Professional assistance during an appointment at AIMA — for all types of visas and residence permits. We help you prepare the documents, explain the procedure, and defend your interests in person.
A visit to AIMA (Agência para a Imigração e Mobilidade, formerly SEF) is an important step in the process of obtaining or renewing a residence permit in Portugal. Any error in the submitted documents, behavior, or conduct during the appointment can deprive you of the right to remain in the country, delay the process, or affect family reunification.
Legal support during the appointment is not only “support in any situation,” but also an interpreter who helps avoid mistakes, ease stress, and increase the chances of a positive outcome. Especially if your case is non-standard, there are risks, or your situation is particularly complex.
In practice, legal support is especially important in the following situations:
In all cases, a lawyer who understands the process can help explain what is happening, what to expect, and how to present yourself confidently and calmly in communication with an immigration officer.
The lawyer’s work begins well before the actual appointment. We prepare thoroughly to avoid misunderstandings and make the process as efficient as possible.
As part of legal support, the specialist:
This way, you’re never left alone with the system and always know exactly what to do next.
Legal support is not just physical presence. It’s deep understanding of immigration law, knowledge of AIMA’s internal processes, and the ability to represent the client’s interests in any situation.
The MoveToCascais team offers:
We will help prepare, go through the appointment together, and offer support before and after it — including in the most challenging situations.
1. Consultation and case analysis
You tell us about your situation, visa, status, and goals. We ask clarifying questions to fully understand how best to proceed.
2. Preparation of the document package
We check all necessary papers, and if anything is missing, we request additional documents. We give recommendations on how to structure everything and ensure it complies with AIMA’s requirements.
3. Appointment booking and coordination
We help you choose a convenient time and place for the appointment. If needed, we take part in the booking process ourselves.
4. Lawyer support at AIMA
The lawyer comes with you, represents your interests, takes part in the discussion with the inspector, helps translate and properly formulate responses.
5. Final review
After the meeting, we provide recommendations, comments, and if needed, an action plan (e.g., deadlines, new required documents).
We offer different support formats so you can choose the most convenient option:
Prices are discussed in advance, with no hidden fees. Discounts may be available for couples and families.
The AIMA procedure can be stressful — especially if you’re facing it for the first time. Legal support helps make this path calmer, more confident, and increases the chances of a positive outcome. We are not just present at the appointment — we represent your interests, defend your rights, and do everything possible to ensure AIMA accepts your application without remarks.
Some services can be challenging to handle on your own. Trust our team of professionals to guide you through every step.
No, a lawyer’s presence is not mandatory. However, if you have a non-standard case, do not speak Portuguese well, or are unsure about your documents, legal support significantly reduces the risk of rejection and increases your chances of success.
We work with all categories — including D7, D2, D3, and D8, as well as family reunification, humanitarian status, residence permit renewals, and permit applications based on a work contract. We also help with appeals and actions after a refusal.
The lawyer helps communicate with the inspector, explains your rights, ensures all actions are correct, translates your answers properly, and defends your interests. If necessary, they intervene to clarify or correct misunderstandings.
Yes, consultations are part of standard practice. We analyze your case, check your documents, give recommendations, and help you prepare. This helps feel confident and avoid mistakes.
We support clients in person in: Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, Faro, Coimbra, Setúbal, and surroundings. We also provide remote legal consultations and preparation for appointments throughout the country.
The cost depends on the format of support (just the appointment, appointment + preparation, with or without translation). We always discuss prices in advance and do not include any hidden fees. For complex or family cases, individual terms may apply.
We check the full set of documents, identify what’s missing, and help you prepare everything correctly. We explain which wording is best to use and adapt the documents based on the requirements of your specific AIMA office and your type of residence permit.
A lawyer attends the appointment with you: helps communicate with the inspector, acts as your representative and, if necessary — as your interpreter. You will never be left alone with the system and will understand exactly what is happening.
If you have a refusal, denial, missing documents, or other complications — we will review the situation and advise you on a legal path to resolution. We will find a way even when it seems like no options are left.
From consultation and preparation to attending and communicating with AIMA — we’ll walk the entire path together with you. You’ll understand every step, your documents will be in order, and you’ll feel confident at every stage.
Support for all types of residence permits and visas: from document preparation to a successful appointment
Submit your documents to AIMA with confidence — with legal support, professional preparation, and a lawyer who will be by your side at every step. We’ll help you avoid mistakes, defend your interests, and guide you on how to act in any situation. Submit your application — and we’ll help you prepare for the visit without unnecessary bureaucracy or stress.
If you have an in-person visit to the immigration service (AIMA) — for a visa, residence permit, or renewal — we will provide a lawyer to accompany you, ensuring that your interests are protected and taken into account.
We handle court cases of various categories: from immigration and civil to administrative. We protect our clients at every stage, carefully prepare documents, and represent your position in court.
If it is impossible to book an AIMA appointment through standard means, we submit an official court request to set a date. This is a legal way to speed up the process.
Received a refusal from the immigration service? We will prepare and file a legal complaint to challenge an unfair decision and defend your rights.