Portugal has simplified the procedure for submitting and certifying documents for residence permits.
Pedro Barata, Senior Investment Migration Advisor at Immigrant Invest, explained the new document submission process for applicants.
What has changed
In May 2026, Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, AIMA, took a new step in digitalising processes for foreign applicants.
The agency is fully switching to electronic document management[1] AIMA accepts documents with a digital signature, Portugal News.
- new residence permit applications;
- residence permit renewals;
- application status tracking;
- document signing procedures;
- representatives’ work through the SCAP system.
Online applications are reviewed first
AIMA recommends that applicants use the official website to submit documents. This helps avoid mistakes in the information that slow down application processing.
The submission of paper documents at service centres is being gradually phased out. In-person visits to AIMA offices remain necessary for biometrics: applicants come to submit fingerprints and have their photo taken.
Artificial intelligence will check the data
AIMA has gained access to information from the Portuguese Tax Authority and social security bodies to reduce the number of attached documents.
Applicants must link their taxpayer number and current address to the data in their personal account on the website. Otherwise, the system will not accept the application[2] Requirement to link a taxpayer number to personal account data, Portugal News.
Pedro Barata,
Senior Investment Migration Advisor
At the moment, technical errors may occur when entering a taxpayer number or social security number while filling out applications on the AIMA website. In such cases, we contact the website support team and help our clients obtain a Portugal residence permit on time.
Documents can be signed with an electronic signature
Digital signatures are officially allowed. Residence permit applicants no longer need to print documents, sign them by hand, scan them, and upload them to the website.
There are two ways to certify documents:
- through a digital mobile key, Chave Móvel Digital, an equivalent of an electronic digital signature;
- through the SCAP system, if the documents are submitted by a lawyer or a representative under a power of attorney.
Applications can be tracked online
The applicant will receive a notification that the residence permit has been issued, with the option to download a confirmation document with a QR code. This certificate helps confirm legal status if requested. In this case, there is no need to wait for the physical card to be issued: the QR code is enough.
How to obtain a Portugal residence permit with Immigrant Invest
Immigrant Invest helps different categories of applicants obtain a residence permit in Portugal:
Residence permit holders travel to the Schengen countries visa-free and live in Portugal without restrictions. After 5 years, they can apply for a permanent residence permit in Portugal, and after another 5 years they qualify for citizenship.
Immigrant Invest also helps applicants after they obtain a Portugal residence permit. Additional services include:
Our experts will take care of submitting an application for an initial residence permit or renewal.
