Portugal launches online portal for EU citizens seeking permanent residence

From 1 July, Portugal's immigration agency AIMA has opened a new online service for applications for permanent residence. European citizens and their family members can now complete the entire process online: submit applications, upload documents and pay fees. No office queues required—everything is handled through the portal.

This forms part of a broader digitalisation of Portugal's immigration system. AIMA has pledged to streamline the process and make it more accessible to foreign nationals. The portal already allows users to renew visas valid until the end of October 2026, as well as to apply for investment residence permits (ARI).

An important note: if you submitted documents before 30 June using the old method, you need not resubmit. You may do so if you wish. Should biometric data collection be required, AIMA will invite you to attend—your appointment time will remain unchanged.

For EU citizens, this represents a positive development: Portugal is simplifying procedures and aligning itself with European digitalisation standards.

Source: Portugal News