AIMA opens early renewals for residence permits expiring until January 2027
AIMA's online renewal portal now accepts residence permits that expire up to January 2027. Who can renew now, what you need and why renewing early protects your travel plans.
In this article
Short answer: AIMA, Portugal’s immigration agency, has opened its online renewal portal to residence permits that expire up to January 2027, according to a report published on 26 October 2026. Some Golden Visa permits are also covered. If your card expires in the coming months, you can start the renewal now instead of waiting.
News as of 31 October 2026. Check aima.gov.pt for the official notice and the exact dates for your card.
What happened
Throughout 2026 AIMA opened its renewal portal in stages, month by month, for cards expiring in a given period. The latest step extends the window to permits that expire through January 2027. Reports say the change was announced in late October.
Who can renew now
- holders of residence permits expiring up to January 2027, within the groups AIMA lists on its portal
- certain residence permits for investment (Golden Visa), as announced
- people whose permits already expired and who have not yet started a renewal should check AIMA’s rules for late renewals
How the online renewal generally works
- Log in to AIMA’s renewal portal (linked from aima.gov.pt).
- Check and update your details and upload the documents requested for your permit type.
- Pay the fees shown on the portal.
- Download the receipt. Reports say a registered renewal with fees paid produces a receipt valid for 180 days, which proves inside Portugal that your renewal is in progress.
- Follow the next steps AIMA sends you, such as biometrics or card collection.
Requirements differ by permit type (work, study, family reunification, D7, Golden Visa and others). Always follow the list shown in your own portal account.
Why renewing early matters for travel
A renewal receipt protects you inside Portugal. Outside Portugal it is a different story: other countries, and airlines, often want to see a valid residence card. AIMA itself says a receipt is not a travel document. If you plan a trip:
- renew as early as the portal allows
- avoid booking international travel close to your card’s expiry date
- for visas such as UK, US, Canada or Ireland, embassies usually want a TRC valid for the whole trip and beyond
What this means for you
If your card expires before February 2027, log in to the portal now. Keep the receipt safe, and plan trips for after the new card arrives where possible.
Frequently asked questions
Can I renew my residence permit early in Portugal?
Yes, if your card falls within the window AIMA has opened, currently permits expiring up to January 2027.
Is the AIMA receipt valid for travel?
It proves your renewal inside Portugal. AIMA says it is not a travel document, so check with the airline and the destination before travelling.
How long is the renewal receipt valid?
Reports say 180 days for a registered renewal with the fees paid.
Does VisaOnTrip renew residence permits?
No. We help with tourist visas, flights and visa itineraries, not AIMA processes.
Sources
This article is general information. Rules change: before you apply, our team confirms what applies to you.
