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Why you need to prepare separately for AIMA

AIMA ≠ Consulate

The documents that got you your visa may not pass at AIMA. Different office, different rules, different protocols.

Incomplete = Rejected

Since April 2025, AIMA automatically rejects incomplete files. No grace period, no second chances. You lose your appointment and have to reschedule from scratch.

Expiration traps

Criminal records and certificates have short validity windows. If they expired while you were waiting, you need fresh ones.

Hidden requirements

AIMA sometimes adds requirements like notarized passport copies or specific translations. We track these changes so you don't get caught off guard.

Choose the package that fits your situation

AIMA Document Review

€279

For clients who already have their AIMA appointment scheduled.

  • Full review of your AIMA file by a Portuguese immigration lawyer
  • Requirements checked for your specific visa type
  • Detailed written feedback: what to fix, what to add, what's missing
  • Clear action plan delivered in 3 business days
Get Document Review
Most Popular

AIMA Full Prep

€449

For clients who want complete preparation and hands-on support.

  • Everything in Document Review, plus:
  • 1 correction and re-check round (you fix, lawyer verifies)
  • 45-minute AIMA prep call with our expert
Get Full Prep
Add-ons for Document Review buyers
Add a correction re-check round+€60
Add a 45-min prep call+€70

Not sure? Start with the Document Review. You can add a correction round or prep call anytime before your appointment.

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3 simple steps

Step 1

Share your details

After you order, we collect your visa type, appointment date, and AIMA location to prepare the precise checklist for your case.

Step 2

Upload your documents

Send your files to a secure platform. Our partner lawyer reviews everything against the latest AIMA protocols.

Step 3

Get your action plan

Within 3 business days, you receive detailed written feedback on what to change, add, or update before your appointment.

Review my documents

Reviewed by licensed Portuguese immigration lawyers

Your documents are reviewed by our partner immigration lawyers registered with the Portuguese Bar Association. They handle AIMA cases daily and stay current on protocol changes across different AIMA offices.

Our partner immigration lawyers

Our partner lawyers

With Novomove vs. going alone

With Novomove
  • ✓Documents reviewed by a licensed immigration lawyer
  • ✓We track AIMA protocol changes across offices
  • ✓Written action plan with exactly what to fix
  • ✓Results in 3 business days
Going solo
  • ×Relying on outdated Facebook group advice
  • ×Risk of rejection for missing or expired documents
  • ×No professional checking your documents before you walk in
  • ×Months of waiting wasted over one missing page

They moved to Portugal with Novomove

Great help in uncertain process

"We had so many questions unique to our case. The Novomove team was helpful with everything. They were always quick to respond and they covered every little detail with good care. We received our visa thanks to their help."

Ersel HIRAVerified Review
Excellent experience with Alex

"Professional, patient, and incredibly helpful. They took the time to explain everything clearly, made sure I understood each step, and went above and beyond. The whole process was smooth and stress free."

Ellen SteeleVerified Review
They make it easy

"Made the process of acquiring NIF numbers and opening bank accounts much easier and hassle free. For non EU citizens it is worth the cost for the problem solving Novomove bring."

K BrownVerified Review
Excellent and professional service

"The team at Novomove was very helpful and transparent throughout the process of getting my NIF. I successfully accessed my tax portal without any issues. Highly recommended!"

EL HAMMANIVerified Review
Great experience with Novomove

"Their communication was excellent, with quick responses to my emails. They were very helpful throughout the entire process. Highly recommended!"

Kädvi KoduvereVerified Review
Patience and guided instructions

"I enjoyed the patience and guided instructions given in order to have a smooth transition."

Akamukali N. AlexanderVerified Review
Rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot · 160+ verified reviews · 7,000+ clients served

What this service does not include

Appointment scheduling — We cannot guarantee AIMA appointment availability or influence scheduling.
Legal representation — We do not provide legal representation at the AIMA appointment itself.
Correction re-checks — If you need corrections reviewed after initial feedback, that’s available as an add-on (+€60).

Frequently asked questions

My appointment is in less than a week. Can you still help?+
Yes. Our standard turnaround is 3 business days. If you're cutting it close, reach out to our support chat before purchasing so we can confirm timing.
I used a different company for my visa. Can I still use this service?+
Absolutely. This service is independent of who handled your visa application. We review your file against current AIMA requirements regardless of how you got here.
Do I need my NISS for the AIMA appointment?+
It depends on your situation. Since April 2025, NISS is mandatory for most residence permit applications, but there are exceptions (for example, dependents who won't be making social security contributions may not need one). Our review flags whether NISS is required for your specific case and advises on the best approach to obtain it before your appointment.
My documents are in English. Do I need translations?+
AIMA currently accepts documents in Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish. However, certain official documents may still require a certified Portuguese translation. Our review identifies exactly which of your documents need translation so you're not caught off guard.
Some of my documents are from my original visa application. Are they still valid?+
Probably not. Criminal records, proof of address, bank statements, and other documents have short validity windows. If months have passed since your consulate appointment, many will need to be refreshed. This is one of the most common reasons for rejection, and exactly what our review catches.
Does this work for all visa types?+
Yes. We review files for D7, D8, D2, Golden Visa, and family reunification appointments. The checklist is adapted to your specific visa type and situation.
What if the lawyer finds problems with my file?+
You'll receive detailed written feedback explaining exactly what needs to change, what's missing, and what to update. If you want the lawyer to re-check your corrected documents, you can add a correction round for €60.
My spouse/dependent also has an AIMA appointment. How does that work?+
Each applicant needs their own review since AIMA treats each application separately, even for family members. Dependent applications have different document requirements, and each file is reviewed individually. Simply place a separate order for each applicant.
Don’t let paperwork be the plot twist.

You survived the visa process.

You’ve dealt with consulates, VFS appointments at 6am, apostilles from three countries, and a 47-page motivation letter. The hard part is done. Let’s make sure AIMA doesn’t send you back to square one over a missing signature.

Review my documents

Results in 3 business days.

Free 5-Day Course

Before You Form a Portuguese Company, Read This.

Philip Bitnik
Written by Philip Bitnik
Founder, NovoMove

LDA or Unipessoal? Sole trader or incorporate? Does IFICI apply to you? What will you actually pay in tax?

Full PDF guide on sign-up, plus five short emails over five days. Company structure, Portuguese tax rules, IFICI eligibility, and when staying a freelancer makes more sense.

A real person reads every reply. Unsubscribe anytime.

Free 5-Day Course

Before You Get Your NIF, Read This.

Philip Bitnik
Written by Philip Bitnik
Founder, NovoMove

Should I order a NIF now or wait? Do I need a tax rep? What’s IFICI and does it apply to me?

Full PDF guide on sign-up, plus five short emails over five days so it actually sticks. Your bank account, your tax rep, IFICI, and what to do once you arrive.

A real person reads every reply. Unsubscribe anytime.

When does the 10-day clock start?

The guarantee kicks in once all of the following are complete:

  1. You’ve uploaded clean, readable scans of your passport and proof of address.
  2. You’ve signed the Power of Attorney.
  3. Our managers have reviewed the signature and confirmed it matches your passport.

Days spent exchanging new document scans or re-issuing a PoA don’t count toward the 10-day window. If we don’t deliver your NIF within 10 business days of approval, you get a full refund.

Requesting a NIF for a minor under the age of 18?

See the additional requirements below:
  • Birth certificate or Adoption certificate of minor
  • Copy of first parent's passport
  • Copy of second parent's passport

Were you born in Portugal or hold Portuguese citizenship?

You will need to provide a copy of your Portuguese birth certificate or your Citizen Card (Portuguese: Cartão de cidadão).

What can I use as Proof of Address?

When ordering your NIF, you will need to provide proof of address that satisfies the following criteria:

Address

  • Must be a residential address outside of Portugal
  • Must match the "Residential Address" submitted in the intake form
  • P.O. boxes and business addresses are not accepted

Name

If purchasing NIF only
  • First name and surname on your Proof of Address must match your passport exactly
  • For example, say that the name on your passport is "John Apple Smith"
  • ✅ John Apple Smith
  • ✅ John A Smith
  • ✅ John Smith
  • ❌ J Smith
  • ❌ Johnny Smith
  • ❌ Any other variations
If purchasing NIF and Bank
  • The bank requirements for Proof of Address are stricter than the NIF requirements. Because of this, the full name on your Proof of Address must match your passport exactly, otherwise, it will be rejected.
  • For example, say that the name on your passport is "John Apple Smith"
  • ✅ John Apple Smith
  • ❌ John A Smith
  • ❌ John Smith
  • ❌ J Smith
  • ❌ Johnny Smith
  • ❌ Any other variations

Document language

If purchasing NIF only
  • If the document is not written in the Roman alphabet, you need to provide an English translation. The translated document needs to be certified.
If purchasing NIF and Bank*
  • The document must be in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, or French.
  • If your Proof of Address is not in any of the languages above, please provided a translation to English. This translation needs to be certified.
  • For customers from the Schengen area: Documents can be certified by a lawyer or a notary outside of Portugal.
  • For customers from other countries or residents outside the Schengen Area: Documents can only be certified by an authorized entity (Portuguese Consulate/Embassy or any other entities with the Hague Apostille).
*Schengen Areas:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Image quality
  • Text is legible
  • No shadows
  • No light reflections
  • All four corners of the document are visible
Acceptable Documents
Any of the following documents are acceptable:
1.Driver’s license
  • Must be valid (i.e. not expired)
  • Provide photos of both the front and back
  • Residential address must be visible
  • Expiration date must be visible
2. First page of bank statement
  • Issue date must be visible
  • Issued within the past 3 months
  • Must be an actual bank statement. Other documents from the bank (e.g. confirmation letter or bank certificate) will not be accepted.
Utility bill
  • Issue date must be visible
  • Issued within the past 3 months
  • Can be from any of the following providers: electricity, water, mobile sim, internet, cable, etc
For Minors
If requesting a NIF on behalf of a minor, please include a proof of address of one of the minor’s parents.

What does your 'No Win, No Fee' Guarantee mean?

In the event that we’re unable to successfully open your bank account, we implement our ‘No Win, No Fee’ Guarantee.
This means we will refund 50% of the total service cost, which equates to the Success Fee.

Service Fee Structure

Process Fee: 50% of the total payment, this fee covers the administrative tasks and processes involved in submitting your application.
Success Fee: The remaining 50% of the total payment, this fee is charged for the successful opening of your bank account.
It’s important to clarify that this guarantee does not cover any potential initial deposit or the bank’s recurring monthly fees.
Our guarantee ensures that if we don’t succeed in our primary service – opening your bank account – you aren’t charged the full service fee.
This policy showcases our confidence in our services and our dedication to customer satisfaction.
This is an example of a NISS pdf we provided to a client from the U.K.

Please note that name and address have been edited for privacy purposes.

This is an example of a NISS document we provided to a client.

Please note that name and address have been edited for privacy purposes.

Requesting a NIF for a minor under the age of 18?

See the additional requirements below:

  • Birth certificate or Adoption certificate of minor
  • Copy of first parent’s passport
  • Copy of second parent’s passport

Were you born in Portugal or hold Portuguese citizenship?

You will need to provide a copy of your Portuguese birth certificate or your Citizen Card (Portuguese: Cartão de cidadão).