Advocacia Portugal | Imigração

Dia: 22 de Setembro, 2024

  • Our Office Offers Apostille Services for Criminal Record Certificates in Portugal

    Our Office Offers Apostille Services for Criminal Record Certificates in Portugal

    Our office provides apostille services for criminal record certificates in Portugal, ensuring you receive the document quickly and efficiently.

    How Does the Process Work?

    Step 1: Issuance of the criminal record certificate (if the client does not yet have the PDF certificate).
    Step 2: Apostille of the issued certificate.
    Step 3: Request for a quote for sending the document by mail (e.g., DHL).
    Step 4: Client pays for the shipping costs.
    Step 5: Sending of the document and providing the tracking code for delivery tracking.

    How to Issue the Criminal Record Certificate?

    If the client is outside Portugal, there are two options:

    Option 1 – Access Code

    The client sends a copy of the certificate with a 12-digit access code. With this code, our office can issue and apostille a new certificate. The client can also directly issue the criminal record certificate via the “Registo Criminal Online” platform, as long as they have a Citizen Card or Digital Mobile Key. This is the fastest and most economical option.

    Option 2 – Authorization Declaration

    If the client does not have a certificate with an access code, the lawyer will need to request the document in person. For this, a signed authorization declaration and a copy of the passport will be required. We draw up the declaration for the client to sign. All you have to do is send your details and a copy of your passport.

    How to Request the Certificate via Registo Criminal Online?

    Go to the “Registo Criminal Online” website, log in with your Citizen Card or Digital Mobile Key, fill out the form, and pay the applicable fee. If you can issue it online, you should choose Option 2 (authorization declaration).

    How to Check the Certificate via Registo Criminal Online?

    Anyone can check the certificate online using the access code on the document. The lawyer can use this code to access and print the certificate.

    Public Service Fees

    The Portuguese government charges the following fees:

    – Issuance of the criminal record certificate: €5
    – Apostille of the certificate: €10.20

    Aditional Expenses

    In addition to public fees, the client should consider: – Office fees for the service;
    – Shipping costs by mail (e.g., DHL).

    Document Delivery

    A shipping quote will be requested from the postal service, and the price will depend on the weight and destination. The client will receive a tracking code to follow the delivery.

    Summary

    If you do not yet have the online-issued criminal record certificate, we can issue it for you. Additionally, we can apostille the certificate and send it to your address by mail. We ship to any country, using DHL courier services.

    Fee Proposal

    To request the service, contact us at: pinheiro@advocaciapinheiro.com or via WhatsApp.

    Please inform us if you already have the criminal record certificate in PDF (with an access code) or if you need the lawyer to request it in person at the government service counter.

    Author: Adriano Martins Pinheiro, Lawyer in Portugal

  • Main Problems at AIMA Affecting Immigrants

    The lack of structure at AIMA is one of the biggest challenges faced by immigrants in Portugal. Many people are stuck in an endless waiting cycle, unable to get responses or move forward with their processes.

    Here are some of the most common challenges:

    1. Difficulty in Scheduling Appointments

    The appointment process at AIMA is one of the most critical points. To be attended, immigrants must schedule a time by phone. However, many times there are no available slots, leaving people without any forecast for service. Without this appointment, it becomes impossible to move forward with residency renewal processes or family reunification requests.

    2. Delays in Issuing and Renewing Residence Permits

    Another recurring problem is the delay in AIMA issuing or renewing residence permits. There are reports of immigrants waiting for over a year for a response. This delay can have serious consequences, such as difficulties in working, studying, or accessing basic services.

    3. Lack of Response to Emails and Pending Processes

    In addition to difficulties in phone and in-person service, AIMA is known for not responding to emails efficiently, which further aggravates the frustration of immigrants. There are over 400 pending processes with no forecast of resolution or progress.

    4. Difficulty with Family Reunification

    Many immigrants in Portugal wish to bring their families through family reunification. However, the lack of appointment slots and the delay in processes make this almost unattainable for many. Without adequate assistance, families remain separated for months or even years.

    How a Specialized Lawyer Can Help

    The good news is that these problems can be resolved more efficiently with the help of a specialized immigration lawyer. The lawyer knows the legal deadlines and rules that AIMA must follow and can act both administratively and judicially to ensure that your rights are respected.

    1. Administrative Intervention

    Through administrative means, a lawyer can act directly with AIMA, forcing a response and tracking the process. Unlike regular emails that are often ignored, AIMA is obliged to respond to demands made by lawyers. This ensures that your case receives the necessary attention and does not remain stagnant.

    2. Judicial Process

    If AIMA continues to fail to meet deadlines or issue a decision on your case, a lawyer can file a legal action to demand that the agency fulfill its legal obligation. This is an efficient solution for those who have been waiting for a long time without answers.

    3. Family Reunification

    In the case of family reunification, a lawyer can help expedite the process and ensure that the family’s rights are respected, shortening the waiting time and increasing the chances of success in the application.

    When Should You Seek a Lawyer?

    If you have been waiting for months for a response from AIMA, cannot schedule an appointment, or your residence permit renewal is delayed, it’s time to consider the help of an immigration lawyer. The lawyer can ensure that your process moves forward and that you get the expected result within the legal deadlines.

    Additionally, a lawyer can assist you with:

    • Updating personal data with AIMA
    • Naturalization and citizenship processes
    • Advice on work and study visas
    • Legal support in case of denied requests

    Conclusion

    AIMA’s lack of structure is a problem affecting thousands of immigrants in Portugal, but it does not have to be an insurmountable obstacle. With the help of a specialized lawyer, you can overcome these problems, get a quicker response, and ensure that your rights are respected.

    If you are facing difficulties with AIMA and need legal assistance, contact our office. We are ready to help you resolve your case quickly and efficiently, using our extensive experience in immigration law.

    Schedule a consultation now and discover how we can help you!

    Adriano Martins Pinheiro | Immigration Lawyer in Portugal