PT ·
Portugal: AIMA opens online appointment requests for permanent residence
Since 5 November 2026, holders of a Portuguese temporary residence permit can use AIMA's online contact form to request an appointment for a permanent residence permit under Article 80 of Law No. 23/2007. Here is who may qualify, what to attach and what is still unclear.
What changed
On 5 November 2026, AIMA (Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) announced a new option in its online contact form at contactenos.aima.gov.pt. Applicants select the subject type "Autorização de Residência" and the subtype "Pedido de Agendamento – Concessão de Autorização de Residência Permanente". The option is only for requesting an appointment for the grant of a permanent residence permit under Article 80 of Law No. 23/2007 of 4 July, as currently worded. This information comes directly from AIMA's official website.
Who may apply
According to AIMA, applicants must meet all of these requirements: hold a temporary residence permit for at least five years; not have been sentenced, during the last five years of residence in Portugal, to a penalty or penalties that alone or together exceed one year of imprisonment; have means of subsistence; have accommodation; prove basic knowledge of Portuguese; and have their tax and social security situation in order. AIMA stresses that these requirements do not replace the check of all other legal conditions, so meeting this list does not mean automatic approval.
Documents and how to submit
With the form, applicants must attach a scanned copy of their valid residence permit and proof of legal residence in Portugal for at least five years, for example earlier residence permits, social security contribution records or income tax (IRS) returns. Submit only one request for the same purpose and do not send repeat requests while the first one is pending. Requests that do not fit this purpose or do not meet the conditions will not be considered. Renewals of permanent residence permits, permanent residence certificates for EU nationals and permanent residence cards for family members of EU nationals still go through AIMA's Renewals Portal (Portal de Renovações).
What is still unclear
AIMA's notice does not state how long it will take to receive an appointment or a decision, which fees apply, or exactly how basic Portuguese must be proven in each individual case. Portugal's immigration rules have changed several times recently, so check the latest guidance on aima.gov.pt before applying.
No recruitment fees and individual review
Workers pay no recruitment fees through WorkMarket.eu. Every cross-border move or legal work start needs individual human review, and nothing in this article means that you are automatically eligible for any permit. If you are planning your next job or residence step in Portugal, have your personal situation checked individually.