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Portugal’s Migration Agency Tightens Rules Amid Backlog of Residency Applications
Portugal has issued departure notices to over 9,000 foreign residents during the first half of 2025, according to new data from the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA).
The figures, detailed in AIMA’s 2024 Migration and Asylum Report, show that 9,268 voluntary departure notifications were sent out between January and June 2025, a sharp rise compared to previous years.
Interestingly, although the report officially covers 2024, AIMA decided to include early 2025 data “due to the significant trend variation observed.”
Why the Sudden Spike?
By the end of 2024, only 446 people had been notified to leave Portugal. But the agency says it only recently began fully restoring the return regime, the legal framework for deportations, after months of disruption caused by the dissolution of SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service) and the messy rollout of the expression of interest system for residence applications.
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In simple terms, Portugal’s immigration system has been undergoing a major transformation. As AIMA took over from SEF, it inherited thousands of pending applications and technical challenges that delayed processing for many immigrants.
18,000 Residence Applications Rejected
In May 2025, Portugal’s government confirmed that AIMA had rejected around 18,000 residence permit requests. Those affected are being notified to leave the country voluntarily within 20 days, a rule that applies when an applicant’s legal stay has expired or their request was denied.
Who’s Being Affected Most?
When it comes to forced deportations, 195 cases were recorded by the end of 2024. Most of these involved nationals from Brazil (31), Algeria (20), Morocco (19), and India (14).
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Meanwhile, AIMA also received 352 requests for voluntary return support, financial or logistical help for those who choose to go back to their home country. Out of these, 161 people were assisted, and 149 were Brazilians.
Immigration Cases Surge by 183%
The report highlights a massive increase in administrative proceedings, up 183% from 2023. A total of 3,470 cases were opened, with 1,871 linked to failure to declare entry, and 884 involving illegal stays.
Despite these challenges, Portugal remains one of Europe’s most immigrant-friendly nations. The country’s foreign resident population has quadrupled in just seven years, now reaching around 1.5 million people by the end of 2024.
AIMA’s Efforts to Catch Up
To address delays, AIMA created a Mission Structure for Recovering Pending Cases, which has been working intensively for over a year. The team has:
Contacted over 900,000 foreign citizens
Delivered more than 600,000 services
Reviewed 480,000 criminal records
Decided 490,000 pending cases, and
Issued over 230,000 residence cards
These steps show progress, but also highlight the huge administrative pressure Portugal faces as it balances its open-door policy with stricter immigration controls.
What This Means for Immigrants
For many foreigners living in Portugal or hoping to move there under a Portugal visa or residence permit, this is a wake-up call. The country remains attractive for work and study opportunities, but the immigration landscape is shifting.
If you’re currently applying or waiting for approval, ensure your documents are up to date, respond to AIMA communications promptly, and seek legal or embassy advice if you receive any notice regarding your stay.
Final Thoughts
Portugal’s immigration system is evolving, with growing pains along the way. While thousands face uncertainty, the reforms may ultimately lead to a faster, fairer process for future applicants.
For now, it’s crucial for anyone living or planning to move to Portugal to stay informed, compliant, and proactive about their immigration status.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies can change quickly. Always confirm details with official Portuguese authorities or a licensed immigration advisor before making decisions.