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How to get a Resident Permit

Autorização de Residência

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Contacts

For a request to grant or renew a Permanent Residence Permit, AIMA currently instructs applicants to request an appointment by email.

Appointment Request: Granting/Renewal of Permanent Residence Permit

After sending the email, wait for AIMA to schedule the appointment.

What is it?

A Permanent Residence Permit (Autorização de Residência Permanente) allows a third-country national who meets the legal requirements to have permanent residence in Portugal.

It is different from a temporary residence permit. A person can generally apply for permanent residence after holding a temporary residence permit for at least five years, provided that they meet the other legal requirements.

The right of permanent residence is not the same as having a card that never expires. The residence title/document must be renewed every five years, or whenever there is a change in the personal identification information on the document.

Who can apply?

You may be eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit if you have held a Temporary Residence Permit for at least five years and meet the other requirements established by Portuguese law.

The main requirements include:

  1. You must have held a Temporary Residence Permit for at least 5 years.
  2. During the last five years, you must not have been convicted of a crime resulting in a sentence or sentences exceeding one year of imprisonment, subject to the specific rules in the law.
  3. You must have sufficient means of subsistence.
  4. You must have accommodation in Portugal.
  5. You must demonstrate basic knowledge of Portuguese.
  6. You must comply with the applicable tax and Social Security obligations.

Step-by-Step guide

  1. Check that you meet the requirements (temporary residence permit for at least five years, evidence of income, accommodation, Portuguese-language knowledge and compliance with your tax and Social Security obligations)
  2. Request an appointment
  3. Prepare the required documents
  4. Prepare proof of Portuguese
  5. Attend the appointment (in person)
  6. Submit your documents (AIMA will assess your application and may request additional information or documentation if necessary)
  7. Wait for the decision

Documents Required

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of financial means
  • Proof of address/accommodation
  • Proof of compliance with tax obligations
  • Proof of compliance with Social Security obligations
  • Proof of basic knowledge of Portuguese
  • Completed application form
  • Any additional documentation requested by AIMA based on your circumstances

Information up to date

Residence procedures in Portugal can change. If you notice that any information on this page is outdated, incorrect or missing, please let us know so that we can review and update it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this service.

For the Permanent Residence Permit under Article 80, you generally need to have held a Temporary Residence Permit for at least five years. Simply having lived in Portugal for five years does not automatically mean that you qualify. You must also meet the other legal requirements.

Where we are

Rua Carvalho Araújo 66-B
1900-140 Lisboa
Portugal

How to Get Here

  • Metro: Linha Verde (Green Line) - Intendente Station
  • Bus: 708, 730, 742, 794

Opening hours

Mon, Tue, Thu
10:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30
Wednesday (Extended)
Until 19:30
Friday
Until 18:30
No appointment needed. Just walk in.

Contact info

+351 964 809 959