Renewal of Residence Permit in Portugal (AIMA): Complete Practical Guide 2026
The renewal of a residence permit in Portugal is now, in many cases, carried out through the online portal of the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA).
Although the process is now more digital, it has also become more technical and demanding, making it essential to ensure that all information and documents are correct before starting.
In this guide, we explain step by step how to renew your permit, which documents are required, and how to avoid mistakes that may delay or compromise the process.
Who needs to renew their residence permit?
This procedure applies to:
- Holders of a temporary residence permit
- Cards that are about to expire or have already expired
- Ongoing processes with AIMA (former SEF)
Practical note:
Although the law allows the process to begin earlier, the portal is usually only available close to the expiration date. It is important to monitor the AIMA Renewal Portal to stay informed about the renewal schedule.
1. Access to the AIMA portal
The application is submitted online through the official renewal portal:
➡️ https://aima.gov.pt/pt/noticias/portal-de-renovacoes
How to access:
- Enter the email associated with your process
- Enter the email previously used with SEF/AIMA (if you no longer have access, you must request an update via the contact form: https://contactenos.aima.gov.pt/contact-form)
- Enter your residence permit number
- Recover your password (if necessary)
Practical note: Always use the Portuguese version of the portal to avoid system errors.
2. Update mandatory data (address and NISS)
Before starting your renewal process, you must ensure that your data is up to date, especially your address and Social Security number (NISS).
Address
If outdated, it must be corrected via the form, following the steps:
https://aima.gov.pt/pt/noticias/alteracao-da-sua-morada
NISS (Social Security)
- Must be linked to your process
- Otherwise, it may block access or generate errors
To register your NISS, follow:
https://aima.gov.pt/pt/noticias/saiba-como-registar-o-seu-niss
If you do not yet have a NISS, you may apply here:
https://www.seg-social.pt/ptss/id/pedido-niss/informacoes-gerais
3. Create application and pay the fee
After verifying your personal data and system validation (including no pending issues with the Tax Authority and Social Security), you may proceed:
- Click “Create Application”
- Status changes to “Submitted”
Payment:
- Reference sent by email
- Deadline: 10 working days
4. Upload documents (critical stage)
This is the most important stage of the process. The system will provide categories for document submission.
- One document per category
- File size limits apply
- You may need to merge documents and reduce file size
Main documents:
Identification
- Residence card (front and back)
Accommodation
Check AIMA’s current guidelines. At the time of writing:
https://aima.gov.pt/pt/noticias/hklkjl
- Lease agreement or proof of ownership; or
- Declaration / term of responsibility
You may submit a term of responsibility with supporting documents (ID, IRS, proof of address):
https://aima.gov.pt/pt/noticias/termo-de-responsabilidade-modelo-4-assinatura-devidamente-reconhecida-obrigatoria
Means of subsistence
- Bank statements (last 3 months), and
- Balance meeting legal requirement (12x minimum wage — €920 in 2026)
Family reunification:
- +50% per additional adult
- +30% per minor
- Proof of income/employment; or
- Declaration / term of responsibility (same link as above)
Health
- Portuguese public healthcare (SNS) or valid private health insurance
Practical note: Health insurance is not the same as travel insurance.
Passport
- Full copy (all pages), certified by a notary or lawyer in Portugal
Criminal record (if applicable)
- In Portuguese, duly notarized
Practical note: Usually issued within the last 6 months, or less if validity is shorter.
Additional documents may be required depending on the case (e.g., birth/marriage certificates, school enrollment, etc.).
⚠️ Important rules:
- 1 PDF file per category
- Max ~2MB per file
- Documents must be clear and organized
- Preferably in Portuguese (English may also be accepted)
Common mistakes that cause delays:
- Incomplete documents
- Incorrect proof of accommodation
- Missing NISS
- Poorly organized files
- Missing notarization / Hague Apostille (when required)
Final submission
After review:
- Click “Confirm”
- The application enters analysis
- You will receive a receipt and a temporary extension of your legal stay
5. Processing time
- Average: 30 to 90 days (legal deadline: 60 days)
Possible outcomes:
- Draft rejection decision; or
- Approval of renewal
Practical note:
You may be called for an in-person appointment during analysis.
Draft rejection:
You will receive an email explaining the reasons and will have 10 working days to respond with additional documents. Instructions will be provided in the notification.
6. Approval and delivery of the card
Once approved:
- You will receive an email confirmation
- The new card will be sent to your registered address
Practical note:
If you do not receive your card within 30 days, it may have been returned to AIMA.
If it takes longer than 1 month after approval:
- Check if it was returned
- Visit an AIMA office: https://aima.gov.pt/pt/lojas-aima
You must attend in person to retrieve it.
⚠️ Travel warning
Even with the temporary extension document, avoid traveling outside Portugal until you receive your new residence permit.
Strategies for a well-prepared application:
To avoid delays:
- Prepare all documents before starting
- Organize files properly
- Validate personal data, including address and NISS, in advance in your AIMA profile
- Monitor your application and email regularly
Practical note:
Most delays do not come from the system — they result from avoidable errors made by applicants themselves.
Conclusion
The renewal of residence permits in Portugal has become more digital, but also more demanding in practice, as applicants are now responsible for managing deadlines and submitting documents in full compliance.
A well-prepared application helps prevent unnecessary delays and avoidable rejections.
Each case has specific details that can significantly impact the outcome, and guidance from a lawyer experienced in this area can help you avoid documentation errors, reduce avoidable delays, respond correctly to AIMA notifications, and ensure greater legal certainty throughout the process.
