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Portugal’s Residence Permit Renewal Portal: A Comprehensive Guide to AIMA’s Online System
In a significant step toward modernizing Portugal’s immigration services, the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) launched its Residence Permit Renewal Portal on July 11, 2025. This digital platform, accessible via the official AIMA website (https://portal-renovacoes.aima.gov.pt), allows foreign nationals to renew their autorização de residência (residence permit) entirely online, reducing the need for in-person appointments and lengthy queues. This article provides a detailed guide to navigating the AIMA Renewal Portal, eligibility criteria, required documents, and practical tips for a seamless renovação de autorização de residência in 2025.
What is the AIMA Residence Permit Renewal Portal?
The AIMA Residence Permit Renewal Portal is a digital initiative designed to streamline the renovação de título de residência process for foreign nationals residing in Portugal. Replacing the former Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF), AIMA has introduced this platform to address the backlog of over 400,000 pending immigration cases and improve efficiency. The portal enables eligible residents to submit renewal applications remotely, ensuring a more transparent and user-friendly experience.
As of July 2025, the portal is rolling out in phases, initially accepting renewals for permits expiring in July 2025. Permits expiring after this date will gain access in subsequent months, while those expired on or before June 30, 2025, are subject to a separate notification process. This phased approach ensures smoother operations and prioritizes applications based on expiration dates.
Eligibility for the AIMA Renewal Portal
The AIMA portal is available only to specific groups of foreign nationals residing in Portugal. Here’s a breakdown of eligibility:
- Permits Expiring After June 30, 2025: Holders of residence permits expiring after this date can apply directly through the Portal das Renovações (https://portal-renovacoes.aima.gov.pt). Applicants must have their tax and social security status regularized and submit all required documents.
- Permits Expired On or Before June 30, 2025: These individuals are covered by Decree-Law No. 85-B/2025, which extends the validity of their permits until October 15, 2025. They must wait for an email notification from AIMA’s Mission Structure, sent in chronological order of expiry (from February 2020 to June 2025), to access the portal.
- Non-Eligible Cases: Permits expired for more than six months or first-time residence permit applications cannot be processed through the portal. These must be handled at an AIMA service desk or through the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) for specific renewals.
To check eligibility, visit the official AIMA website (https://aima.gov.pt) or contact AIMA at +351 217 115 000 or +351 965 903 700 (available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Lisbon time).
How to Use the AIMA Residence Permit Renewal Portal
Using the AIMA Renewal Portal is straight forward but requires careful preparation. Below is a step-by-step guide to the renovação de autorização de residência process:
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm whether your permit is eligible for online renewal based on its expiration date. If your permit expired before June 30, 2025, wait for AIMA’s email notification or submit a contact request through AIMA’s online service portal - https://services.aima.gov.pt/
- Prepare Required Documents: As of April 28, 2025, AIMA requires all applications to be 100% complete upon submission. Incomplete applications are automatically rejected. Common documents include:
- Valid passport with sufficient validity.
- Current or recently expired (less than six months) residence permit.
- Proof of of regular situation with tax authoritiest ((non-debt declaration).
- Proof of social security contributions (non-debt declaration, contributions sheet),
- Proof of accommodation (e.g. last rental receipt or property deed).
- Access the Portal: Visit https://portal-renovacoes.aima.gov.pt and log in using your credentials. For permits expired before June 30, 2025, wait for AIMA’s email notification or access the link shared above and fill in the request form.
- Pay the Renewal Fee: Generate a Single Collection Document (DUC) through the portal and pay the fee within 10 working days. Fees vary by nationality and permit type:
- €58.10 for Brazilian nationals.
- €185.30 for other nationalities.
- Submit Application: Upload all required documents and submit your application. Ensure digital copies are clear.
- Biometric Data Collection (if needed): IIf needed, AIMA will notify you via the portal /emaill about when and where you are expected to attend the appointment. On the date of the appointment, please make sure you take all the originals with you.
- Track Your Application: Monitor your application status through the portal. AIMA aims to provide “quick” and “swift” decisions for complete applications.
Key Considerations and Challenges
While the AIMA Renewal Portal is a significant improvement, challenges remain due to the backlog of approximately 400,000 cases. Common issues include:
- Delays in Notifications: Applicants with permits expired before June 30, 2025, report delays in receiving email notifications. Ensurehat you submit your contact request through the link above, if until now you have not received any email notification.
- Document Compliance: Since April 28, 2025, AIMA rejects incomplete applications outright, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation. Consulting an immigration expert can help ensure compliance with Law No. 23/2007 (Foreigners Act) and Regulatory Decree No. 84/2007 from November 5, on it’s current wording .
- Limited Portal Access: The portal is currently restricted to permits expiring in July 2025 and August, with gradual expansion planned. Check AIMA’s official news page (https://aima.gov.pt/en/noticias) for updates on eligibility expansions.
- Travel Restrictions: The validity extension until October 15, 2025, applies only within Portugal. Holders of expired permits should not travel outside of the country.
If you are facing any difficulties, please reach out to our team and we will be more than happy in assisting you the best way possible.
AIMA’s Broader Efforts to Improve Immigration Services
AIMA’s launch of the Portal das Renovações is part of a broader strategy to modernize Portugal’s immigration system. The agency has hired 300 new employees, opened 30 new service centers, and upgraded digital infrastructure to address the backlog inherited from SEF. By October 15 2025, AIMA aims to resolve all pending cases, including 347,000 applications reported in early 2024. The Portuguese government has allocated €5.97 million in the 2025 budget to support these efforts.
Tips for a Successful Renewal
To ensure a smooth renovação de título de residência, follow these tips:
- Start Early: Begin preparing documents at least 30 days before your permit expires to avoid last-minute issues.
- Double-Check Documents: Use AIMA’s checklist (available on https://aima.gov.pt) to verify requirements for your specific permit type.
- Keep Records: Save copies of emails, payment confirmations, and appointment details as proof of your renewal efforts.
- Stay Informed: Monitor AIMA’s news page (https://aima.gov.pt/en/noticias) and join expat communities for real-time updates.
Conclusion
The AIMA Residence Permit Renewal Portal marks a significant advancement in Portugal’s immigration services, offering a digital solution to streamline the renewal of residence permit. While challenges like backlogs and phased rollouts persist, the portal’s user-friendly design and remote processing capabilities promise a more efficient experience. By preparing thoroughly, staying updated via AIMA’s official channels (https://aima.gov.pt), and leveraging community resources, foreign nationals can navigate the renewal process with confidence. For the latest updates and detailed requirements, visit the AIMA Renewal Portal at https://portal-renovacoes.aima.gov.pt.
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