Received an AIMA Order to Leave Portugal?

Received an AIMA Order to Leave Portugal?

In recent months, there has been a growing increase in notifications issued by AIMA requiring foreign nationals to voluntarily leave Portuguese territory following residence permit rejections.

In many cases handled by Dutra & Ferrari, these notifications are issued after a final decision rejecting a residence permit application.

If you have received an AIMA order to leave Portugal, it is important to understand what this notification means, the deadlines involved, and what legal measures may still be considered.

Many people try to understand:

• what happens after an AIMA residence permit rejection

• whether it is still possible to challenge the decision

• how to avoid more serious consequences

• what to do after receiving a notice to leave Portugal

What does an AIMA order to leave Portugal mean?

After a final decision rejecting a residence permit application, AIMA may issue a notification requiring voluntary departure from Portuguese territory.

In practice, this means that the foreign national is notified to leave Portugal within a legally established deadline.

Under Portuguese immigration law, this period is generally between 10 and 20 days, depending on the circumstances of the case.

In many situations, this communication follows the rejection of a residence permit application.

For this reason, an AIMA notification should not be ignored.

I received an AIMA notification: does this mean immediate deportation?

Not necessarily.

Receiving an AIMA order to leave Portugal does not automatically mean immediate deportation.

However, ignoring the deadline may lead to significant consequences, particularly where there is irregular stay following a final rejection decision.

Depending on the legal circumstances, additional coercive removal measures may follow.

For this reason, acting quickly is essential.

The earlier the case is assessed, the greater the possibility of evaluating legal alternatives that may still be available.

What to do after an AIMA rejection

Depending on the specific circumstances, legal measures may still be available.

At Dutra & Ferrari, cases are typically assessed with particular attention to:

• administrative complaint against the decision

• interim precautionary proceedings for urgent review of the situation

• possible litigation strategy, depending on the circumstances of the case

Each situation presents its own particularities.

Factors such as submitted documents, family ties, employment activity, length of stay in Portugal, and procedural history may influence the most appropriate legal strategy.

Who should seek urgent legal guidance?

Legal assessment becomes particularly important for individuals who:

• received a final rejection decision from AIMA

• received an AIMA order to leave Portugal

• are currently subject to a deadline to leave Portuguese territory

• wish to assess the possibility of filing an administrative complaint

• need to evaluate the feasibility of precautionary legal proceedings

The earlier legal assistance is sought, the greater the possibility of evaluating solutions that may still be available.

Time has become essential

In immigration matters in Portugal, timing has become increasingly decisive.

In many cases, waiting too long may reduce the legal options available.

If you received a final rejection decision or an AIMA order to leave Portugal, a timely legal assessment may be crucial to understanding the next steps and evaluating possible legal measures.

Speak with the Dutra & Ferrari team

If you received an AIMA notification to leave Portugal or a final rejection decision, do not ignore the deadlines.

A legal assessment of your case may be essential to evaluate possible administrative or judicial measures.

Speak with the Dutra & Ferrari team to assess your case.