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Proof of Accommodation for AIMA: What Is Accepted

  • Blog Post
  • Immigration, Live in Portugal

Proof of Accommodation for AIMA: What Is Accepted

Proof of accommodation is one of the most important documents when applying for or renewing a residence permit in Portugal — and one of the most common reasons for problems. In November 2025, AIMA published clear rules on which documents it accepts. Here’s what you need to know.
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🏠 Why Does AIMA Ask for Proof of Accommodation?

To grant or renew a residence permit, AIMA needs to confirm that you have somewhere to live in Portugal and on what legal basis you live there. These rules apply to both new applications (concession) and renewals.

✍️ Step 1: The Mandatory Declaration

Every application must include a declaration under oath (declaração sob compromisso de honra) by the applicant, stating:

  • Your residential address
  • The legal basis on which you use the property (owner, tenant, loan, etc.)

 

AIMA provides a template for this declaration.

📋 Step 2: Supporting Documents (When You're Named in the Contract)

Depending on your situation, you’ll need:

  • Owner or usufructuary: the access code to a valid permanent land registry certificate (certidão permanente do registo predial), or the physical certificate
  • Tenant: the rental contract identifying you, plus the rent receipt for the previous month
  • Loan for use (comodato — someone lets you live in their property for free): the comodato contract plus a valid permanent land registry certificate of the property

👪 When You're Not Named in the Contract

If you live in a property but your name isn’t on the contract (for example, you live with family or your partner is the tenant), you must bring, on the day of your appointment:

  • A declaration under oath stating that you actually live at that address, with the property’s land registry number, the basis of your residence, and the owner’s full name and NIF/NIPC
  • A certificate from the Tax Authority showing that your tax address is that property, issued less than 30 days ago

🎓 Students

Students in vocational, secondary or higher education have specific options:

  • A rental contract between the school and a private entity, with a certified declaration listing the students who actually live there (if they’re not named in the contract)
  • A certified declaration under oath from the school confirming each student’s residence and the legal basis
  • For university residences, a certificate from the institution confirming the student’s right to accommodation

❌ What Is NOT Accepted

  • Certificates from the Junta de Freguesia (atestado de residência) are no longer accepted as proof of accommodation by AIMA.

 

This is a big change — for years, the atestado was one of the most commonly used documents.

🔍 AIMA Checks the Number of Residents

AIMA checks how many people have declared the same address. Properties with an unusually high number of declared residents may raise questions — so make sure your situation is genuine and well documented.

💡 Tips to Avoid Problems

  • Ask your landlord to register the rental contract with the Tax Authority.
  • Pay rent by bank transfer and keep the receipts (recibos de renda) — you’ll need the last one.
  • Update your tax address with Finanças as soon as you move.
  • Request the Tax Authority certificate close to your appointment date — it must be less than 30 days old.
  • Keep the access code to the land registry certificate if you own your home.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • Bringing an atestado from the Junta de Freguesia instead of the accepted documents
  • Rental contracts without the last rent receipt
  • Tax address not updated at Finanças
  • Living with someone else without the declaration and tax certificate

🚀 Final Considerations

With AIMA’s clearer rules, proving your accommodation is more straightforward — but also stricter. Preparing the right documents for your situation, and keeping your tax address up to date, will save you a lot of trouble at your appointment or renewal.

📢 Expert Advice: Update your address at Finanças as soon as you move. A matching tax address makes almost every AIMA process smoother.

Preparing your AIMA application or renewal? Step Inside Portugal can review your documents and make sure your proof of accommodation is accepted — find out more about our immigration services here. ✨

This article is for general information only and doesn’t constitute legal advice. It’s based on AIMA’s guidance published in November 2025; confirm the current rules on AIMA’s official channels.

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