The AIMA Appointment and Receiving Your Residence Card
The steps you need to follow to get your residence card after entering Portugal on a D7 visa.
What Is AIMA?
AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) is the Portuguese agency responsible for migration and asylum matters. After entering Portugal on your D7 visa, you need an appointment with this agency to receive your physical residence card.
When Should You Book?
Your D7 entry visa is valid for 120 days; within that window you need to have booked, and ideally attended, your AIMA appointment. Appointment slots can be scarce, so we recommend booking as early as possible.
What Happens at the Appointment
Your biometric data (fingerprints, photo) is collected, your documents are reviewed again, and your residence card application is formally completed. The card itself is mailed to your address, typically within a few weeks to a few months.
What to Bring
You'll need your passport, D7 visa, NIF document, proof of accommodation, and health insurance — all as originals. We prepare a pre-appointment checklist with you and stay with you throughout the process.