Renewing Your Residence Card

When to start

Initiate the renewal request 30–60 days before your card expires through the AIMA portal. The legal protection of your status during the wait depends on the request being submitted before the expiry date — even if the appointment itself happens months later.

Documents to have ready

Renewals are mostly proving you're still doing what you said you'd do.

• Updated proof of income (3 recent payslips or freelance invoices)
• Active lease or property deed
• Tax compliance certificate (Certidão de Não Dívida) from Finanças — issued instantly online, free
• Segurança Social compliance certificate — same
• Proof of physical presence (utility bills, school enrolments, gym subscriptions)
• Health insurance proof if you don't have SNS
• Updated criminal record only if requested

The presence requirement

Temporary residence permits cap absences at 6 consecutive months OR 8 non-consecutive months over the validity period. Going over usually means loss of permit, not just a renewal headache. Permanent residence is more forgiving (24 consecutive months).

Fees

Renewal fee: €72.10 in 2026, paid online when submitting. New card issuance: ~€15. Family members are renewed at the same fees.

If your card has expired

Don't panic and don't leave the country. A pending renewal request gives you the right to stay; once issued, the new card backdates to the day after the old one expired. Carry the AIMA receipt with your old card if you travel inside Schengen — border officers occasionally ask.