Breaking news and guides on Portuguese residence permits, AIMA appointment booking, card renewals, CPLP mobility updates, expressions of interest, and IRN administrative changes.
Thousands of non-EU citizens who have lived legally in Portugal for at least five years now have a new way to apply for permanent residency. AIMA has opened a dedicated option on its online Contact Form, allowing eligible foreign residents to request an appointment to submit their permanent residence applications in person. The new procedure, … Read more
Bringing your spouse, children or parents to Portugal through family reunification has become increasingly difficult, not only because of changes in immigration law but also because of problems obtaining appointments with AIMA. Although the agency officially provides ways to request appointments, many residents say they cannot get a response through the available channels, leading some … Read more
Portugal’s immigration agency, AIMA, provides three main ways for migrants to seek assistance: a telephone contact centre, the email address geral@aima.gov.pt and an online contact form. However, the correct channel depends on the type of request, and applicants dealing with residence permits, missing documents or appointment requests should follow the agency’s specific instructions. AIMA contact … Read more
Portugal has closed the old residence pathway that many foreigners used through QNQ Level 4 and 5 vocational and professional training courses. The change became law on 11 September 2026, meaning people planning to use these courses as a route to Portuguese residence now need to reassess their plans. However, Article 92 itself has not … Read more
As of October 2026, most residence permit renewals in Portugal are handled online through AIMA’s Portal de Renovações. Applicants need to create or recover their online account, pass the required administrative checks, pay the renewal fees and submit the requested documents before AIMA can analyse the application. For foreigners living in Portugal, the biggest practical … Read more
Portugal’s five-year residency milestone can change the immigration status available to many non-EU residents. After at least five years holding temporary residence, eligible residents can apply for permanent residence, but the change is not automatic and comes with specific legal requirements. The difference matters because temporary residence is time-limited, while Portugal’s permanent residence authorization has … Read more
Portugal has tightened its immigration rules after years of very rapid growth in the foreign population and growing pressure on the country’s immigration system. The change may help the government regain control of migration, but it could also create a new challenge: Portugal still needs workers. Construction, agriculture, tourism, healthcare and other industries already face … Read more