive

This is the balancing act every applicant faces. Processing takes time, and some of that time is outside your control. But there are things within your control:

  • Preparing a flawless application
  • Having all required documents ready before scheduling
  • Following up appropriately on pending applications
  • Staying informed about procedural changes

Patience without proactivity leads to unnecessary delays. Proactivity without patience leads to frustration. Aim for both.

The Language Requirement in Context

It is worth stepping back and considering why the A2 language requirement exists and what it means in the context of AIMA’s integration-focused mandate.

Portugal’s language requirement for citizenship is not unusually strict by European standards. Many EU countries require B1 or even B2 proficiency for citizenship. A2 is a relatively accessible threshold that reflects a basic ability to function in Portuguese society.

AIMA’s integration-focused approach suggests that language will remain central to the citizenship process. The agency’s mandate explicitly includes supporting immigrant integration, and language is widely recognized as the most important factor in successful integration.

This means that while AIMA may streamline procedures, digitize services, and reduce processing times, the A2 language requirement is unlikely to be weakened. If anything, the emphasis on integration could eventually lead to higher language requirements, as has happened in several other EU countries.

The practical implication: invest in your Portuguese now. It satisfies the current requirement, protects you against potential future changes, and genuinely improves your life in Portugal.

Common Questions About AIMA and Citizenship in 2026

Has the five-year residency requirement changed?

No. For standard citizenship by naturalization, five years of legal residence remains the baseline requirement. Shorter periods apply in specific circumstances (marriage to a Portuguese citizen, nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries, etc.).

Can I apply for citizenship entirely online?

Not yet, as of early 2026. While some steps can be completed digitally, the full citizenship application process still involves in-person components. AIMA continues to expand its digital services, so this may change in the future.

Is there a deadline for using my A2 certificate?

A2 certificates do not have a standard expiration date in the context of citizenship applications. However, very old certificates may raise questions. A certificate obtained within the past few years is ideal. If your certificate is several years old, check with AIMA or a lawyer about whether it will still be accepted.

What if my application was started under SEF?

Applications that were pending under SEF were transferred to AIMA. If you submitted an application before the transition, it should still be in the system. If you have not received any communication about your pending application, contact AIMA to verify its status.

Do I need to prove continuous residence?

Yes. The residency requirement for citizenship is generally continuous, meaning you should have been legally resident in Portugal for the required period without significant gaps. Short trips abroad do not typically count as breaks in residence, but extended absences may be questioned.

What This Means for Your Language Learning Plan

The AIMA transition does not change what you need to do to prepare for citizenship. You still need A2 Portuguese certification from a recognized source. The most reliable paths remain:

  1. Pass a CAPLE exam: Universally recognized and independent of any specific course
  2. Complete a PLA course: Through a DGERT-certified entity, which may or may not be through IEFP
  3. Use an accredited online program: That provides certification aligned with CEFR standards

What the AIMA transition does affect is timing. Uncertain processing times mean you should have your language certification ready before you apply, not plan to obtain it during the processing period.

For working immigrants who cannot attend traditional IEFP courses, online and flexible options are more important than ever. The goal is to remove the language requirement from your list of concerns so you can focus on navigating the administrative process. Our guide on options for working immigrants seeking A2 certification covers the full range of alternatives.

Looking Ahead

AIMA is a young agency. Its processes, systems, and capacity will continue to evolve throughout 2026 and beyond. The direction of change has generally been positive: more digital services, efforts to reduce backlogs, and a focus on integration rather than enforcement.

For immigrants planning to apply for Portuguese citizenship, the advice is straightforward:

  1. Get your A2 Portuguese certification as early as possible
  2. Prepare a complete, error-free application
  3. Stay informed about procedural updates
  4. Be patient with processing times
  5. Consider professional legal assistance

The language requirement is the one element entirely within your control. You cannot speed up AIMA processing. You cannot predict exactly what procedural changes may come. But you can learn Portuguese, get certified, and have that piece of your citizenship puzzle firmly in place.

The best time to start was when you first arrived in Portugal. The second best time is today.