Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has introduced a significant change to the renewal process for the Autorização de Residência para Investimento (ARI), commonly known as the golden visa. Starting February 16, 2026, renewal requests will be processed through an online Renewal Portal, reducing the need for in-person visits to AIMA offices.
This shift aims to streamline the administrative process for investors holding golden visas. According to AIMA, while the online portal will handle renewal requests and fee payments, in-person appointments will still be necessary for biometric data collection in certain cases.
The new system represents a departure from the previous model, where in-person appointments were central to the renewal process. Now, the focus will shift to maintaining accurate records within the online portal, which will include the renewal request, payment details, biometric status, and evidence of investment.
Despite these changes, AIMA emphasizes that the fundamental framework of the golden visa remains unchanged. The agency continues to classify the ARI as a residence route for third-country nationals engaging in investment activities in Portugal. The investment options, including the €500,000 route for qualifying non-real estate collective investment vehicles, are still in effect.
Investors are advised to view the online portal as a new channel for processing renewals rather than a shortcut that eliminates the need for thorough documentation. The renewal process will still require comprehensive records, including proof of the initial investment and any relevant family reunification documents.
AIMA has also indicated that if a renewal submitted through the portal requires biometric data collection, the system will automatically schedule an appointment and notify the applicant of the details.
In summary, while the transition to an online portal may simplify some aspects of the renewal process, it underscores the importance of maintaining accurate and complete documentation to ensure a smooth renewal experience.
Editor’s note — Greenlight publishes this article in Greenlight's neutral editorial voice, drafted with AI assistance from the source link and edited before publication. It is general information, not legal advice, and may not reflect the most recent regulatory change. Greenlight is a software platform, not a law firm — for binding guidance about your situation, engage an Ordem dos Advogados–registered lawyer. Always verify time-sensitive details against the original source linked on this page or the relevant government channel (AIMA, Diário da República, MNE) before relying on them.