Citizenship exam mock tests — CIPLE, DELE, DELF, CELI, DTZCIPLE A2 mock test online — Portuguese citizenship and residencyDELE A2 mock test online — Spanish citizenship and nationalityInburgering A2 (Netherlands) mock test online — eligible Dutch civic-integration and naturalisation routesEllinomatheia A2 (Cyprus) mock test online — Cyprus residency and naturalisation pathways requiring Ellinomatheia A2CCE A2 (Czech) mock test online — Czech permanent-residence language equivalence (CCE A2+) and general A2 certification — citizenship language proof starts at CCE B1 on ÚJOPDTZ B1 (Germany) mock test online — German permanent residence and citizenshipDELF B2 (France) mock test online — French citizenship and residencyCELI 2 (B1) mock test online — Italian citizenship and residencyCAPLE — Portuguese language certificationInstituto Cervantes — DELE Spanish examsContact Prep2go — support@prep2go.study
Prep2Go.study
View plans
All news
FlashPortugalNovember 5, 2026

Portugal's AIMA Sees 60% Increase in Appointments for First Half of 2026, Plan Ahead

PublishedEditorial policy

Portugal's Secretary of State for the Presidency and Immigration, Rui Armindo Freitas, reported a 60% increase in AIMA appointments for the first half of 2026. This surge, driven by new arrivals and renewals, means longer queues. Applicants for NIF, visas, or residence permits should book 1-2 months in advance.

Portugal immigrationAIMA appointmentsresidence permit PortugalNIF PortugalPortugal visa

Key takeaways

  • Portugal's AIMA agency saw a 60% increase in appointments during the first half of 2026, indicating significant operational pressure.
  • This surge is due to new residents, residence permit renewals, and status changes, intensifying competition for appointment slots.
  • For NIF, visas, residence permits, or citizenship-related services, book your appointments 1-2 months in advance to improve your chances of securing a slot.

AIMA Appointments Surge by 60% in Early 2026

Rui Armindo Freitas, Portugal's Secretary of State for the Presidency and Immigration, announced a significant 60% increase in appointments at AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) during the first half of 2026. This surge highlights the agency's operational capacity being stretched to its limits.

The heightened demand is attributed to a combination of factors, including a continuous influx of new residents, a high volume of residence permit (VNH) renewals, and various status change applications. This increased activity means greater competition for available appointment slots.

Plan Ahead: Booking Your AIMA, NIF, or Visa Appointment

Given the substantial increase in demand, individuals requiring services such as a NIF (tax identification number) through Finanças, a visa via a consulate, or a residence permit through AIMA are strongly advised to schedule their appointments well in advance. Instead of waiting until the last moment, planning 1-2 months ahead is now crucial.

While early booking does not guarantee immediate service, it significantly improves your chances of securing a slot within a reasonable timeframe, especially for critical processes like citizenship applications or document renewals. Waiting until the last minute will likely result in longer waiting times.

Sources

Based on Emigro corridor reporting. Primary links below.

Was this brief helpful?

Turn policy news into a study plan

Browse language decks

Keep vocabulary moving while your residence or citizenship timeline changes.

Start here