If you hoped to use AIMA’s special transition rule to ask for family reunification for relatives already in Portugal, that option has now gone. According to DN Brasil (Diário de Notícias), citing AIMA sources, the agency will also launch a new single portal for all family reunification requests “in the coming days”. As of the morning of 1 November 2026, AIMA had not published an official notice on its news page.
What happened
On Friday, 30 October, the family reunification option disappeared from AIMA’s online contact form without warning, Público reported on 31 October. Público said AIMA had published no explanation and that it had sent questions to the agency.
On the evening of 31 October, DN Brasil reported, citing AIMA sources, that:
- what can no longer be requested is the transition regime for family reunification. It was meant to end in April, but AIMA kept it open for months, until last week;
- other family reunification requests can still be made through the sites available now;
- the new single portal is being tested. It should make requests easier and stop people sending the same request on different portals;
- AIMA made more than 5,000 family reunification appointments last week. “All families with minor children in Portugal who meet the requirements have been scheduled,” an AIMA source said. Some appointments are in the first quarter of 2027, and AIMA tried to book them close to each family’s home.
DN Brasil also reported that Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro told Parliament that 26,000 family reunification permits were issued up to September, with 42,000 attendances and 55,000 appointments.
What was the transition rule?
Law 61/2025, published on 22 October 2025 and in force from the next day, made family reunification stricter. Its article 6(2) (official PDF) gave a 180-day window in which residents could ask for family members who were already in Portugal, had entered legally and met the rules of article 98 of the Foreigners Law.
What it means for you
- The normal rules apply now (in force since 23 October 2025). Under article 98, you usually need a residence permit held for 2 years (15 months for a spouse or partner who lived with you for at least 18 months before you came to Portugal). There is no waiting time for minor or incapacitated children in your care, or for your spouse or partner if they are the other parent of that child. Our family reunification guide explains who qualifies.
- Already booked? DN Brasil says AIMA has scheduled thousands of requests under the transition rule. Keep your appointment and your documents ready.
- Waiting for a date? Some families will only be seen in early 2027, according to DN Brasil.
What to do now
- Do not send the same request on several portals. AIMA wants to avoid duplicates.
- Keep records: receipts, payment proof, emails and screenshots with dates.
- Watch AIMA’s official site for the new portal and use only aima.gov.pt addresses. Asking AIMA for an appointment is free, so never pay an “agent” for one (see our scam warning).
- Questions: AIMA’s Contact Centre is on (+351) 217 115 000, Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 20:00 (normal call rates), according to its contacts page. AIMA’s family reunification portal FAQ is marked “under review”.
- Request stuck with no answer? Write to AIMA with our free tool AIMA Stuck? Email Them Free.
- Complicated case? Speak to an immigration lawyer (advogado) or solicitor (solicitador).
Sources: DN Brasil, Amanda Lima, 31 October 2026; Público, 31 October 2026; Law 61/2025, Diário da República; AIMA contacts; AIMA portal FAQ.
Featured image: Branded graphic: Link in Portugal (original work; no third-party photos)
This article is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules and AIMA procedures change often; check aima.gov.pt before you act. Link in Portugal is not affiliated with AIMA or the Government. Last updated: 1 November 2026.
One thought on “AIMA Family Reunification: Transition Option Ends, New Single Portal Coming”