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AIMA Renewal Portal 2025 – Fees & Step-by-Step Guide

AIMA renewal portal guide 2025
AIMA renewal portal guide 2025

Introduction: From SEF Chaos to AIMA Control

As of 1 July 2025, Portugal’s immigration agency AIMA has officially launched its long-awaited digital residency renewal portal — finally replacing the legacy SEF process. This shift is crucial for residents whose permits expire before 15 October, when the last auto-extension expires.

In this article, you’ll get:

  • ✅ A step-by-step walkthrough of the new portal

  • 💸 A full 2025 fee table by permit type

  • 🧑‍⚖️ Legal commentary from top immigration experts

  • 📞 A consultation link if you hit snags


What’s New in the AIMA Renewal System (July 2025)

Launched on July 1st, the AIMA portal (portal.aima.gov.pt) now handles:

  • Online renewals for all residence titles

  • Biometric appointment scheduling

  • Fee payment via MBWay or bank transfer

  • Secure document uploads (PDF, max 10MB)

Key changes:

  • No more walk-in renewals

  • Language toggle available (English + Portuguese)

  • Email confirmation + receipt within 24 hours

📷 Screenshots of the new interface available upon request from LSBS advisors


Who Needs to Use the Portal Now

If your residence card expires before 15 October 2025, you must complete renewal via the AIMA portal. The automatic COVID-era extensions end permanently after this date.

You need to renew now if you are:

  • A Golden Visa holder approaching year 2 or 4

  • D7/D8 resident with a 2-year permit expiring

  • On a reunification title (spouse or child)

🔎 Check your card expiry date carefully — not the approval or application date!


Step-by-Step: How to Renew on the AIMA Portal

🖥️ Step 1: Create an Account

  • Visit portal.aima.gov.pt

  • Use your NIF + email to register

  • Set up 2FA authentication via SMS

📁 Step 2: Upload Required Documents

Prepare these files:

  • Passport copy

  • Current residence card (front & back)

  • Updated Portuguese address proof (utility bill or rental contract)

  • Criminal record from country of origin (where applicable)

🗓️ Step 3: Select Appointment Slot

  • Choose your biometric collection date & location

  • Some centers (Lisbon, Porto) book 6–8 weeks out

💳 Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee

  • Pay securely by Multibanco, MBWay, or IBAN

  • Save the payment receipt for confirmation

📧 Step 5: Confirmation

You’ll receive:

  • PDF submission summary

  • Renewal processing estimate (30–45 days)

  • Email reminder if documents are incomplete

👉 Need help with Portuguese forms? Book an LSBS language + legal assist call


💸 AIMA Renewal Fees – 2025 Table

Residency Type

Renewal Duration

AIMA Fee (EUR)

Golden Visa

2 years

€585

D7 Passive Income

3 years

€342

D8 Digital Nomad

2 years

€378

Reunification Spouse

3 years

€212

Student Visa

1 year

€87

Citizenship Card

N/A

€15

⚠️ Additional €30 courier fee for biometric card delivery


Expert Insight: What Lawyers Are Saying

“This portal is a welcome modernization. But we’re already seeing rejections due to wrong file formats or outdated certificates,”says Dr. Joana Pereira, immigration attorney at LVPA Advogados.

Another key insight:

“Applicants relying on auto-extension until October must act by mid-August to avoid biometric bottlenecks.”— Ricardo M., legal strategist at Global Citizen Solutions

Avoid These Common Mistakes

🚫 Submitting photos instead of scanned PDFs

🚫 Forgetting to update address proof (must be <90 days old)

🚫 Not verifying payment confirmation

🚫 Assuming family members are auto-renewed — they are not!


What Happens After You Submit?

  • You’ll receive a provisional approval

  • Biometric collection will trigger card issuance

  • Courier delivery within 3 weeks post-biometrics

📦 Tip: Track your card using AIMA’s “My Application” dashboard


FAQ: Portugal AIMA Renewal Portal

❓ Can I still go to an AIMA office in person?

No — all renewals are online-only from July 2025 onward.

❓ What if I can’t upload my criminal record?

Request support via the portal or book an LSBS document review.

❓ Is there a grace period after 15 October 2025?

No — expired permits after this date revert to illegal stay unless renewed.


Final Word: Renew Before the Clock Runs Out

With the auto-extension era ending, July to September is a crucial period for proactive action. The new AIMA system is streamlined — but it’s still prone to user errors and overloads.

🎯 LSBS advisors are supporting residents with document reviews, translations, and appointment tracking.

📞 Secure your consultation today to avoid being locked out of your legal status.

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