News from afpop

Check your SNS status
The Portuguese Medical Association (Ordem dos Médicos) has advised SNS users to check their registration status through the CLICK HERE: SNS24 app, following ongoing updates to the National User Register (RNU). The suggestion comes after concerns that some patients could lose access to important healthcare benefits, including a family doctor, if their records are not up to date. 

The updated RNU system, introduced in April, includes several registration categories. Patients with an “updated registration” remain eligible for health centre registration and assignment to a family doctor, while those with incomplete information may lose eligibility if required data are not provided. 

You should visit your local Health Centre if your status in the SNS24 app is not connected to any Health Centre and check if your personal and contact details are updated.

WiFi4EU helps users find free internet across Europe
Finding reliable internet access while travelling can often be a challenge, but the CLICK HERE: European Union's WiFi4EU programme is making it easier for residents and visitors to stay connected. Through the WiFi4EU mobile application, users can quickly locate free public Wi-Fi hotspots in thousands of towns and cities across Europe. One of the programme's strengths is its focus on accessibility and privacy. The application is free to download on both iOS and Android devices, contains no advertising and does not collect users' personal data. In some locations, users simply need to accept the terms of use before gaining internet access.

The free app displays nearby WiFi4EU hotspots on an interactive map, allowing users to find internet access without relying on mobile data. This can be particularly useful for tourists, remote workers, students and anyone visiting areas where mobile coverage may be limited. All participating hotspots use the same network name, “WiFi4EU”.

ETIAS delayed?
As we have reported in the past, the ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries which was supposed to be launched by the end of 2026.

The EU's official ETIAS website has removed the previous "last quarter of 2026" target and now only states that ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is not yet operational, and that a launch date will be announced in advance. 

The European Commission has indicated that preparations are ongoing and that the final go-live date will be announced only after the necessary testing and readiness requirements are met. We will keep members informed in our briefings as soon as the launch date has been announced.

Migration and Asylum
The reform CLICK HERE: Decreto da Assembleia da República n.º 105/XVII (2026), which implements several EU Migration and Asylum Pact regulations and directives and amends:

• Law 34/94 (reception of foreigners and stateless individuals in detention/reception centres),

• Law 23/2007 (foreigners' entry, stay, removal and expulsion regime),

• Law 27/2008 (asylum and international protection regime)

was sent to the President for approval.

The President subsequently requested a preventive constitutional review by the Constitutional Court.

The President states that:

• Portugal should combat illegal immigration

• Legal immigration should be effectively managed

• Border security is important

However, he is concerned that parts of the new law may go too far, particularly regarding:

• Family unity and children's rights, including situations that could separate parents and children or lead to the indirect expulsion of Portuguese minor children

• Detention of foreign nationals, where detention periods would be substantially increased even though the individuals have not committed crimes

• Asylum appeals, where people could potentially be removed from Portugal before a court has decided whether they have a valid asylum or protection claim

The announcement itself does not change anyone's status. It simply means that the implementation of some parts of the new immigration and asylum reform may be delayed pending the Constitutional Court's decision.

2nd IMI payment deadline approaching - reminder
If your Municipal Property Tax (Imposto Municipal sobre Imóveis – IMI) for the year exceeds €500 and you opted to pay in instalments, please be aware that the second payment is due by 31 August.

Taxpayers whose total IMI bill is over €500 have the option to split their payments into three equal instalments across the year (May, August, and November). You can check your payment references via the Finanças Portal or at your local tax office.

New EU packaging rules aim to cut waste
New packaging rules have come into force across the European Union, with the aim of reducing waste, improving recycling and making packaging safer for consumers.

The new rules cover many everyday products, including food containers, bottles, bags and takeaway packaging. Companies will gradually have to reduce unnecessary packaging and make it easier to recycle. The EU is also introducing restrictions on PFAS, chemicals sometimes known as “forever chemicals”, which can remain in the environment for a very long time. These restrictions will affect certain types of food packaging, such as pizza boxes and some fast-food containers.

Another change will be a reduction in excessive packaging. Companies will be expected to avoid using large amounts of packaging or leaving too much empty space inside boxes and containers. Some small single-use packages, such as individual portions of sauces, condiments and sugar, will also face restrictions.

From 2028, clearer labelling should make it easier for people to understand how different types of packaging should be recycled. Further changes will be introduced gradually, with important requirements coming into effect by 2030.

Overall, the new rules are designed to create less rubbish, encourage recycling and make packaging safer and more environmentally friendly.

AIMA Renewals Portal (non-EU): until November and December 2026 - reminder
The CLICK HERE: Renewals Portal is now also available for Residency Permit renewals expiring in November and December 2026. The Portal is only available for non-EU residencies that have expired or are due to expire between July 2025 and December 2026. If your authorisation expires at a later date, you will need to wait for the Portal to open for that specific month.

The renewal of Residence Permits for Investment (ARI) that expired between 22 February 2020 and 31 December 2026, is now available on the Renewals Portal.

Marriage certificates for AIMA
Are you a third-country national, a family member of a European Union (EU) national, and required to submit a marriage certificate to AIMA? 

Please check that the certificate was issued no more than six months prior to the date of your appointment and that it is duly signed and stamped. 

Alternatively, please provide, a valid access code (access code for a Portuguese electronic marriage certificate, certidão de casamento online), sometimes called a certidão permanente or electronic certificate. Instead of submitting a paper certificate, you can provide the CLICK HERE: code and the authority can consult the certificate online, but only if your marriage is recorded in the Portuguese Civil Registry. If it is not, you will usually need to submit the valid foreign marriage certificate itself.

This document is essential to confirm that the family relationship cited in the application is still valid.

Failure to provide an up-to-date marriage certificate or a valid access code for a Portuguese certificate may result in the application not being accepted due to the absence of a document essential to its processing. 

Whenever you need to submit documents, check the requirements in advance and ensure they are valid.

Residency renewal for EU citizens and family members – now on the Renewals Portal – new info
From 1 July, the Residency renewal application for European Union (EU) nationals and their family members is available on the CLICK HERE: Renewals Portal. 

Eligible holders should be able to carry out the following on the Renewals Portal:

• submit their application

• pay the fees

• submit the required documents

After entering the Portal, you will need to log in with a password.

If you have not registered before, change the language to English if you prefer and go to the bottom of the page to click on CREATE ACCOUNT. You will come to the next page, where you fill in your e-mail address, Residência certificate or card number, NIF (Portuguese Fiscal Number) and Date of Birth – then click on CREATE ACCOUNT again.

There have been issues with creating passwords for EU citizens and their family members, at present we are not completely sure why, but we will keep members informed. 

New info from AIMA:

Are you applying to renew a paper Residency card (carton version, not the paper certificate)?

If you are a European Union (EU) national, or a family member of an EU national who is a third-country national, and you wish to apply to renew a Residency card that is in paper/carton form, please ignore the first zero (0) on the left when entering the card number on the Renewals Portal.

Example: 011641 corresponds to 11641 on the Renewals Portal.

If you are still unable to submit your application, please send an email to geral@aima.gov.pt , stating the following in the subject line: Portal de Renovações, Agendamento CR papel, impossibilidade submeter pedido (Renewals Portal, Paper Residence Card appointment, unable to submit application).

In the email, please include your personal details (see below) and attach a copy of your carton Residency card. To avoid delays, include the following:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Nationality

• Passport or ID card number

• NIF (Portuguese tax number)

• A brief explanation that you are unable to submit the renewal request through the portal despite entering the card number without the leading zero

If you do succeed, then after starting the application on the Renewals Portal, it will be necessary for most applicants to provide biometric data in person. AIMA will arrange an appointment and notify the applicant of the date, time and location of the appointment.

Applications submitted via the AIMA contact form up to 30 June 2026 and appointments already booked will remain valid.

US Citizen digital fingerprinting and Canadian Citizen background check
Identity Abroad will be joining afpop in Portimão for a special Satellite Appointment Day on 31 August, making it easier for individuals in the Algarve to acquire U.S. and Canadian background checks for use in the Portuguese immigration process. 

Appointments will be available for:

• Expedited full-service FBI background checks for USA

• Expedited full-service RCMP background checks for Canada

• Digital live scan fingerprint capture & print-to-card service 

Current afpop members receive preferred pricing, and new afpop members who show that they've signed up within the last month, are eligible for €35 off an expedited full-service FBI or RCMP package.

Appointments are limited and advance booking is required. Use this link to reserve your appointment:  CLICK HERE https://calendly.com/identityabroad-info

Living in the Algarve seminar
We will be joining the Open Media group once again at their ‘Living in the Algarve’ seminar on 30 September at Conrad Algarve Hotel in Almancil. There is a morning and afternoon session, where you can hear the presentations and speak with experts in person if you have any questions. There will be coffee breaks to chat with our event partners. 

Save your FREE seats CLICK HERE: https://www.livinginthealgarve.pt 

Do you know someone thinking about moving to Portugal?
Do you have friends or family in the UK who are thinking about moving to Portugal, buying a property, retiring, working remotely or investing here?

The Moving to Portugal Show, organised by the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, takes place in London on 15 October 2026 and is a great opportunity to find out more about the practicalities of making Portugal your home.

The event brings together professionals covering property, taxation, legal matters, banking, pensions, healthcare and relocation, among other areas.

London – 15 October 2026, Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel & Spa

afpop will be there! Come and meet us, find out more about what we do and discover how we support foreign residents living in Portugal. Attendance is free, but advance registration is required.

Register for the Moving to Portugal Show – London CLICK HERE

Satellite offices
If you need advice or assistance, wish to introduce a new Member to the Association, need to renew your subscription, or just have a general query, please come and see us. We ask you to make an appointment and to inform us about your enquiry, so staff can come prepared to assist you. Please contact the afpop office to make an appointment on 282 458 509 or info@afpop.com.   

The next dates of the Satellites are: 

• Lagos – Wednesday, 23 September between 10h00 and 12h30 (premises of MediLagos on R. José Ferreira Canelas, which is behind the Câmara building) 

• Almancil – Tuesday, 29 September between 10h00 and 12h30 (premises of MEDAL Seguros)