Residence Permit Documents for AIMA

Start with the legal basis of your residence

There is no single document list that applies identically to every residence route. AIMA’s general requirements include core identity and residence evidence, while each pathway adds documents connected with employment, study, family, income, entrepreneurship, remote work or another qualifying purpose.

Identity and immigration status

Applicants generally need a valid passport or other accepted travel document and, where the route is visa-based, the relevant residence visa. Keep copies of the passport identification page, the visa and entry-related records.

Means of subsistence

AIMA can require evidence that the applicant has sufficient means of support. The appropriate evidence depends on the route and circumstances. It may come from employment income, pensions, professional activity, scholarships, savings or another recognised source.

Address in Portugal

Applicants should be prepared to document where they live in Portugal and the basis on which they occupy the property. Depending on the situation, supporting evidence may relate to ownership, a rental or sub-rental arrangement, a loan-for-use arrangement or another lawful basis for residence at the address.

Route-specific evidence

Employees may need work-related evidence; students may need enrolment documents; family members may need family-reunification records; entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals may need business or service documentation; and remote workers may need evidence of work performed for entities outside Portugal.

Other registrations

Tax, social-security or health-related evidence can be relevant depending on the legal route and stage of the application. Requirements change, so use the current AIMA page for the exact residence category as the final checklist.