If you’re living in Portugal with an expired residence permit, we have great news for you. The Portuguese government has officially extended the validity of residence permits until October 15th, 2025.
This decision brings relief to thousands of immigrants facing delays in renewals or administrative backlogs. In this guide, you’ll learn everything about the process, including eligibility, covered documents, renewal steps, costs, and how to stay fully legal in Portugal.
🔔 Latest Official Update on Portugal Residency Extension 2025
On June 23rd, 2025, the Council of Ministers approved a decree extending the validity of expired residence permits.
This decree was officially published in the Diário da República on June 30th, 2025, and came into effect immediately.
✅ Why Was This Extension Granted?
This decision addresses:
- Administrative backlogs.
- Issues caused by the transition from SEF to AIMA.
- Delays in processing immigration documents.
📑 Which Documents Are Covered by the Extension?
This extension applies to the following documents:
- 🏢 Residence permits (AR), including renewals in progress.
- 📝 Confirmed SEF or AIMA appointments.
- 📄 Receipts from Manifestação de Interesse submitted before the model was removed.
- 🔗 Pending SEF protocols, now handled by AIMA.
If your document expired between February 2020 and June 2025, you are legally covered by this decree until October 15th, 2025.
🛡️ Your Rights Are Fully Protected
While covered by this extension, you have full legal rights, including:
- ✅ Work legally in Portugal.
- ✅ Enroll in education or professional training.
- ✅ Access to public healthcare services.
- ✅ Ability to open and manage bank accounts.
- ✅ Access to public administration and social services.
- ✅ Free movement within Portugal.
Even if your document is expired, you are fully protected until October 2025.
🔄 Renewal Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Starting July 2025, AIMA has launched a simplified renewal process for all eligible applicants.
✔️ If Your Biometrics Are Already Registered: Fully Online Process
- 🖥️ Log into the AIMA portal.
- 💳 You will receive a bank payment reference.
- 📃 Once you pay, you’ll get a temporary certificate valid until October 15th, 2025, under the decree.
- 📬 Later, you will receive a notification for your physical card issuance.
📍 If You Need to Update Biometrics: In-Person Process
- AIMA will notify you by SMS, email, or through the portal.
- You will attend an in-person appointment to update your biometric data.
- A temporary document valid until October will be issued, followed by the process for your permanent residence card.
💰 How Much Does It Cost to Renew Residency in Portugal in 2025?
The renewal cost remains the same as a standard residence renewal, generally between €50 and €170, depending on the type of residence.
✅ Payment Methods:
- 💻 Online payment using the bank reference sent by AIMA.
- 🏦 In-person payment if biometrics are required.
🎯 Are You Eligible for This Extension?
You qualify for this residency extension if:
- Your residence permit expired between February 2020 and June 2025.
- You have an ongoing process with AIMA.
- You submitted a Manifestação de Interesse before the previous system was discontinued.
📬 How to Keep Your Contact Information Updated with AIMA
Follow these steps to ensure you don’t miss any important notifications:
- 🔐 Log in to the AIMA portal.
- 📝 Verify your email address and phone number.
- ✍️ Update any outdated contact details.
- 💾 Save the changes and confirm that your information is correct.
⚠️ Keeping your information updated is essential to receive critical notifications regarding your renewal process.
🚫 What If You Don’t Receive Notifications from AIMA?
If you haven’t received notifications, follow these steps:
- Check your spam or junk mail folders.
- Confirm your contact information is correct in the AIMA portal.
- Reach out directly to AIMA to verify your status.
🪪 Will I Receive a Physical Residence Card After Renewal?
- 📑 Initially, you’ll receive a temporary certificate, which is fully valid under the decree.
- 🪪 Your physical residence card will be issued once biometrics are updated and the process is finalized.
🤝 How Global Steps Advisory Can Help You
At Global Steps Advisory, we support clients with:
- ✅ Residence permit renewals.
- ✅ Biometric updates and appointments.
- ✅ Correction of incorrect data in AIMA’s system.
- ✅ Full legal support and representation.
🌐 Learn more at: www.globalstepsadvisory.com
Feeling overwhelmed? Our team is ready to help you navigate this process with ease.
❓ FAQs About the Portugal Residency Extension 2025
➕ Do I need to leave Portugal if my permit is expired?
No. This decree ensures your legal stay until October 15th, 2025.
➕ When will AIMA contact me?
Starting in July 2025, via SMS, email, or through the official portal.
➕ How can I update my contact info with AIMA?
Log into the AIMA portal and update your email and phone number.
➕ What happens if I miss the notification?
Check spam folders, verify your contact info in the portal, or contact AIMA directly.
➕ Can I work and access services with an expired document?
Yes. You are fully authorized to work, study, access healthcare, and public services until October 2025.
➕ Will I receive a physical card after renewing?
You will first get a temporary certificate, and the physical card will follow once the renewal is fully processed.
🏁 Conclusion: Stay Legal and Informed in Portugal
Thanks to this decree, you can continue living, working, studying, and accessing all essential services in Portugal without stress until October 15th, 2025.
If you need help with your renewal, biometric appointment, or legal advice, Global Steps Advisory is here to guide you every step of the way.
