AIMA Denial – Right to Appeal

Know Your Rights: How to Respond to a Project of Rejection (Projeto de Indeferimento). Have you received a notification of projected refusal (projeto de indeferimento) from AIMA or a visa denial intention from a Portuguese consulate?

Act fast – your legal right to respond is time-sensitive and critical to protecting your stay or entry in Portugal.

What Is a “Project of Rejection”?

A “projeto de indeferimento” is a preliminary notice issued by AIMA (Agência para a Imigração e Mobilidade) or by a Portuguese consulate. It means that the authorities intend to deny your visa or residence permit request.

It’s not a final decision yet – but you have only a few days to respond.

How much time do I have to act?

Once you receive the notice, you have just 10 working days to submit a written response and supporting documents.

This response is your opportunity to:

The countdown starts from the date of notification – delay can severely limit your options.

Why legal assistance is crucial

Responding effectively requires:

Legal understanding of immigration regulations
Tailored argumentation based on your visa/residence type
Submission of adequate and well-organized supporting evidence

A lawyer specializing in immigration can:

Quickly assess the real reasons for the negative intention
Draft a strong, timely response
Identify whether your case should proceed to an appeal or litigation
Represent you before the competent administrative or judicial body

The earlier we’re involved, the better your chances. A weak or late response can lead to rejection becoming definitive.

What happens next?

After receiving your reply:

AIMA or the Consulate will re-evaluate your application, considering the new documents or arguments;
A final decision will then be issued:
Approval, if your response is accepted;
Rejection, if the reasoning is not considered sufficient.

If the rejection is confirmed, you may pursue:

Hierarchical Appeal (Recurso Hierárquico) within the administration, or

Judicial Action, challenging the decision in court.

Frequent Reasons for Rejection

Lack of proof of sufficient financial means
Insufficient incomes (for family reunification or D7)
Missing documentation or expired forms
Business plan inconsistencies (for D2 applications)
Mismatch between declared purpose and actual conditions
Criminal record issues or entry bans
Overstaying Schengen or residence irregularities

Each of these grounds can be defended – if addressed properly and in time.

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Protect Your Immigration Status. Act Now.

If you’ve received a notification of intended rejection, time is your biggest enemy. Contact us immediately so we can analyze your case and prepare a tailored legal response.

The 10-day deadline is strict. Don’t wait.