This measure is part of AIMA's ongoing effort to improve responsiveness and ensure greater predictability and transparency for citizens and investors.

The renewal and payment process will be entirely digital, as stated on AIMA's website, as part of the agency's "modernisation and streamlining of services."

The agency also states that "all previously scheduled appointments for ARI renewal, where attendance is strictly necessary for the collection of biometric data due to invalid biometrics – as indicated in the respective appointment notifications sent in due course – must be maintained."

Thus, in-person services are only for those who need to provide biometric data to the agency, but they will not be able to submit their renewal request there, as it will "go entirely through the Renewal Portal."

AIMA also states that "The administrative procedure will proceed normally and culminate in the respective decision." However, "in case of approval, the effectiveness of the act will be conditional on the collection of the biometric data necessary for the issuance of the Residence Permit."

Fully digital process

AIMA reinforces that the Portal das Renovações will become "the only channel for processing these administrative acts." Thus, citizens holding an ARI and their family members, who are already regrouped, must use the portal to submit renewal requests and pay the applicable fees.

Biometric data collection

If it is necessary to collect the biometric data of the citizen requesting the renewal, the agency will automatically schedule a date for this. After scheduling, the citizen will be notified of the date, time, and location where they must appear to ensure their biometrics are collected. Once the data is collected, the rest of the process returns to the digital platforms.