Summary
A Portuguese residence permit obtained by investment can now be renewed without visiting the AIMA agency. The changes came into force on February 16th, 2026.
Pedro Barata, an expert at Immigrant Invest, explains how to renew a residence permit under the new rules.
3 steps to renew a residence permit in Portugal
Investors no longer need to visit an AIMA office in person to submit documents for renewal. The procedure is carried out through the Portal de Renovações[1].
To renew a residence permit in Portugal, an investor should:
- Fill out the application in the online system.
- Pay the state fee.
- Track the application status in the system.
If biometric data is required after the initial review, AIMA will schedule an appointment and notify the applicant. Appointments that have already been scheduled remain valid — in such cases, investors must attend the agency in person.
Pedro Barata,
Senior Investment Migration Advisor
In recent years, the Portuguese migration system has faced a high workload in processing residence permit applications and renewals. The transition to a digital format is part of AIMA’s policy to optimise its work and reduce waiting times for documents.
How to get a Portugal Golden Visa
To obtain a residence permit in Portugal, one must invest at least €250,000 in the country’s economy under the cultural support option. Investors may also choose the option of purchasing investment fund units for €500,000, with the possibility of returning the funds after 5 years.
A residence permit can also be granted to the investor’s spouse, children under 26, and parents.
Portugal Golden Visa holders can travel visa-free within the Schengen Area and, after 5 years, apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship.
Sources
- Portal de Renovações, AIMA — announcement of the online renewal portal for residence permits by investment
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