AIMA stops taking family reunification applications under the transitional rules. A new single portal is due within days
The immigration agency AIMA has removed the transitional rules option from its family reunification application form. These rules were introduced by amendments to the Foreigners Law in October 2025. At first, applications under them could be made until April; the deadline was then extended several times, most recently to last week. It has now passed. AIMA has already given appointments to thousands of people under these rules (DN Brasil).
Anyone who did not apply under the transitional rules in time can now apply only under the general rules.
AIMA told the newspaper that a new single portal for all family reunification applications will open in the coming days. The agency wants to stop people submitting the same application on several websites, as duplicates make it harder for staff to process cases. Until the new portal opens, applications can still be submitted on the existing websites.
Family reunification is now AIMA's top priority: last week more than 5,000 people were given appointments. "All families with minor children in Portugal who meet the requirements have been given appointments," the agency said. Demand is so high that some appointments have already been scheduled for the first three months of 2027. The agency tried to choose appointment locations close to where people live, so that families would not have to travel far.
Our guide explains how to book an appointment with AIMA and renew your residence card.
