Portugal Golden Visa accepted but no first appointment: what to check
If Portugal’s immigration authority, AIMA, has accepted your investment residence application (ARI) and no first appointment has been scheduled, you can ask AIMA about an appointment. First check the status and procedure number in the ARI Portal. If you appointed a legal representative, check whether they received the notice.
Check the case record before making an appointment request
Keep the submission confirmation, assessment fee receipt, requests for updated documents and the appointment notice separate. If you have a payment receipt but are unsure of the case status, check the portal for an update or a pending request. AIMA schedules appointments according to the progress of the procedure, the application information on the portal and operational availability.
If AIMA asks for updated documents, retain the original files on the portal and add the updates as instructed. Keep your own index of which document was added, when, and for whom. Where a legal representative was appointed, the ARI Portal guidance says AIMA sends the appointment email to the representative.
What to include in an appointment request
AIMA’s FAQ says applicants whose cases have been accepted but who have no appointment can email geral@aima.gov.pt with the subject “Pedido de agendamento ARI”. Include your full name, nationality, date of birth, phone number, email address and ARI procedure number. Say whether the request also covers relatives already registered in the ARI Portal.
If family members have separate procedure numbers, check which ones are covered by the request and whether each has received a notice. Confirm that the email address is the one published by AIMA before sending personal information, or coordinate through your authorised representative.
Confirm the appointment details before booking travel
The appointment notice sets out the arrangements for attending a designated AIMA office, providing the required documents and collecting biometrics. Check the place, date, people required to attend and the documents mentioned in your notice. Allow time to check entry requirements and to arrange certification or translation where required. AIMA may take operational needs and the size of the family group into account when allocating a location.
If you already have an ARI residence card and are renewing it, check the separate Renewals Portal procedure. AIMA can notify you after submission if it needs to collect biometrics in person.
Sources checked 11 November 2026
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