Portugal’s immigration agency, AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum), reported a significant increase in its service capacity during the first half of 2026, as the agency continues to reorganize and modernize Portugal’s immigration services.

Between January and June 2026, AIMA completed more than 60% more in-person appointments at its service centers compared with the same period in 2025. For international residents and investors considering Portugal, the figures provide a useful indication of the ongoing effort to improve the country’s immigration infrastructure.

AIMA Reports More Appointments and Fewer Complaints

According to AIMA, the increase in completed appointments occurred consistently throughout the first six months of 2026. At the same time, complaints fell by 35.8% compared with the same period in 2025. The average rate of complaints relative to completed appointments declined from 6.9% in 2025 to 2.7% in 2026.

AIMA also reported an average of approximately 32 compliments per month at its service centers during the period. Taken together, these indicators point to increased service capacity alongside improvements in the experience reported by users of Portugal’s immigration system.

Portugal Continues to Digitalize Immigration Services

The increase in service capacity comes as AIMA continues to expand digital processes across Portugal’s immigration system. During 2026, the agency has introduced and expanded online services designed to reduce the need for in-person procedures and make administrative processes more accessible.

This digitalization also extends to Portugal’s Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI), commonly known as the Portugal Golden Visa. Since February 16, 2026, Golden Visa residence permit renewals have been processed electronically through AIMA’s Renewals Portal. In-person appointments are generally required only when biometric data needs to be collected.

What Does This Mean for Portugal Golden Visa Investors?

AIMA is the Portuguese authority responsible for immigration and residence permit procedures, including the Residence Permit for Investment Activity. Its operational capacity is therefore relevant to international investors applying for or renewing residence permits in Portugal.

The latest figures should not be interpreted as evidence that every Golden Visa application will be processed faster, since AIMA’s reported 60% increase covers appointments across its services rather than Golden Visa applications specifically. However, increased overall capacity, fewer complaints and greater use of digital procedures are meaningful developments for an immigration system that serves both international residents and Golden Visa investors.

A More Modern Immigration Infrastructure

Portugal continues to attract international residents and investors seeking access to the country and, through qualifying residence programs, greater mobility within Europe. The Portugal Golden Visa allows eligible non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment to apply for a Portuguese residence permit, subject to the applicable legal requirements.

The improvements reported by AIMA represent another step in the modernization of the administrative infrastructure supporting Portugal’s international community. For prospective Golden Visa investors, understanding both the investment requirements and the administrative process remains an important part of planning a long-term residence strategy in Portugal.