Marta Costa
Head of Relocation & Immigration
Aug 6, 2025
Why Renewing Your Residency Permit in Portugal Is Worth the Wait, and How moviinn® Can Help
Life in Portugal is rich, with sunshine, culture, and opportunity. But as many foreign residents quickly discover, renewing your residency permit isn’t always straightforward. Between AIMA’s new online portal and IRN handling certain in‑person renewals, the system has changed, and patience, preparation, and the right support matter more than ever.
1. European Rules, National Shifts, and the Need for Patience
Portugal’s immigration system has recently undergone a major shift. In 2023, SEF was dissolved, and its responsibilities were redistributed. The immigration matters are now dealt with under a new entity, AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo). While AIMA was being established, IRN (Instituto dos Registos e Notariado) helped with the residency permit renewals.
These changes are aligned with European Union directives, which can only be implemented gradually. That means rules shift, portals launch gradually, and services might feel slow or inconsistent. If you're coming from a country with very digital or speedy bureaucratic services, expect to press pause and adapt to Portuguese administrative rhythms.
2. Who Does What? AIMA vs IRN: Understanding Your Renewal Pathway
AIMA Online Renewal Portal
Launched on July 11, 2025, it's designed for permits expiring after June 30, 2025. Eligible candidates can apply fully online via the Portal das Renovações.
If your permit expired on or before June 30, 2025, you're waiting for an email notification from AIMA’s mission structure to access the portal, in chronological order.
If your permit is expired more than six months, or you're applying for specific types (e.g. Golden Visa / investment, trafficking victims), in-person processing is required, typically via AIMA service centres.
There is also the option of residence permit renewal via AIMA portal online, applicable to the permits that expired between February 22, 2020 and December 31, 2023.
IRN In-Person Renewals
For temporary permits that are expired and the renewal appointments were booked by IRN and are still active, renewal process should be followed with IRN. Permanent permits are handled by AIMA.
From August 1, 2025, IRN will no longer schedule these appointments: AIMA will redirect existing bookings to AIMA stores or centres; only appointments up to July 31, 2025 remain with IRN.
If the permit expired between February 22, 2020 and December 31, 2023, but the individual was not notified by AIMA, it is possible to submit an online request to proceed with the renewal process.
If the permit expired after the above dates, individuals should be following up with AIMA about new slots for the renewal appointment booking.
3. Automatic Extension: Relief and Limits
To reduce legal uncertainty during this transition, the Portuguese government issued an automatic extension: all residence permits expired between February 22, 2020 and June 30, 2025 are considered valid andextended until October 15, 2025 for legal purposes within Portugal only.
This is not valid for travel outside Portugal or across Schengen borders. It’s a domestic grace period while backlog issues are resolved.
4. Step-by-Step Renewal Journey
A. Check Eligibility and Timeline
- If your permit expires after June 30, 2025, use AIMA’s Renewal Portal.
- If it expired on or before June 30, 2025, wait for AIMA’s email notification.
- If it’s expired more than 6 months ago, or you’re in special categories, you must attend in-person at an AIMA desk (not IRN).
- If your expiry is near, start preparing 90–120 days in advance.
B. Gather the Documents
Most renewals require:
- Current/expired permit (less than 6 months)
- Valid passport
- Tax compliance (NIF), social contributions (NISS), with respective proof issued by authorities
- Proof of accommodation
- Employment/income proof
- Application form (which is the same regardless of the residence permit category)
- Any additional documents depending on the permit category
Please note the importance of gathering all the documentation for the renewal process, as incomplete submissions might be automatically rejected (especially online).
C. Booking & Platform Access
- For online renewal: access Portal das Renovações, complete payment (DUC) and upload documents.
D. Attend Appointment or Submit Online
- Bring all original documents and copies if attending AIMA. A small missing detail can cause delays.
- If your biometric data is outdated or passport needs update, AIMA will notify you to visit an AIMA store after approval for data capture.
E. Track and Receive Your Permit
- Use the portal to track status.
- AIMA services will issue the new permit, in-person or by post. Expect processing to take several weeks to several months, depending on the backlog.
5. Why Patience and Preparation Is Your Best Strategy
Portuguese bureaucracy isn’t broken, it’s evolving
Between EU rules, Portuguese modernization goals, and merging agencies, the process is intentionally cautious, and incremental.
Missing one document = big delays
Digital rejections are now strict. Physical appointments still rely on the IRN/AIMA official checklists. We see many delays due to unintentional omissions.
Adaptation is integration
Starting over in a new country means learning new rhythms: scheduling norms, documentation types, timelines, you’re rebooting many systems you previously took for granted.
6. Press Relief: How moviinn® Supports Your Renewal Journey
At moviinn®, we understand how much emotional and practical weight this process can carry. While we can’t bypass legal procedures, here’s how we make it manageable:
Complete Document Preparation
We provide personalized checklists tailored to your permit type (D7/D8/D3/Golden Visa, etc.) and stay updated on changes in document requirements.
Pre‑Submission Review
Before you submit online or head to an in‑person appointment, our legal experts validate your file, saving days (or weeks) of potential delays.
Renewal Monitoring & Communication
We track your portal status, respond to email notifications, and act promptly on your behalf when follow‑ups are needed.
Official Contact Guidance
If needed, we help you draft professional, compliant inquiries to AIMA or IRN to escalate or clarify your situation.
Stress Buffer
Dealing with bureaucracy is draining. We handle the administrative load so you can focus on building your life in Portugal.
7. Practical Tips: Your Resilient Renewal Toolkit
Start Early: Begin preparing docs 3-4 months before expiry; especially crucial before July 2025 deadlines.
Keep Digital & Physical Copies: PDFs ready + physical set for in‑person.
Update Your Email: AIMA uses your tax‑registered email to send your portal invitation.
Record Everything: Save payment receipts, email confirmations, screenshots.
Don’t Compare: Timeline differences are not unusual. Every case is different; what took your friend 2 months might take you 6.
Expect Delays in Physical Delivery: Don’t plan travel assuming a permit card will arrive in days.
Have a Backup Contact: Allow family or lawyer access if you become unreachable.
8. The Emotional Landscape: Why This Feels Hard and Why It Matters
The uncertainty of bureaucracy can be draining. It’s normal to feel anxious or powerless, but here’s what helps:
- You’re not alone - thousands of residents are moving through this renewal together.
- It’s systemic, not personal - delays reflect structures, not your worth.
- Patience is active, not passive - preparing your file and staying ready means you're progressing.
- Portugal values your presence, even if the paperwork seems slow.
- Renewal isn’t just about maintaining status, it’s affirmation that you belong here.
9. What’s at Stake and Why It’s Worth It
Your permit unlocks:
- Legal work or business operation
- Access to healthcare (SNS) and social services
- Freedom to stay in the Schengen zone (once the permit is issued)
- Path to long-term residency or citizenship
Renewing may feel tedious, but it's what gives you security, stability, and mobility.
10. Why moviinn® Is Your Ally, Not Just a Service
At moviinn®, we offer strategic integration support:
- Expert legal guidance at every renewal stage
- Bureaucracy management (from document review to tracking)
- Emotional support and reassurance during delays or uncertainty
Our mission? Take the stress out of your path so you can enjoy your new life in Portugal.
11. Renew Smart, Renew Calm
- Know your expiration window (before or after June 30, 2025).
- Decide your renewal route.
- Gather, review, submit, with buffer space.
- Embrace the pause, but make it productive.
- And remember: moviinn® has your back.
Yes, we’re in a period of transition. But if you act early, stay prepared, and keep perspective, you’ll emerge not only with your permit renewed but firmly rooted in Portuguese life.
Renewing your residency permit in Portugal right now requires patience, preparation, and perspective. While the current challenges with AIMA are real, they are part of a broader European framework and a local administrative culture that, once understood, becomes easier to navigate.
Think of it as part of your integration journey: learning the rhythms, adapting to the systems, and embracing the differences that make Portugal unique.
With the right support and a healthy dose of patience, you’ll get through this process, card in hand, ready for the next chapter.
Ready to renew with confidence?
Contact moviinn® today for legal support, document preparation, communication with authorities, and guidance tailored to your exact permit type. We’ll help you approach the process calmly, strategically and successfully.
Book your complimentary consultation call here.