Skip to content 
For several years, many foreign residents in Portugal have experienced significant delays when trying to schedule appointments or receive decisions from AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum).
These delays affected a wide range of immigration processes, including residence permit applications, visa conversions, and family reunification cases. In response, some applicants turned to legal action — commonly referred to as the AIMA lawsuit — as a way to compel authorities to process their applications.
While the situation has gradually improved as AIMA works through its backlog, legal action may still be considered in certain cases where applications remain unresolved for long periods.
What Is an AIMA Lawsuit?
An AIMA lawsuit refers to legal action taken against Portugal’s immigration authority due to prolonged administrative delays in processing immigration applications.
In many cases, applicants file a legal petition requesting the court to require AIMA to fulfill its administrative duties and issue a decision on their case.
One commonly used legal mechanism is known as the Subpoena for the Protection of Rights, Freedoms, and Guarantees. Through this procedure, a lawyer files a petition requesting the court to intervene when a public authority fails to act within a reasonable timeframe.
The process generally follows these steps:
- A lawyer files the petition before the Administrative Court
- The judge reviews the request and may accept the case within 48 hours
- AIMA is notified and given several days to respond
- The court may then issue a ruling requiring AIMA to act
If the authority fails to comply with the court’s order, the court may impose daily financial penalties until the administrative action is completed.
Why AIMA Lawsuits Increased
The number of lawsuits increased significantly after Portugal restructured its immigration system and replaced SEF with AIMA.
The transition created administrative challenges, and a large number of immigration applications accumulated in the system.
At the peak of the delays, thousands of applicants filed lawsuits requesting judicial intervention to move their cases forward. In October 2024 alone, more than 10,000 legal actions were reportedly filed, placing substantial pressure on the Lisbon Administrative Court.
By the end of 2024, there were tens of thousands of pending immigration and asylum cases, highlighting the scale of the backlog affecting residency applications.
How Long an AIMA Lawsuit Can Take
The timeline for legal action against AIMA can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s workload.
In general, the process may unfold as follows:
Preparation and filing
After gathering the necessary documents and granting power of attorney to a immigration lawyer, the legal action is filed. This preparation stage typically takes around two weeks.
Court review
Once the case is submitted, the court evaluates the request and may order AIMA to act within a specified timeframe. Due to the high number of cases, obtaining a ruling can take approximately 8 to 10 weeks.
AIMA compliance
After the court decision, AIMA is usually instructed to process the application or schedule the necessary appointment.
Get In Touch With a Portugal Immigration Specialist
Portugal Residency Advisors® has assisted numerous international families in successfully relocating to Portugal and securing residency. Discover how our trusted, all-in-one solution makes your move simple and successful.
Cost of Taking Legal Action Against AIMA
The cost of initiating legal action against AIMA depends mainly on legal representation and case complexity.
Court fees are usually minimal, but attorney fees can vary.
Typical legal fees reported by applicants include:
| Legal Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Legal action against AIMA | €750 – €3,000 |
The exact cost depends on factors such as the lawyer’s experience, the documentation required, and the complexity of the case.
Is an AIMA Lawsuit Still Worth It?
Legal action has been used by many applicants seeking to resolve prolonged immigration delays. In some cases, lawsuits have successfully prompted authorities to process pending applications more quickly.
However, the effectiveness of this approach can vary. Even when the court orders action, administrative processing may still take time due to the large number of cases handled by AIMA.
Additionally, the immigration agency has implemented measures to reduce the backlog and accelerate case processing, meaning legal action may not always be necessary.
Before pursuing a lawsuit, it is advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer who can evaluate your specific situation and determine whether legal action is the appropriate course of action.
Alternatives to Filing an AIMA Lawsuit
In some situations, applicants may choose alternative approaches before pursuing legal action.
These may include:
- Waiting for AIMA to schedule appointments as the backlog decreases
- Following up with immigration authorities regarding pending applications
- Requesting assistance through legal or administrative channels
- Working with an immigration lawyer to monitor the case
As the Portuguese immigration system continues to process delayed applications, many cases are now being resolved through standard administrative procedures.
Why Can We Help
Portugal Residency Advisors® offers expert support throughout your immigration journey. From preparing and submitting your documents to helping schedule appointments and tracking progress with AIMA, we make the process smoother and more efficient. Our experience helps you avoid delays and move forward with confidence.
We can assist with legal action to compel AIMA to act on your case—protecting your rights and helping unlock your application.
Get in touch with us today and take the next step toward your residency in Portugal!
Your Questions Answered
What is an AIMA lawsuit?
An AIMA lawsuit is a legal action filed against Portugal’s immigration authority when an application remains unresolved for an extended period. The goal is to request the court to require AIMA to process the application or schedule an appointment.
When should someone consider an AIMA lawsuit?
Legal action is usually considered when immigration applications have been pending for a long time without a decision or appointment. Many applicants pursue this option after waiting several months without progress.
How long does an AIMA lawsuit take?
The timeline varies depending on the court and the complexity of the case. In many situations, applicants may receive a response or court ruling within 8 to 10 weeks, although the full process can take longer.
How much does it cost to file a lawsuit against AIMA?
Costs mainly depend on the lawyer handling the case. Legal fees typically range between €750 and €3,000, while court fees are usually minimal.
Does filing a lawsuit guarantee faster processing?
Legal action may prompt authorities to review or process a case, but results can vary. Even after a court ruling, administrative processing times may still depend on AIMA’s workload.
Can a lawyer file an AIMA lawsuit on my behalf?
Yes. A lawyer authorized through a power of attorney can prepare and file the legal action on behalf of the applicant and represent them during the court process.
The AIMA lawsuit emerged as a response to significant immigration delays during the transition to Portugal’s new immigration authority.
While legal action remains an option for applicants experiencing prolonged delays, improvements in processing capacity mean that many cases are now being handled through regular administrative channels.
Excellent
4.9 | 54 Reviews
