Portugal AIMA Procedures, Residence Card and Renewal
Legal Coordination of Post-Visa Residence Permit, Biometrics, Residence Card and Renewal Procedures
The process that begins in Portugal with a D7, D8, D2 or another suitable residence visa continues after entry into the country with residence permit procedures before AIMA. The initial residence application, biometrics, issuance of the card and subsequent renewals must each be assessed separately according to the type of application and the person's current circumstances.
Canaydın Law Firm handles the preparation of the AIMA residence file, the review of documents, the coordination of the appointment and procedural process, and arranges for the authorized attorney in Portugal to accompany the client at the AIMA meeting. At the renewal stage, the file is prepared and the process is followed on the basis of the card type, the expiry date and the current AIMA system.
- Preparation of the AIMA File
- Local Attorney Accompaniment
- Residence Card and Renewal
When Are AIMA Procedures Required?
AIMA is one of the principal administrative authorities responsible for the residence permits of foreign nationals in Portugal. Depending on the type of application, initial residence permit, family-related procedures, biometrics, card and renewal processes may be carried out before AIMA.
- Obtaining a residence permit after a D7 Passive Income Visa
- Obtaining a residence permit after a D8 Digital Nomad Visa
- Obtaining a residence permit after a D2 Entrepreneur or Self-Employed Visa
- AIMA procedures under D6 / family reunification
- AIMA procedures relating to Golden Visa / ARI applications and renewals
- Renewal of an existing residence card or assessment of the current status
Initial Residence Permit and the AIMA File
Having obtained a residence visa does not mean that the residence card is issued automatically. After entry into Portugal, the residence permit stage before AIMA must be completed according to the basis of the application.
Preparation of the Residence File
The passport, valid visa, address/accommodation, means of subsistence and documents specific to the type of application are prepared and reviewed to ensure the completeness of the file.
AIMA Appointment and Process Coordination
The appointment and application process is followed together with the authorized attorney in Portugal; the current procedural steps requested by AIMA are applied according to the file.
Attorney Accompaniment in Portugal
The authorized attorney in Portugal who works with Canaydın Law Firm attends the AIMA meeting with the client where necessary and provides legal support in the local process.
Biometrics and Additional Document Requests
In files where fingerprints, photographs or other biometric data must be taken, the appointment stage is coordinated; AIMA's requests for additional documents or explanations are prepared and followed up.
Follow-Up of the Residence Card
After the application and biometrics, the process of issuing the residence card is followed; any problems that arise regarding delivery or the status of the file are assessed separately.
What We Do for You
- We prepare the residence permit file required for the AIMA application.
- We review the application documents and any apostille / translation needs.
- We coordinate the AIMA appointment and application process with the authorized attorney in Portugal.
- We arrange for the authorized attorney in Portugal to accompany the client at the AIMA meeting.
- We follow the biometrics, additional document request and residence card stages.
- We plan the linked residence files of spouses and children in line with the main application.
- For a residence card renewal application, we prepare the file and coordinate the process according to the current AIMA channel and card status.
Residence Card Renewal
The renewal of a residence permit is carried out according to the type of card, its expiry date and the current system AIMA uses on the date of application. As of 2026, many renewal procedures can be initiated through AIMA's digital renewal channels; in some files, however, an in-person procedure or new biometrics may be required.
Our general renewal service may cover the following procedures:
- Review of the existing residence card and its validity period
- Determination of the current AIMA channel to be used for the renewal
- Preparation of address, means of subsistence, criminal record or other documents specific to the type of application
- Coordination of the renewal application or of the procedures carried out through a local attorney
- Where required, follow-up of the in-person appointment and biometrics process before AIMA / the relevant authority
- Follow-up of the issuance of the card and the conclusion of the file
When Should Renewal Be Made?
Under the current official system, the renewal of a temporary residence permit must be initiated before the card expires. Because the application channel and the applicable time limit may vary by card type, it is important not to leave the file until the deadline.
According to the 2026 public service information, in suitable files the renewal application can be started 90 days before the card expires, and a temporary residence renewal is expected to be requested no later than 30 days before the expiry date. However, because AIMA's digital systems and the card dates they cover may change from time to time, the current portal and procedure are checked separately for each application.
For cards that have already expired, the path to follow may also vary depending on how long the card has been invalid and the applicant's status. Files whose validity expired a long time ago may require a different procedure before AIMA instead of a standard renewal.
Digital Renewal and Biometrics
AIMA's renewal systems offer increasingly more digital options. However, a digital application does not mean that no in-person stage will be required in any file. When AIMA considers it necessary, it may schedule an appointment for biometric data to be taken again.
- Checking whether online renewal is available according to the card type and the current scope of the portal
- Completing the application fees and documents through the current system
- Following up the appointment if AIMA requests biometrics
- Separate assessment of special categories such as ARI / Golden Visa according to their own renewal system
Residence Procedures for Family Members
In the residence processes of spouses and children, the documents showing the family relationship, the dependency status and the main applicant's status in Portugal must be prepared correctly. Family files may be planned together with the main application or within the relevant family reunification procedure.
- Review of marriage and birth certificates
- Coordination of apostille and translation procedures
- Preparation of the AIMA family file
- Coordination of the necessary appointments and local attorney support
- Follow-up of the residence card and subsequent renewal procedures
How the AIMA Process Works
- 01
Review of the Current Status
The visa type, existing residence card, family situation, address and the stage the application has reached are reviewed.
- 02
Preparation of the AIMA File
The necessary documents, explanations and the residence file are prepared according to the type of application.
- 03
Appointment / Portal Procedures
The current AIMA channel to be used for the initial residence permit or renewal is determined, and the procedure is coordinated with the attorney in Portugal.
- 04
AIMA Meeting and Biometrics
If an in-person procedure is required, the authorized attorney in Portugal accompanies the client at the AIMA meeting; biometrics and the submission of documents are completed.
- 05
Additional Documents and File Follow-Up
If AIMA requests additional documents or explanations, the file is completed and the procedure is followed.
- 06
Residence Card
The issuance and delivery of the residence card are followed.
- 07
Renewal and Subsequent Procedures
Renewal preparations are made before the card expires; changes in family, address or status are assessed separately when necessary.
Delays, Refusals or Unresolved AIMA Files
Where an AIMA procedure takes longer than the usual period, an application has a negative outcome, the card is not issued, or requests for additional documents turn into a dispute, the file should be reviewed separately from a legal standpoint.
Files involving RAPO, refusal, long delay or administrative / judicial intervention are addressed separately on the "RAPO, Refusal and Delay Procedures" service page.
Explore Portugal Visa and Residence Refusals, Administrative Appeals and Delays
Coordination with Professionals in Portugal and Limits of the Service
Canaydın Law Firm's AIMA and residence service covers the assessment of the applicant's current status, the legal review of documents to be prepared in Türkiye and Portugal, the preparation of the AIMA residence file, the coordination of application and renewal processes, and the legal support provided to the client by the authorized attorney in Portugal during the local process.
Procedures that under Portuguese law must be carried out only by an attorney authorized in Portugal or other local professionals are performed by the relevant independent professionals. No guarantee of outcome or timing can be given by AIMA regarding the appointment, the processing time or the issuance of the residence card.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you also follow the AIMA process in Portuguese applications?
Depending on the scope of services for the file, AIMA documents, appointments and residence procedures can be followed in coordination with the authorized professionals in Portugal.