AIMA Refusal Decision: Preliminary Hearing Rights Portugal 2025
Received notification from AIMA about refusal of your residence permit renewal? Learn how to exercise your right to preliminary hearing, what common reasons are and don't miss the deadline to submit defense.
Received an AIMA refusal decision notification? With the implementation of the new AIMA Renewal Portal and the possibility of in-person renewals at AIMA Mission Structures, an increasing number of citizens are receiving notifications with "Project of Decision of Refusal - preliminary hearing of interested parties" (in Portuguese: "Projeto de Decisão de Indeferimento - audiência prévia de interessados"), as provided in article 78.º, n.º 2, of Law 23/2007.
💡 Important Note for Portuguese Speakers
If you received a notification in Portuguese mentioning "Projeto de Decisão de Indeferimento - audiência prévia de interessados", this is the same process explained in this article. The notification is sent in Portuguese by AIMA, so you might search for these exact terms.
This notification DOES NOT mean that your renewal was automatically refused. On the contrary, it represents a legal opportunity for you to present defense, explain possible mistakes by AIMA and complement the requested documentation.
Don't panic! This is a normal phase of the administrative process where you have full defense rights. The important thing is to act quickly and present a substantiated response within the established deadline.
📋 AIMA Renewal Portal
The portal is available at: https://portal-renovacoes.aima.gov.pt
AIMA Renewal Portal - extracted on 15/09/2025
The preliminary hearing is your right
Don't miss this defense opportunity! The preliminary hearing ensures that you can present arguments and documents before the final decision is made.
AIMA Refusal Decision: Understanding Your Preliminary Hearing Rights
The preliminary hearing is a fundamental right provided in article 78.º, n.º 2, of Law 23/2007 (Foreigners Law), which guarantees the interested party the right to speak before the administrative decision is taken.
📜 Legal Basis: Article 78.º, n.º 2, of Law 23/2007
"Before the practice of any administrative act of refusal, the interested party is guaranteed the right to preliminary hearing."
When AIMA identifies a problem in the renewal request analysis, instead of refusing directly, it must:
- Notify the interested party about the Project of Decision
- Indicate the reasons for the possible refusal
- Establish a deadline for response
- Analyze the defense presented before the final decision
AIMA Refusal Decision: Most Common Reasons for Residence Permit Denials
Based on our experience with various renewal cases, we have identified the most common reasons that lead to the issuance of Project of Decision of Refusal:
Insufficient Means of Subsistence
The most common reason: incomplete or insufficient documentation to prove minimum required income for residence permit renewal.
Absence of Social Security Number
Lack of Social Security Identification Number (NISS) or documentation proving your regularity with Portuguese Social Security.
Tax Debt Certificate from Finances
Document proving regular situation before the Tax Authority (AT), confirming that there are no outstanding tax debts.
Social Security Regularity Certificate
Proof that the applicant is in regular situation with Social Security, without debts or outstanding issues.
📝 Where to Check the Reasons
The specific reasons for refusal usually appear in "Instructor's observations" or in letter "c) Other information" of the received notification.
AIMA Refusal Decision: Response Deadlines and Defense Strategy
Time is critical! The notification establishes a specific deadline for response (generally 10 business days). After this deadline, the system closes and you lose the opportunity to present defense.
How to Prepare Your Response
- Carefully read the notification - identify exactly what the refusal reason is
- Gather additional documentation - prepare the requested documents or additional explanations
- Develop substantiated explanation - explain why AIMA may have made a mistake in the analysis
- Submit through the portal or in person - use the method indicated in the notification
⚠️ Attention to Deadlines
Don't miss the established deadline! After the time limit expires, the possibility of including documents or arguments automatically closes.
Professional Recommendation
Although it is possible to respond personally to the Project of Decision of Refusal, we strongly recommend consulting a professional specialized in immigration law before submitting your request.
Why consult a lawyer?
- ✅ Technical analysis of submitted documentation
- ✅ Identification of possible AIMA analysis mistakes
- ✅ Preparation of adequate legal defense
- ✅ Maximization of approval chances
- ✅ Avoidance of new future refusals
💡 Important Tip
An initial refusal does not mean the end of the process. With a well-founded defense, it is possible to reverse the decision and guarantee the renewal of your residence permit.
Next Steps After Response
After submitting your response to the preliminary hearing:
- Wait for AIMA analysis - deadline varies, but generally 30-60 days
- Follow the process - use the portal or contact AIMA if necessary
- Prepare for final decision - approval or definitive refusal
- If refused, appeal - there is administrative appeal possibility
Your rights are protected
Remember: you have rights! The preliminary hearing guarantees that your voice is heard before any negative decision. Use this mechanism to defend your interests.
AIMA Refusal Decision FAQ: Preliminary Hearing Rights Portugal 2025
What is AIMA refusal decision notification?
The Project of Decision of Refusal is a notification from the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) informing about the intention to deny the renewal of residence authorization. This notification gives the right to preliminary hearing, where you can present defense before the final decision.
How to respond to AIMA refusal decision?
To respond, you must:
- Carefully read the notification and identify the reasons
- Gather additional requested documentation
- Develop substantiated explanation about possible mistakes
- Submit response within the deadline through the AIMA portal or in person
What are AIMA refusal decision common reasons?
The most common reasons we have been observing are:
- Insufficient means of subsistence - incomplete income documentation
- Absence of Social Security Number - lack of NISS
- Tax debt certificate from Finances - irregular situation before AT
- Social Security regularity certificate - outstanding issues with Social Security
How long do I have to respond to the preliminary hearing?
The deadline is established in the received notification itself, generally of 10 business days. It is essential not to miss this deadline, as after it the system automatically closes for inclusion of documents or additional arguments.
Can I consult a lawyer to respond to the preliminary hearing?
Yes, it is highly recommended! Although it is possible to respond personally, consulting a professional specialized in immigration law significantly increases success chances. A lawyer can identify AIMA analysis mistakes and prepare adequate legal defense.
What if my response is not accepted and the renewal is refused?
If the final decision is refusal, you still have the right to administrative appeal to AIMA or Administrative Court. It is important to consult a lawyer to evaluate appeal possibilities and prepare the necessary documentation.
I received a notification in Portuguese saying "Projeto de Decisão de Indeferimento - audiência prévia de interessados" - what does this mean?
This is the same as "Project of Decision of Refusal - preliminary hearing of interested parties" mentioned in this article. AIMA sends notifications in Portuguese, so you may receive it with these exact terms. This is your opportunity to respond to a potential refusal of your residence permit renewal before the final decision is made.