AIMA Residency Permit Renewal

Member since 07 October 2020

LorieAnneCContributor28 January 2026 17:39:39

117

So, finally I was able to sign in to the AIMA website to submit all the necessary documents needed to renew my permit. I am going to Canada for a month and they provided me with a paper proving my application is being processed, so I can travel. Does anyone know how long they take to make a decision? I have lived here already for 5 years.

Thanks!

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JohnnyPT Portugal Expert

Member since 23 May 2020

JohnnyPTPortugal Expert28 January 2026 20:28:06

5218

As far as I know, now there is a Real-Time Tracking on the AIMA Services Portal.

AIMA has launched a feature on the portal called "As minhas ações" (My Actions). You can check the exact status of your application (e.g., "A aguardar análise" / Pending analysis, "Deferido" / Approved, or "Título em emissão" / Card being issued). Reports from users indicate that for well-documented online renewals, the card usually arrives at your address within 2 to 8 weeks after the status changes to "Deferido".

LorieAnneC Contributor

Member since 07 October 2020

LorieAnneCContributor29 January 2026 05:30:00

117

@JohnnyPT

Perfeito. Muito obrigada!

diverdi Member

Member since 22 November 2012

diverdiMember02 March 2026 13:19:06

Hi, I'm curious, did you consider applying for Permanent instead of renewing, and if so, what made you choose against it?

Steph1958 New member

Member since 02 March 2026

Steph1958New member02 March 2026 14:45:58

@LorieAnneC

Great that you’ve done it 👍. What documents did you need ? Thanks

JohnnyPT Portugal Expert

Member since 23 May 2020

JohnnyPTPortugal Expert02 March 2026 16:27:50

5218

Hi, I'm curious, did you consider applying for Permanent instead of renewing, and if so, what made you choose against it? - @diverdi

Permanent residence in Portugal, requested after 5 years of temporary residence, offers greater stability, with no expiry date for the status, and the card is renewed every 5 or 10 years. The renewal of temporary residence is mandatory and periodic (usually every 2 years), requiring continuous proof of requirements such as work or income.

runec New member

Member since 23 June 2020

runecNew member02 March 2026 16:31:44

Maybe another 5 years. My wife's certificate expired 2 years and 9 months ago and in spite of engaging an attorney with her power of attorney, we have not heard a word since they promised in October that we would have it by now. It is truly a national embarrassment.

JohnnyPT Portugal Expert

Member since 23 May 2020

JohnnyPTPortugal Expert02 March 2026 18:11:45

5218

Maybe another 5 years. My wife's certificate expired 2 years and 9 months ago and in spite of engaging an attorney with her power of attorney, we have not heard a word since they promised in October that we would have it by now. It is truly a national embarrassment. - @runec

That is very strange. AIMA faced major issues in the recent past, but they have been working to solve them.

I suggest you lodge a formal complaint with the Ombudsman (Provedoria de Justiça). The fastest and most effective way is through the Online Complaint Form:

https://www.provedor-jus.pt/quem-somos/ … er-queixa/

Alternatively, you can send an email to provedor@provedor-jus.pt. In the subject line, please write:

Queixa contra a AIMA - Atraso Excessivo em Processo de Renovação de Residência

(Complaint against AIMA - Excessive Delay in Residence Permit Renewal Process)