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Work & skilled workersAnnouncementMedium impactVerified

Renewal of Paper Residence Cards: Specific Instructions for EU/Third-Country Family Members

🇵🇹 PortugalPermanent Residence1 recorded versionLast change 13 Aug 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

AIMA has established specific instructions for holders of paper residence cards, allowing the relevant EU-family-member cases to be handled through the appropriate renewal process rather than simply applying the ordinary residence-permit renewal procedure. This sits alongside AIMA's broader 2026 expansion of the Renewals Portal. As of 1 July 2026, the portal covers permanent residence certificates and permanent residence cards for EU nationals and their family members.

Overview

The Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA) has introduced a new procedure for renewing paper Residence Cards (CR) in Portugal. European Union nationals and their third-country national family members with these cards must now omit the leading '0' from their card number when using the Renewal Portal. This change, announced on 13 August 2026, aims to streamline the online renewal process for these specific cardholders and provides an alternative contact method for those unable to complete their application.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Third-country nationals who are family members of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals
  • Holders of paper-format residence cards
  • Family members whose paper residence document needs renewal
  • Applicants transitioning from older residence documentation to the current residence-card system

What changed in the latest version

Before

Holders of older paper residence documents had to rely on procedures that were largely handled through AIMA's contact/form and appointment systems.

After

AIMA has established specific instructions for holders of paper residence cards, allowing the relevant EU-family-member cases to be handled through the appropriate renewal process rather than simply applying the ordinary residence-permit renewal procedure. This sits alongside AIMA's broader 2026 expansion of the Renewals Portal. As of 1 July 2026, the portal covers permanent residence certificates and permanent residence cards for EU nationals and their family members.

This change simplifies the online renewal process for EU nationals and their third-country national family members in Portugal, potentially reducing administrative burden and common errors. By removing the requirement for NIF and NISS, applicants may experience a smoother and faster submission. Those who previously encountered difficulties due to these fields will find the process more accessible. Failing to follow the specific instruction for entering the CR number, or not using the correct email procedure if online submission fails, could still lead to delays or inability to renew. It directly affects how these individuals complete their renewal applications.

Explained simply

Imagine you have a special card for living in Portugal, and it's an old paper one with a number. When you try to renew it online, sometimes the computer gets confused if your card number starts with a '0'. The new rule says, just don't type that first '0'. If your card says '01234', you just type '1234'. If it still doesn't work after you try that, you can send an email to AIMA with your details and a picture of your card, and they will help you out.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v2Effective 13 Aug 2026AnnouncementMedium impact
    Renewal of Paper Residence Cards: Specific Instructions for EU/Third-Country Family Members

    The Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum (AIMA) updated its Renewal Portal on 15 September 2026, simplifying the process for European Union (EU) nationals and their third-country national family members renewing paper Residence Cards (CR). Applicants are no longer required to provide their NIF (tax identification number) and NISS (social security identification number) during the online renewal submission. However, the existing instruction to omit the leading zero when entering the CR number (e.g., '011641' becomes '11641') remains in effect. If submission issues persist, applicants should contact AIMA via email, providing their personal details and a copy of their paper CR.

Timeline

  1. Announced

    13 Aug 2026

    AIMA has provided new instructions for renewing paper Residence Cards for EU nationals and their third-country family members. When entering card numbers into the online renewal portal, the first leading zero must be omitted. If issues persist, applicants are advised to contact AIMA via email with specific subject line details.

Other routes in this country

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