The Portuguese government is allocating €74 million in the 2026 state budget (OE2026) to modernize the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) into a more functional and efficient institution. This sits within a broader €91 million plan aimed at regulating immigration more effectively. In 2025, State Budget AIMA was given €5.97 million to modernize the country’s immigration system and address the significant backlog of cases AIMA inherited from its predecessor agency, the SEF.
According to Budget report, AIMA—about to complete two years of operations and facing constant complaints about administrative inefficiencies— will continue to be restructured , continuing to strengthen human and technological resources that enable swift, fair, and effective decisions. The Government also guarantees the “elimination of backlogs in public entities and the streamlining of procedures , ensuring full effectiveness within fair law and the protection of rights
Key priorities include speeding up decision-making, cutting administrative backlog, and streamlining processes so that immigrants can access clear, predictable outcomes. The Minister recalled thatthe Government had already taken steps to counteractthe excessive open-door policy,for example by ending the expression of interest scheme.The end ofthis measurehas led toan 80% reduction in applications for residence permits
It’s a move toward institutional stability and trust reassuring investors — and a positive sign for international clients evaluating long-term residency or investment in Portugal.
Earlier António Leitão Amaro, Minister of the Presidency, recently announced the pending cases at AIMA will be resolved by the end of the year, which will allow for improved services in 2026.
The government aims to strengthen border control stemming illegal immigration, particularly through the implementation of the National Unit for Foreigners and Borders, a PSP unit responsible for controlling airport borders, returns, and monitoring the stay of foreigners in national territory
Portugal recently introduced special foreigners service, now in operation that allows foreign citizens in a regular situation to request, in a unified and simplified way, the three main identification numbers: the Tax Identification Number (NIF), the Social Security Identification Number (NISS) and the National User Number (NNU).
The State budget cut corporate taxes and slightly on personal taxes making Portugal more desirable for corporate investment. The cut in Corporate Income Tax to 19% in 2026, and reduced 15% of the Corporate Income Tax applicable to the 1st 50 thousand euros of taxable income for SMEs and small and mid-caps. The 2026 State Budget also proposes that anyone earning up to €920 per month will be exempt from income tax.
