Portugal’s immigration agency AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) has officially moved Golden Visa renewals online. As of February 16, 2026, all ARI (Autorização de Residência para Investimento) renewal applications and associated fee payments must be submitted exclusively through AIMA’s new Portal de Renovações. In-person renewal appointments are no longer accepted.
Key Takeaways
- As of February 16, 2026, all ARI renewal applications and fee payments must be submitted through AIMA’s Portal de Renovações — in-person renewals are no longer accepted
- Existing appointments already scheduled for biometric data collection must still be attended — but only for biometrics, not for submitting the renewal application
- Family members registered under family reunification are also subject to the new process
- If your Golden Visa was based on a property purchase before October 2023, your renewal rights remain fully intact — this change only affects the mechanics of how you renew
- AIMA will automatically schedule biometric appointments when needed after reviewing your online submission
What Changed
The Portal de Renovações is now the only channel for ARI renewals. Both the application submission and fee payment happen entirely online — no office visit, no physical paperwork. For non-resident investors managing their Portuguese residency from abroad, this removes one of the most frustrating parts of the renewal process: having to travel to Portugal just to hand in documents.
AIMA has framed this shift as part of its broader commitment to digitizing and streamlining Portugal’s residency permit system — a system that came under significant strain following the absorption of the former SEF agency in 2023 and the peak of the Golden Visa backlog.
ARI Renewal Process — Before vs. After February 16, 2026
| Step | Old Process | New Process (from Feb 16, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Submit renewal application | In-person appointment at AIMA office | Online via Portal de Renovações |
| Pay renewal fees | At AIMA office or bank | Online via Portal de Renovações |
| Biometric data collection | Combined with renewal appointment | Separate appointment, scheduled automatically by AIMA after application review |
| Notification of outcome | By post or in person | Digital notification through portal |
| Processing time | Variable — dependent on in-person appointment availability | Expected to improve with digitisation |
What You Still Need to Do In Person
Not everything moves online. If you already have a scheduled AIMA appointment that was specifically required for biometric data collection — as stated in your notification letter — you must still attend. These appointments are kept for one purpose only: collecting biometric data for your residence card. The renewal application itself must still go through the portal.
Going forward, AIMA will automatically schedule biometric appointments when needed after reviewing your online submission. You will receive a notification with the date, time, and location — no need to book anything separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still renew my Golden Visa in person at an AIMA office?
No. As of February 16, 2026, in-person renewal submissions are no longer accepted. All ARI renewal applications and fee payments must go through the Portal de Renovações at aima.gov.pt. The only in-person element that remains is biometric data collection, which AIMA schedules automatically when needed.
I already have an AIMA appointment scheduled — do I still need to attend?
Only if your appointment was specifically required for biometric data collection, as stated in your AIMA notification letter. If so, attend — but submit your renewal application through the portal separately. If you are unsure what your appointment was scheduled for, check the notification wording and consult your immigration lawyer before cancelling.
Does this process change affect my family members?
Yes. Family members granted residency under family reunification linked to your ARI must also submit their renewal applications and pay fees through the Portal de Renovações. The new digital-only process applies to the entire ARI household.
My Golden Visa was based on a property purchase before October 2023 — is my renewal affected?
Your renewal rights are not affected. The closure of the Golden Visa real estate investment route in October 2023 applies only to new applications. Existing ARI holders retain full renewal rights. This February 2026 change only affects how you submit your renewal, not whether you are eligible to renew.
Source: AIMA official announcement, February 2026 — aima.gov.pt