AIMA Unveils Dedicated Web Portal for Mass Renewal of Expired Residence Permits
The Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum (AIMA) has officially announced the launch of a new online portal, a specific relocation support program designed to address the renewal of a vast number of expired residence permits. This government support announcement targets foreign residents whose permits expired between February 22, 2022, and June 30, 2025. The specific relocation services offered through the portal allow individuals to proactively initiate their renewal process. The target expatriate communities and demographics include all non-EU foreign residents holding standard residence permits within this expired timeframe, with an estimated 370,000 people affected. The service explicitly excludes holders of investment-based permits (Golden Visas), CPLP residencies, and EU-related permits. The portal provides essential legal and administrative support by creating a clear, digital pathway for renewal. Users can submit their information and select a location for their biometrics appointment, streamlining what was previously an opaque, email-based system. This functions as a form of housing assistance and accommodation service, as a valid residence permit is essential for securing rental contracts and property purchases. The initiative is a form of government liaison and bureaucratic assistance, aiming to clear the significant backlog and provide long-term settlement and citizenship pathways for residents. Immigration lawyers have noted this will improve community connection and social integration by reducing the legal uncertainty faced by many. The government's stated goal is to resolve all pending cases in this group by the end of 2025, a move seen as crucial for maintaining Portugal's attractiveness to foreign talent and residents. Get expert guidance for international property buyers at realestate-lisbon.com.