1.1. Contact organisation
[PT180] Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA)(Portugal)
1.2. Contact organisation unit
DPEE - Planning, Studies and Statistics Department
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, I.P. (AIMA)
Avenida António Augusto Aguiar,
20, 1069 - 119 Lisboa, PORTUGAL
1.6. Contact email address
Confidential because of GDPR
1.7. Contact phone number
Confidential because of GDPR
1.8. Contact fax number
Confidential because of GDPR
2.1. Metadata last certified
24 July 2026
2.2. Metadata last posted
24 July 2026
2.3. Metadata last update
24 July 2026
3.1. Data description
Data collection on the residence permits (RESPER) statistics contains statistical information based on the principles stated in the Union legislation on migration Regulation (EC) No 862/2007 as amended by the Regulation (EU) 2020/851 and the Commission Regulation (EU) No 216/2010 implementing the categories of reasons for residence permits.
The main RESPER data collection based on Article 6 of the Migration Statistics Regulation
- First residence permits,
- Residence permits issued on the occasion of changing the immigration status or reason to stay,
- Residence permits valid at the end of the year,
- Long-term residence permits valid at the end of the year,
- Long-term permits issued during the year.
Statistics collected on voluntary basis
- Residence permits issued for family reunification with beneficiaries of protection status."
3.2. Classification system
See table 3.2. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
3.3. Coverage - sector
Migration and asylum – Residence permits statistics.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
See table 3.4. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
3.5. Statistical unit
Number of persons
3.6. Statistical population
See table 3.6. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
3.7. Reference area
Portugal.
3.8. Coverage - Time
See table 3.8. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
3.9. Base period
Not applicable.
Number of persons.
Calendar year.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
The compilation of statistics is based Regulation (EC)862/2007 of 11 July 2007 which depicts in detail the data provisions Member States arebound to supply Eurostat with.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
These data are produced from administrative records managed by AIMA’s specialised units,in accordance with the national legislative framework and the requirements of Regulation(EC) No 862/2007 on migration and international protection statistics. The processingworkflow includes data collection, validation, quality assurance, and compilation prior totransmission to Eurostat.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a European law (EU 2016/679) that lays down rules on the protection, processing and free movement of people's personal data in European Union countries.
On the basis of this Regulation, data is treated with designated confidentiality and specific data on citizens is not disclosed.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
The Statistics Department, in accordance with the GDPR, and the department responsible for data protection at AIMA, regulate the necessary confidentiality of the data extracted.
8.1. Release calendar
RESPER statistics are only published and disseminated in accordance with current legislation, which means that data is submitted annually.
RESPER is a data supply using Eurostat statistics on residence permits Technical guidelines and exceptions applied.
In PT, the statistics are taken from an internal platform.
8.2. Release calendar access
Release calendar - Eurostat (europa.eu).
8.3. Release policy - user access
RESPER data from Portugal are published only on the Eurostat website Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu) and on the AIMA institutional website AIMA - Relatórios de Migrações e Asilo
AIMA publishes annual data.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
No dedicated news release is issued for this dataset. Statistical information is made available through regular data transmissions to Eurostat and institutional communication channels when relevant.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
AIMA produces institutional publications related to migration and asylum, which are included in the Annual Report on Migration and Asylum. These publications may include or provide context for statistical information relevant to Residence permits.
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
There is no national online database providing public access to Residence permits statistics produced by AIMA.
Statistical data on Residence permits are not published through a specific public statistics portal. These data are transmitted directly to Eurostat regarding statistics on Residence permits.
Residence permits-related statistics for Portugal are made available to the public through Eurostat’s online database, where data sets from all Member States are published in a harmonized and comparable format.
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
No national online data tables are available for public consultation regarding Residence permits statistics produced by AIMA.
The statistical data are not disseminated through a national statistical database or interactive table system.
Consultations of Portugal’s Residence permits‑related statistical tables are carried out exclusively through Eurostat’s online database, where harmonised tables for all EU Member States are provided under the Migration and Asylum domain.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
No microdata access is provided for Residence permits‑related statistics produced by AIMA.
For these reasons, microdata cannot be anonymised in a manner that ensures full compliance with confidentiality and data‑protection requirements, and therefore cannot be made available for research or external use.
Statistical output is disseminated solely in aggregated form through Eurostat’s harmonised data collections.
10.5. Dissemination format - other
No other specific national dissemination formats are used for a Residence permits‑related statistics produced by AIMA.
Statistical information is disseminated exclusively through administrative reporting to Eurostat, in compliance with Regulation (EC) No 862/2007, and is not published in additional formats such as newsletters, public dashboards, downloadable data tools, or interactive visualisation platforms.
10.5.1. Metadata - consultations
Metadata relating to Portugal’s Residence permits statistics are not disseminated through any national platform.
Consultations of metadata take place exclusively through Eurostat’s online database and metadata repositories, where harmonised metadata for all Member States are published in a comparable and standardised structure.
Therefore, users wishing to consult the metadata referring to Portugal must do so directly via Eurostat, within the Migration and Asylum statistics domain.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
The methodological documentation relating to Residence permits statistics produced by AIMA is developed on the basis of internal administrative procedures applied to the collection, validation and compilation of data.
The methodology follows the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 862/2007, as well as the methodological guidelines established by Eurostat.
All relevant methodological information is transmitted to Eurostat through formal reporting mechanisms, ensuring consistency, comparability and transparency in the statistical production process.
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate
The submitted metadata comply with the completeness requirements established by Eurostat for the migration and asylum statistics domain.
Any updates are incorporated on an ongoing basis, ensuring that Eurostat always has access to the most up‑to‑date version of the national metadata.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
The quality management of Residene permits data follows the principles established in the European Statistics Code of Practice and the methodological guidelines provided by Eurostat.
Quality control procedures include:
Internal validation of administrative records;
Verification of coherence and temporal consistency;
Monitoring of potential inconsistencies and implementation of corrective measures;
Application of internal quality standards ensured by the responsible units.
11.1. Quality assurance
The quality assurance of Residence permits statistics produced by AIMA is based on the principles established in the European Statistics Code of Practice, ensuring rigour, transparency and reliability throughout all stages of the statistical production process.
The quality assurance system includes:
Internal procedures for verification and validation applied to administrative records;
Technical supervision by the units responsible for statistical production;
Compliance with the methodological guidelines established by Eurostat.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
Quality assessment is carried out on a continuous basis, with the aim of monitoring the performance of statistical processes and identifying areas for improvement.
The process includes:
- Periodic review of data collection, validation and processing practices;
- Analysis of any inconsistencies, errors or deviations identified during verification stages;
- Implementation of corrective measures whenever necessary, reinforcing the reliability and consistency of the data;
- Ongoing updates to methodology and procedures, ensuring alignment with European requirements and statistical best practices;
- Quality assessment prior to reporting to Eurostat, ensuring that the data meet the required standards of accuracy, completeness and comparability.
- This structured process enables continuous improvement of statistical quality and contributes to the credibility of national statistics within the European context.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
The Residence permits statistics produced by AIMA respond to the needs of a wide range of national and European users.
The main users include:
Eurostat, for the compilation of harmonised European statistics on migration and international protection;
National governmental authorities, responsible for defining, monitoring and evaluating migration, integration and international protection policies;
International organisations and academic institutions, which use the data for research, planning and comparative analysis.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
There are currently no formal or regular mechanisms for directly measuring user satisfaction with Residence permits statistics.
Whenever additional information needs are identified, AIMA cooperates with European entities to adjust methodologies and ensure that national data remain relevant and fit for purpose.
12.3. Completeness
The Residence permits statistics produced by AIMA comply with the variables, concepts and breakdowns defined in Regulation (EC) No 862/2007, as well as with the methodological guidelines established by Eurostat.
All mandatory information, whenever possible, is collected, validated and reported within the regulatory deadlines.
See table 12.3. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Not applicable.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
The accuracy of the Residence permits statistics produced by AIMA is considered adequate, as the data originate from mandatory administrative records collected within the framework of formal procedures.
The information systems used ensure:
Systematic and complete recording of procedural events;
Minimisation of entry errors and duplication;
Traceability of changes or updates made.
13.2. Sampling error
Sampling error does not apply to the Residence permits statistics produced by AIMA.
All information is derived from administrative records, with no sampling procedures involved.
Therefore, the concept of sampling error is not relevant for this statistical domain.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Since no sampling methods are used, no sampling error indicators (such as coefficients of variation or margins of error) are calculated.
The full dataset corresponds to the actual universe of administratively recorded cases and applicants.
13.3. Non-sampling error
The data are based exclusively on administrative records collected throughout the entire procedure.
The main potential types of non‑sampling error — such as omissions, duplications, misclassification or delays in registration — are mitigated and corrected whenever detected.
Data quality is further strengthened through:
Mandatory and centralised registration of all residence permits;
Complementary manual verification procedures;
Continuous monitoring of the information system, including corrections and updates;
Full traceability of all changes made to administrative records.
13.3.1. Coverage error
All information used by AIMA derives exclusively from mandatory administrative records collected within the framework of formal residence permits procedures.
Internal validation mechanisms further help minimise potential discrepancies related to duplication, missing records or misclassification.
Coverage errors occur at the moment of extracting the table from the database. In this moment, not all data regarding the reference period are recorded yet.
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not applicable.
13.3.2. Measurement error
Not applicable
13.3.3. Non response error
Not applicable.
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.4. Processing error
Not applicable
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not applicable.
14.1. Timeliness
Data are collected on an ongoing basis via administrative systems and consolidated manually, with every effort being made, wherever possible, to submit them within the deadlines set by Eurostat (six months of the end of the reference year).
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
Not applicable.
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
Not applicable.
14.2. Punctuality
See table 14.2. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
AIMA has been making significant efforts to ensure that data transmissions are sent to Eurostat punctually and in accordance with the official reporting calendar.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
The Residence permits statistics produced by AIMA are fully comparable at the geographical level.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Asymmetry in mirror flow statistics is not applicable to the Residence permits statistics compiled by AIMA.
15.2. Comparability - over time
The temporal comparability of Residence permits statistics is considered good, despite a significant institutional change: the transfer of responsibilities from SEF to AIMA on 29 October 2023.
Despite this transition, the statistical concepts, definitions and variables used have remained aligned with the European regulatory framework, ensuring methodological continuity.
The implementation of integrated information systems has made it possible to maintain consistent criteria for the registration, processing and classification of data, preserving comparability with previous time series.
See table 15.2. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
The time series remain comparable for the entire period during which Portugal has reported residence permits
statistics to Eurostat under Regulation (EC) No 862/2007.
The institutional transition from SEF to AIMA did not compromise the continuity of the series, as:
Variables and classifications remained harmonised;
The administrative recording system was preserved and integrated;
No substantive changes were made to the statistical concepts.
Therefore, the available historical series (including periods prior to 2023) are considered fully comparable.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
There are no coherence issues with other data sets.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
The statistics are comparable over all years.
There are no sub annual statistics, only annual statistics.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Not applicable.
15.4. Coherence - internal
Internal coherence of residence permits statistics is ensured through:
Centralised registration of all applicants and cases;
Cross‑departmental use of the same administrative database.
As a result, variables, categories and totals are consistent with each other, and all statistical outputs remain aligned throughout the entire process.
Not applicable.
17.1. Data revision - policy
Data revisions at AIMA are carried out regularly to ensure the quality of the work.
Throughout the year, occasional analyses are performed to verify whether the dataset is valid or requires updating.
Data revisions are carried out only when necessary, namely when:
Factual errors are identified in administrative records;
Updates or corrections are introduced into the information system;
Improvements in internal procedures are adopted that affect previous periods.
Revisions follow the principles of transparency and traceability, ensuring that any change to previously reported data is documented and communicated to Eurostat clearly and with proper justification.
17.2. Data revision - practice
When data revisions occur, they are mainly due to:
- Manual corrections to specific records (e.g., changes in case status or correction of classifications);
- Late updates entered into the information system after the monthly closure.
Revisions are carried out through:
- Updating the reporting files;
- Resubmitting the affected variables or reference periods.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Revisions tend to have an impact that generally results in:
Adjustments to the number of applications or decisions for a given month;
Late integrations that modify monthly or annual totals.
18.1. Source data
AIMA’s residence permits statistics are based exclusively on administrative records collected within the framework of formal procedures.
Data are entered into AIMA’s centralised information system, which is used by the operational units responsible for processing residence permits applications.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
For reporting to Eurostat, the data are consolidated on a Annual.
18.3. Data collection
Data are entered directly by AIMA services responsible for processing residence permits cases.
Data collection includes:
Initial registration of the application;
Automatic or manual updates throughout the different stages of the procedure (analysis, decision, appeal, closure);
Integration of any corrections, modifications or additional decisions.
18.4. Data validation
Data validation takes place at several stages:
Validation at the time of registration;
Manual verification by the responsible units whenever anomalies are detected;
Final verification to ensure compliance with Eurostat requirements.
18.5. Data compilation
Data compilation includes:
Extraction of relevant administrative records;
Cleaning and harmonisation of variables;
Monthly, quarterly or annual aggregation;
Construction of the reporting files.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
Not applicable.
18.6. Adjustment
Not applicable
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
No statistical technique applied.
No commets
Data collection on the residence permits (RESPER) statistics contains statistical information based on the principles stated in the Union legislation on migration Regulation (EC) No 862/2007 as amended by the Regulation (EU) 2020/851 and the Commission Regulation (EU) No 216/2010 implementing the categories of reasons for residence permits.
The main RESPER data collection based on Article 6 of the Migration Statistics Regulation
- First residence permits,
- Residence permits issued on the occasion of changing the immigration status or reason to stay,
- Residence permits valid at the end of the year,
- Long-term residence permits valid at the end of the year,
- Long-term permits issued during the year.
Statistics collected on voluntary basis
- Residence permits issued for family reunification with beneficiaries of protection status."
24 July 2026
See table 3.4. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
Number of persons
See table 3.6. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
Portugal.
Calendar year.
The accuracy of the Residence permits statistics produced by AIMA is considered adequate, as the data originate from mandatory administrative records collected within the framework of formal procedures.
The information systems used ensure:
Systematic and complete recording of procedural events;
Minimisation of entry errors and duplication;
Traceability of changes or updates made.
Number of persons.
Data compilation includes:
Extraction of relevant administrative records;
Cleaning and harmonisation of variables;
Monthly, quarterly or annual aggregation;
Construction of the reporting files.
AIMA’s residence permits statistics are based exclusively on administrative records collected within the framework of formal procedures.
Data are entered into AIMA’s centralised information system, which is used by the operational units responsible for processing residence permits applications.
AIMA publishes annual data.
Data are collected on an ongoing basis via administrative systems and consolidated manually, with every effort being made, wherever possible, to submit them within the deadlines set by Eurostat (six months of the end of the reference year).
The Residence permits statistics produced by AIMA are fully comparable at the geographical level.
The temporal comparability of Residence permits statistics is considered good, despite a significant institutional change: the transfer of responsibilities from SEF to AIMA on 29 October 2023.
Despite this transition, the statistical concepts, definitions and variables used have remained aligned with the European regulatory framework, ensuring methodological continuity.
The implementation of integrated information systems has made it possible to maintain consistent criteria for the registration, processing and classification of data, preserving comparability with previous time series.
See table 15.2. in annex ‘Quality report tables RESPER’.
