Medical Tourism in Portugal: How to Extend Your Visa for Recovery

Portugal offers two clear-cut ways to extend your stay after medical treatment, and both are handled entirely by AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo).

Short-stay medical visa (up to 365 days)

If you entered on a Temporary Stay Visa for Overseas Medical Treatment, you can request an extension before the original visa expires by logging into AIMA’s online portal (services.aima.gov.pt).  You will need:

• the original visa, passport and one passport photo

• a new medical certificate from the Portuguese hospital stating the fortuitous nature of the condition, the impossibility of return, and the expected duration of continued treatment 

• proof of sufficient funds for the extra days (bank statements or updated sponsorship letter)

• confirmation of extended travel insurance covering the additional period

• a new return-ticket reservation once the extension is approved

The fee is €30–50 and the decision is normally issued within 15 calendar days.  While your file is under review you are legally allowed to remain in Portugal .

Residence-based medical extension (after 365 days)

If you already converted the temporary visa into a residence permit, renewals are now fully digital provided your biometric data and passport are still valid.  You upload the same medical certificate plus proof of no criminal record and stable means, pay the fee online, and receive a 180-day renewal certificate that you can show at borders until the new card arrives .  Only if your biometrics have expired will you be called to an AIMA service desk.

In both cases, accompanying relatives need their own extension applications; children and spouses can be processed together under family reunification rules .  If AIMA refuses an extension, you have 15 days to complain at the consular post or three months to lodge a hierarchical appeal; the administrative-court route remains open as a last resort .