Automatic Extension & Simplified Renewal of Portuguese Residence Permits
On June 27, 2025, the Portuguese government enacted Decree-Law n.º 85‑B/2025, introducing a prorogation of expired residence authorizations and establishing a new, streamlined renewal framework.
Why this matters
This decree stems from the exceptional regime initiated by Decree-Law n.º 10‑A/2020 during the COVID‑19 pandemic, which extended validity of visas and residence permits expiring since February 22, 2020. While originally temporary, the extensions became necessary due to structural and administrative delays at SEF and its successor AIMA, IP—even after the pandemic emergency ended.
To handle the backlog, the government created the Mission Structure for AIMA case recovery in July 2024, which led to over 500,000 foreign residents being called to regularize their status by June 2025. Furthermore the process also standardized CPLP residence permits.
Following this success, the January 2025 Council of Ministers renewed this task force for another six months to continue resolving pending residence renewals via digital platforms consequently maintaining interoperability between public systems.
Summary of the new Decree-Law’s Introduction
- Extension of residence permit validity is essential to ease administrative pressure and protect foreign citizens.
- Automatic renewal maintains legal certainty and access to essential rights and services.
- AIMA, IP, will publish detailed renewal processes and may continue using the Mission Structure.
Full Text of Article 2: The Core of the Update
Article 2. Prorrogação
1. Residence permits whose validity expires between 22 February 2020 and 30 June 2025 are automatically accepted under the same conditions until 15 October 2025.
2. After 15 October 2025, residence permits will be accepted only if the holder presents a proof of payment for the renewal request issued by AIMA, IP, valid for 180 days from its date of issuance.
3. AIMA, IP, will publicly disclose the procedure adopted for handling renewals, which may involve the Mission Structure for Recovering Pending AIMA, IP Processes.
Article 3: Entry into Force
“The present decree-law enters into force the day after its publication. Approved in the Council of Ministers on 23 June 2025. Promulgated on 27 June 2025.”
What Foreign Residents Should Know
- If your residence permit expired between Feb 2020 and Jun 2025, it’s valid through Oct 15, 2025.
- Donate proof of renewal payment after Oct 15, 2025—a document valid for 180 days must accompany renewal applications.
- Monitor AIMA, IP’s announcements for final procedures. Digital platforms and support via the Mission Structure remain active.
- Need help? Get in touch via our contact page.
Final Thoughts
This decree offers much-needed stability for foreign residents in Portugal by extending expired permits and clarifying renewal steps. It represents a significant move toward streamlined digital bureaucracy and ensures ongoing access to rights and services during this transition.
