Portugal residence permit renewal

Our support continues well beyond the issuance of your residence permit under the Golden Visa or other residency routes. 

Every 2 years, we guide you through the renewal process so that your legal residence in Portugal is maintained without interruption.

The Portugal Golden Visa is issued for 2-year periods and can be renewed repeatedly to maintain resident status. 

Residence permits issued under the D Visa routes, including the Digital Nomad, Passive Income, and Startup Visas, or under the Global Talent Programme are initially valid for 2 years and are extended for a further 3 years upon renewal.

Missing the renewal deadline can restrict travel, disrupt eligibility for permanent residence or citizenship, and undermine the overall immigration strategy. To avoid these risks, the renewal application must be submitted no later than 30 days before the permit expires.

​5 benefits of renewing your residence permit with Immigrant Invest

  • 1

    Maintained legal standing

    Your residency remains valid and compliant with Portuguese law. Our legal team manages renewals and tracks legal updates.

  • 2

    Preserved Schengen Area travel rights

    With a valid residence permit, you maintain freedom to travel visa-free across all 29 Schengen countries. We complete your renewal on time so border crossings remain seamless.

  • 3

    Timely renewal reminders

    You receive proactive notifications well before your permit expires. Our team tracks all deadlines and prepares the paperwork early to avoid last-minute issues.

  • 4

    Personalised legal support

    The support you receive is personalised and tailored to your situation. The lawyer ensures the renewal process is smooth and efficient, guiding you every step of the way.

  • 5

    Citizenship pathway preservation

    Every renewal brings you closer to Portuguese citizenship. We ensure each renewal is error-free so your timeline toward citizenship and your EU passport remains uninterrupted.

​Who can renew a Portuguese residence permit?

A Portuguese residence permit can be renewed either by its holder personally or by a licensed legal representative acting under a power of attorney.

Residence permit holders

The right to renew the Portugal residence permit applies to main applicants who continue to maintain their qualifying investment, as well as to dependent family members included in the initial application.

All residence permit holders must also comply with the minimum stay requirements set for their specific visa route.

Renewal applications can be submitted through the AIMA online portal.

Authorities representative

If an applicant is unable or prefers not to handle the residence permit renewal personally, an Immigrant Invest lawyer can oversee the entire process remotely under a power of attorney.

Professional support is especially valuable for the following applicants:

  • busy professionals running businesses or travelling frequently;
  • investors residing abroad;
  • families with dependent children approaching age limits or facing complex circumstances;
  • applicants going through their first renewal who are not yet familiar with AIMA requirements.

We provide end-to-end assistance, including notifying you of upcoming deadlines, preparing the renewal documents, submitting the application to AIMA, and coordinating biometrics appointments.

Request residence permit renewal assistance

​Portugal Golden Visa renewal requirements

To renew a Portuguese residence permit by investment, applicants must meet the following conditions:

  • maintain the qualifying investment in accordance with the original Golden Visa route;
  • stay in Portugal at least 7 days per year during each residence permit validity period;
  • have no criminal convictions;
  • hold valid health insurance coverage applicable in Portugal.

The following documents must attached to the Portugal Golden Visa renewal application:

  • valid passport;
  • residence permit valid or expired within the previous 6 months;
  • proof of accommodation, such as a residence certificate, registered lease with recent rent receipt, or property ownership document;
  • two recent photos;
  • proof of sufficient means of subsistence;
  • AIMA authorisation for criminal background checks in Portugal — except for persons under 16 years of age;
  • proof of payment of Portugal Golden Visa renewal fees.

​How Immigrant Invest helps you renew your residence permit in Portugal

Holders of residence permits should start the renewal process at least 2—3 months before expiry to allow time for document preparation and administrative procedures. However, it must be submitted no later than 30 days before the residence permit expires.

In Immigrant Invest experience, the Portugal residence permit renewal process takes at least 3 months. Lawyers accompany investors throughout the entire process, from notifying about renewal deadlines in advance to reissuance of new cards.

1

≈ 3 months before expiry

Renewal notification and preliminary review

If you have obtained the residence permit with our help, our team tracks the expiry date of your residence permit and sends you a renewal reminder well in advance. Our lawyers review your case, verify the investment’s current status, ensure compliance with stay requirements, and confirm all conditions for renewal are met.

2

1—2 weeks

Document preparation

You receive a personalised checklist of required documents. Immigrant Invest assists with collecting, notarising, apostilling, and translating them. We also help obtain criminal record certificates and ensure all documentation meets AIMA requirements.

3

1 day

Submission of the renewal application

Your dedicated lawyer submits the complete renewal application to AIMA. If you are abroad, the process can be handled entirely by power of attorney.

4

1+ days

Biometric appointment

Once the application is accepted, Immigrant Invest schedules your biometric appointment for you and your family members at an AIMA office. You only need to visit Portugal to provide fingerprints and digital photos on the appointed date.

5

3—6 months

Issuance of renewed residence permit cards

After approval, new residence permit cards are issued. You may collect them in person or authorise your lawyer to receive them on your behalf.

​Why choose Immigrant Invest

Immigrant Invest’s investment programmes experts have a thorough understanding of Portuguese migration law and operate strictly within the legal framework governing the Portugal Golden Visa and other D Visa options.

Our legal team includes members of the Investment Migration Council, the world’s leading authority on citizenship and residence by investment.

Certificate of Membership

We are an IMC member

Your Immigrant Invest team

Our legal and migration experts know the Portuguese law inside out and ensure a smooth D Visa and Portugal Golden Visa renewal process.

Pedro Barata

Pedro Barata

Senior Investment Migration Advisor

Mohamed Zakaria

Mohamed Zakaria

Senior Investment Migration Expert

Eymi Castro

Eymi Castro

Investment Migration Expert

Priscila Carvalho

Priscila Carvalho

Investment Migration Expert

​Our clients’ reviews

Names and photos of investors have been changed to comply with non-disclosure agreements.

​Frequently asked questions

  • When do I need to renew my Portugal Golden Visa?

    The Portugal Golden Visa must be renewed every 2 years. You should submit your renewal application before your current residence permit expires.

    It is recommended to start the process at least 2—3 months before expiration to account for processing times and avoid any gaps in your legal residence status.

  • What documents are required for the Portugal Golden Visa renewal?

    The typical Portugal Golden visa renewal documents include:

    • valid passport;
    • proof of investment maintenance;
    • criminal record certificate from Portugal and from your country of residence;
    • proof of health insurance coverage in Portugal;
    • evidence of compliance with minimum stay requirements;
    • proof of payment of renewal fees;
    • completed renewal application forms.

  • Can you help if my Portugal Golden Visa has already expired or is close to expiring?

    Yes, we can help you. However, each situation is individual, so please contact us and we will assess your case and explain how the process of the Portugal residence permit extension is handled.

  • Do I need to be physically present in Portugal for the renewal process?

    You do not need to remain in Portugal throughout the entire processing period, as most steps of the application can be handled remotely or through legal representatives. However, you need to be physically present in Portugal to submit your biometric data at an AIMA office as part of the renewal process.

  • How long does the Portugal Golden Visa renewal process usually take?

    The Portugal residence permit renewal process typically takes at least 3 months, though processing times can vary significantly depending on AIMA’s workload, the completeness of your application, and the time of year. During peak periods or when there are backlogs, processing can take longer.

    Working with Immigrant Invest helps to minimise delays, as we ensure all your documents are complete, properly translated, and submitted well before your current permit expires.

  • What are the most common reasons for the Portugal Golden Visa renewal delays or rejections?

    The most common issues include the following:

    1. Incomplete documentation — for instance, missing documents or improperly certified or translated papers.
    2. Failure to maintain the qualifying investment.
    3. Non-compliance with minimum stay requirements.
    4. Expired criminal record certificates.
    5. Lapsed health insurance.
    6. Unpaid Portuguese taxes or failure to file required tax returns.
    7. Administrative backlogs at AIMA — high volumes of applications can slow processing.
    8. Errors in application forms, such as incorrect or inconsistent information across documents.

    To avoid these issues, carefully review all requirements, ensure documents are current and complete, and consider working with professionals experienced in Golden Visa renewals who can identify potential problems before submission.