My daughter’s renewal appointment was on 11 December 2025. This has turned into a nightmare situation for us because on this day there was a general strike in Portugal. So AIMA offices were closed. Our lawyer has now told us that AIMA has rescheduled her appointment in July and that there is nothing that can be done about this. We are absolutely dismayed because we spent alot of time and money getting all the required documents apostilled and sent to Portugal for our lawyer to represent us. We had also planned a 3 week holiday this coming December. Now apparently her documents will still be valid but will this actually be the case? And will she even have her renewed card by December? The rest of the family had appointments in Sep and other dates in December so we are not affected. Any advice would be appreciated. We are dismayed as this occurred through no fault of my daughter - AIMA was closed due to the strike so why push her back in the queue? And is there really nothing our lawyer can do?
Aside from everything else - to avoid falling off the “straight and narrow” path where you have fewer problems, you should ensure you have updated valid docs at the time of your new appointment.
Sucks, but welcome to Portugal
My renewal appointment was in Sept and the lawyers handled the appointment. I am still waiting for the card and it’s been 4+ months now - does anyone know if there is a “renewal status” website or something like that where we can check if the card has gone for printing?
Howdy Folks, I have a quick question. My first resident card expired on july 2025.
I requested for renewal appointment which is scheduled for may 2026. However, I want to travel to Portugal this march 2026 to complete the current years residency requirement.
I come from a country which requires schengen visa. Can I travel to portugal (on direct flights) with this expired residence permit ? What is the latest regulation from portuguese authorities ?
Thanks
JP
Yes, you can enter Portugal as long as the flight arrives in the Schengen area directly in Portugal. At immigration, you present your expired residence permit and the appointment for its renewal.
Your biggest difficulty will be getting the airline to let you board. I traveled twice in this situation and had trouble convincing them at the airport by presenting an expired residence permit.
Nothing but my lawyers say they are now receiving cards from people who had an appt in early Sept.
Mine says GVs are on a slower track than D7s and are from June submissions. So YMMV.
Breaking News !!!
https://aima.gov.pt/pt/noticias/portal-de-renovacoes-aima-disponibiliza-renovacao-de-ari
I read this ( in English) but have absolutely no idea what it means or if its going to speed applications.
Do you? Or anyone else…
My concern is that AIMA will prioritize the analysis of processes through the Portal because everything is digitized and postpone the analysis of paper-based processes that were carried out in recent months.
Those who renew through the Portal will at least be able to track when the process is approved, those who renewed on paper have nowhere to consult any information. Furthermore, through the Portal it is possible to print the renewal certificate, extending the validity period while waiting to receive the physical card.
Okay, thanks.
I just submitted my renewal request through the ‘old’ method, no appointment yet, I wonder if I can apply again in the new method ( or possibly that will totally screw me 
)
You should definitely submit the application online.
All citizens holding ARI (Authorization for Residence for Investment) and their reunited family members must now:
- submit the renewal request, and
- pay the respective fees,
through the Renewal Portal, which becomes the sole channel for processing these administrative acts.
Apply online now, even if they recently requested an appointment for ARI renewal ( actually getting one yet)?
So I would just ignore the appointment when finally offered through the ‘old’ method?
Do you need to fulfill residency requirement while you don’t have a valid card? My understanding is that residency requirement only needs to be fulfilled during your card validity.
Can anyone confirm this? I won’t be able to apply for PR until mid 2027.
I have never heard of this.
I just read the law in the original post.
I did. I don’t see any mention of PR.
The law is confusing. It says that you (real estate investor) can still apply for GV PR. But then implies on renewal your permit is turned back into entrepreneur permit (which you had before PR?)