Proof of Accommodation Portugal AIMA 2025: Official Requirements
AIMA issued new official guidance on accommodation proof requirements for residence permit applications and renewals. Complete analysis of changes, required documents, and practical recommendations.
New official guidance from AIMA
AIMA issued new official guidance on November 29, 2025 on what must be presented as proof of accommodation for residence permit applications or renewals. This article provides a detailed analysis of the changes and practical recommendations.
Understanding the proof of accommodation Portugal AIMA 2025 requirements is essential for anyone applying for or renewing a residence permit. This article explains, in practical terms, how to comply with AIMA's new rules on accommodation proof for residence permit applications and renewals in Portugal. The guidance was published by AIMA on November 29, 2025 and replaces previous practices regarding proof of accommodation Portugal AIMA 2025.
- What has changed: summary of the main modifications to AIMA's accommodation proof requirements
- Documents by situation: property owners, tenants and loan-for-use (comodato) agreements
- Exceptional cases: what to do when your name does not appear in the contract
- Students: which accommodation proof can be used by those studying in Portugal
Once again, as has been usual practice with AIMA, the guidance causes more confusion among foreign citizens than it clarifies the situation. In other words, guidance that was already relatively confusing, especially due to the difference in requirements between the Mission Structure and AIMA Stores, has now become even more difficult to understand.
In this article, we will try to break down what AIMA will request, while remembering that since this is new, there are no practical cases yet to use as a basis.
Main positive change
The main change, in my view, is no longer requiring a declaration from the landlord/property owner with notarized signature. Apparently, there must have been many complaints from immigrants and property owners to make them change this requirement. Therefore, it seems the procedure has been "facilitated" by excluding this condition. At the same time, a more detailed sworn statement with additional information is now required.
Proof of Accommodation Portugal AIMA 2025: Required Documents
1. Property Owners
For proof of accommodation Portugal AIMA 2025 as a property owner, you must present proof of ownership. The objective here appears to be verifying the number of rooms in the property relative to the number of people.
Important: AIMA did not reference the property registry (caderneta predial), which seems to be an oversight, as both the Property Registry and the Permanent Certificate have the same probative value, with the difference that the Permanent Certificate is paid and has limited validity.
2. Rental Contracts
AIMA did not refer to proof of contract registration with the Tax Authority, previously mandatory. Now, proof of the last rent receipt registered with the Tax Authority is required, which obviously will only be possible if the contract is registered there.
Recommendation: Include proof of registration with the Tax Authority, even if not mentioned.
3. Loan Agreements (Comodato)
In this context, AIMA requires the contract and proof of property ownership - permanent certificate. The property registry (caderneta predial) was not mentioned.
Same observation: For safety, we recommend presenting a valid permanent certificate if not accompanied by a lawyer.
4. Exceptional Cases
This appears to be the main reason for this announcement - cases where there was previously no definition of how to proceed with proof of accommodation Portugal AIMA 2025.
More detailed sworn statement required, including declaration of criminal responsibility for any false statements, along with a Tax Domicile Certificate issued less than 30 days before submission.
What to do if your name is not in the rental or loan agreement?
For exceptional cases where the applicant is not identified in rental or loan agreements, AIMA requires:
Required Statement
A more detailed sworn statement, including declaration of criminal responsibility for any false statements, stating:
- That you actually reside at the location
- The land registry description number of the rented property
- The basis on which you reside at the location (rental/loan agreement)
- The full name and NIF/NIPC of the owner who granted you the property for housing
Tax Domicile Certificate
Additionally, you must present a Tax Domicile Certificate issued by the Tax Authority (AT), issued less than 30 days before submission.
How to obtain the Tax Domicile Certificate
To obtain this document, access the Tax Authority Portal and go to: Os Seus Serviços / Obter Certidões / Efectuar Pedido
Important: When saving the document, you must change the file extension from .action to .pdf
Tax Authority Portal - Tax Domicile Certificate request page
Accommodation proof for students: which documents to present?
For students attending vocational/secondary/higher education, AIMA also provided specific provisions. The declaration will be issued by the educational establishment.
Official template available
AIMA states that the template available on their website should be used: Download accommodation declaration template
Our recommendation: Copy the text to a Word document and fill it in, including other necessary information, especially the declaration of criminal responsibility for any false statements, which is not in that document.
You can see our declaration example in this article: Accommodation Requirements Portugal 2025
Official AIMA Communication
Access the official communication
Official AIMA communication published on 29.11.2025 by AIMA. Official AIMA Communication Link: Read full announcement
Read AIMA's text in full
The Proof of accommodation must always be accompanied by a sworn statement from the applicant, stating their residential address and mentioning the legal situation underlying the right to use the property (as per the template on the AIMA website available at forms and templates and:
a. Access code to the permanent property certificate or valid physical certificate, as proof of ownership/usufruct;
b. Rental agreement showing the applicant's identification and rent receipt for the previous month, as proof of rental;
c. Loan agreement and valid permanent property certificate, as proof of the loan.
If the applicant is not identified in the rental or loan agreements, they must provide the following on the appointment:
a) a statement by the applicant themselves – under their word of honour and under criminal liability for any false statements – stating that they actually reside at the location, the number of the land registry description of the rented property and the basis on which they reside at the location (whether lease/loan for use), as well as the full name and NIF/NIPC of the owner who has granted them the property for housing;
b) Certificate issued by the Tax Authority (AT) stating the tax domicile, issued less than 30 days ago and clearly identifying the applicant's tax domicile.
In special cases involving accommodation for students attending vocational/secondary/higher education:
a. The rental agreement signed by the school and the private entity may be presented, accompanied by a certified statement individually mentioning the students who actually reside in the accommodation, if this information is not included in the agreement;
b. Alternatively, a duly certified statement from the educational establishment may be submitted, under oath, attesting to the individual residence of the student(s) and the legal situation underlying the use of the property;
c. University residences: a certificate from the higher education establishment may be submitted, attesting that the applicant is entitled to accommodation.
Notes:
- Certificates issued by Juntas de Freguesia are not accepted as proof.
- AIMA will analyse the number of residents declared per accommodation.
Practical Recommendations for Proof of Accommodation Portugal AIMA 2025
Most common mistakes in proof of accommodation Portugal AIMA 2025
Relying only on certificates from the Parish Council (Junta de Freguesia): AIMA has already stated that these documents are not accepted as proof.
Outdated certificates: submitting a Tax Domicile Certificate issued more than 30 days ago may lead to refusal of the document.
Incomplete statements: omitting the land registry description number, the legal basis for your residence or the owner's details makes it harder for AIMA to assess the application.
- Document everything: Keep copies of all documents submitted to AIMA
- Respect deadlines: The Tax Domicile Certificate must be issued less than 30 days before submission
- Complete sworn statement: Include all required information, especially the criminal responsibility declaration
- Consult a lawyer: Given the complexity and lack of practical cases, legal accompaniment is recommended
- Be prepared for variations: Requirements may differ between AIMA Stores and the Mission Structure
Important recommendation
In case of doubts about the application of these rules to your specific case, always consult a licensed lawyer in Portugal. Each situation may have particularities that require specialized legal analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions - AIMA Accommodation Proof 2025
What are the main changes in AIMA's new accommodation proof guidance?
The main change is the elimination of the requirement for a landlord/property owner declaration with notarized signature. However, a more detailed sworn statement is now required, along with specific documents depending on your situation (property ownership, rental contract, or loan agreement).
What is a Tax Domicile Certificate and how do I obtain it?
The Tax Domicile Certificate (Certidão de Domicílio Fiscal) is issued by the Tax Authority and must be issued less than 30 days before submission. To obtain it:
- Access the Tax Authority Portal
- Go to "Os Seus Serviços / Obter Certidões / Efectuar Pedido"
- Request the Tax Domicile Certificate
- Remember to change the file extension from .action to .pdf when saving
What documents do property owners need to provide as accommodation proof?
Property owners must provide:
- Access code to permanent property certificate or valid physical certificate
- Sworn statement declaring residential address and ownership status
For safety, we recommend presenting the valid permanent certificate issued by the Property Registry Conservatory. The property registry (caderneta predial) is not provided for in AIMA's communication.
What if I'm not identified in the rental or loan agreement?
If you are not identified in these contracts, you must provide:
- A detailed sworn statement with criminal responsibility declaration
- Tax Domicile Certificate issued less than 30 days before submission
The statement must include: confirmation of actual residence, land registry description number, basis of residence, and owner's full name and NIF/NIPC.
Are certificates from Juntas de Freguesia still accepted?
No. AIMA explicitly states that certificates issued by Juntas de Freguesia are not accepted as proof of accommodation.
What should students present as accommodation proof?
Students have specific options:
- Rental agreement between school and private entity with certified statement listing students
- Certified statement from educational establishment attesting individual residence
- For university residences: certificate from higher education establishment confirming accommodation entitlement