End of Automatic Extensions for Expired Residence Permits in Portugal

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What Expats Need to Know (October 2025 Update)

The Portuguese government has officially ended the automatic validity extension of expired residence permits and visas that had been in place since the pandemic period. This marks a significant change for non-EU residents living in Portugal.

🔍 What Changed

For several years, residence permits that had expired during or after the pandemic were still considered valid under Decree-Law 10-A/2020, later extended by Decree-Law 41-A/2024 and most recently by Decree-Law 85-B/2025.

Those decrees automatically extended the validity of residence documents until 15 October 2025. After that date, however, expired documents will no longer be accepted as valid by Portuguese or European authorities.

From now on, holders of expired documents must either:

  • renew their residence permit through AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo); or

  • prove they have already started the renewal process by presenting the payment receipt, which grants temporary validity for 180 days while the new card is issued.

🧭 What You Should Do

  1. Check your permit’s expiry date.
    If it expired before or on 30 June 2025, the automatic extension applied until 15 October 2025 only.

  2. Submit your renewal application immediately through AIMA’s online portal or upon receiving an official notification email.

  3. Pay the renewal fee and keep the receipt — this serves as proof of legal stay for 180 days.

  4. Prepare for biometric data collection (fingerprints, photograph) if AIMA requests it.

  5. Do not rely on an expired document alone after 15 October 2025. Public offices, banks, and employers may now require either a valid card or proof of renewal.

  6. Stay alert to AIMA communications about appointments, payments, or biometric scheduling.

🧩 Why This Matters

The end of automatic extensions reflects a return to normal administrative procedures across Europe.
Originally, these exceptional measures were introduced to protect immigrants during the pandemic, when AIMA (then SEF) faced long processing delays.

Now, as those decrees expire, Portugal is aligning its practice with European biometric and residency standards — meaning every resident must hold an updated, biometric residence card to maintain legal status and freedom of movement within the Schengen Area.

Failure to renew may cause difficulties in:

  • renewing NHR or visa-related residence status;

  • traveling within the EU;

  • accessing healthcare or public administration portals;

  • maintaining employment or tenancy agreements.

✅ Summary

  • Automatic extensions ended 15 October 2025.

  • Expired permits are no longer valid on their own.

  • A renewal payment receipt grants 180 days of temporary validity.

  • Renew through AIMA and complete biometric registration when requested.

  • Keep all documentation and confirmations for proof of legal status.

📚 Official Sources & References

By Ulisses Carvalho – U C Homes
Helping Expats Live Legally and Confidently in Portugal 🇵🇹

Blog: uc-homes.blogspot.com
Email: ulisses.uchomes@gmail.com
Facebook: U C Homes – Extraordinary Houses

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