Updated: 29 October 2026
Portugal's automatic extension of expired residence permits ended on 15 October 2025. If your residence card has expired, or is about to expire, you may be wondering whether you can still legally live and work in Portugal, how to renew your card, and whether you can travel while waiting.
The rules have changed significantly since the original extension. AIMA has introduced online renewal platforms, clarified what happens when a card expires, and gradually opened renewals for more expiry dates. A new law in September 2026 also removed the tacit approval mechanism for residence permit renewals under Article 82(7) of the Foreigners Law.
This guide explains what happened to the extension under Decree-Law 85-B/2025, which renewal route applies to you, and what to do now.
Quick Answer: Is Your Expired Residence Card Still Valid?
- The automatic extension ended on 15 October 2025. There has been no further general extension of expired Portuguese residence permits.
- Your right to reside may continue temporarily after your card expires. AIMA confirmed a six-month period for non-EU nationals holding Portuguese residence permits who have not yet renewed, subject to the applicable legal conditions. This does not mean the expired card has been automatically extended.
- Renewals are now mainly handled online. As of 29 October 2026, AIMA's Renewals Portal accepts ordinary residence permits expiring after 1 July 2025 and up to 31 January 2027. Older expired permits and CPLP permits have separate procedures.
- Late decisions no longer mean automatic approval. Law 62/2026 removed the general tacit approval rule for residence permit renewals from 11 September 2026.
- Travelling with an expired card is risky. A renewal receipt can help demonstrate your position in Portugal, but does not automatically authorise travel or re-entry through another country.
Important: The rules explained here concern Portuguese residence permits. They are not a general extension of short-stay Schengen visas, national visas or the 90-day visa-free visitor allowance.
What Decree-Law 85-B/2025 Actually Did
On 30 June 2025, Portugal published Decree-Law 85-B/2025, which entered into force on 1 July 2025.
This was the final stage of a series of automatic extensions that began during the COVID-19 pandemic under Decree-Law 10-A/2020.
Initially, the extensions were introduced because government offices could not operate normally. They continued because immigration authorities were struggling with large backlogs, including those inherited by AIMA following the closure of SEF in 2023.
The 2025 decree established two important rules:
- Residence permits that expired between 22 February 2020 and 30 June 2025 would continue to be accepted until 15 October 2025.
- After that date, expired residence documents would be accepted when accompanied by an AIMA document confirming payment of the renewal application, valid for 180 days from its issue.
The government intended this final extension to give residents time to use the new renewal systems rather than continue relying on expired documents indefinitely.
The 15 October 2025 deadline has now passed. It should not be confused with a current extension of residence cards.
What Happened on 15 October 2025?
On 15 October 2025, AIMA confirmed that the automatic extensions had ended. An expired residence card would no longer benefit from the general extension if the holder had not started renewing.
However, AIMA subsequently clarified an important distinction between the validity of the physical card and the person's underlying right of residence.
Under Article 63(14) of Regulatory Decree 84/2007, AIMA explained that the right of residence does not expire before six months have elapsed after the expiry of the residence card to be renewed, subject to the other applicable provisions of the Foreigners Law.
This clarification specifically concerns non-EU nationals holding Portuguese residence permits. It should not be treated as an unconditional guarantee for every foreign resident or every category of residence documentation. EU citizens and their family members may be covered by a different legal regime.
For non-EU nationals who had not yet renewed, AIMA explained that the six-month period was calculated according to when their residence card expired.
| When your residence card expired | How the six-month period was calculated | What this means now |
|---|---|---|
| On or before 30 June 2025 | Six months from 15 October 2025 | The special period ended on 15 April 2026. |
| After 30 June 2025 | Six months from the expiry date printed on the card | The deadline depends on your individual expiry date. |
| Your renewal application has already been submitted | Your position is supported by the pending renewal and the relevant AIMA documentation | Keep your expired card and official proof of renewal together. |
For example, if your card expired on 1 August 2026, AIMA's six-month explanation points to 1 February 2027 as the end of that period if you have not renewed, subject to the applicable legal conditions.
This is not permission to ignore renewal deadlines. The six-month rule concerns the right of residence, not a blanket extension of the expiry date printed on your card. It also does not replace the normal legal obligation to apply for renewal before expiry.
If your card expired before July 2025 and you never renewed it, the special six-month period has already ended. You should contact AIMA or obtain legal advice urgently rather than assume you remain covered.
You can read AIMA's official clarification on the right of residence.
How Portugal's Residence Permit Renewals Have Changed Since 2025
Since the final extension ended, AIMA has gradually moved more renewal work online. The goal is to reduce the need for in-person appointments and deal with applications before large numbers of cards expire.
| Date | What changed | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 30 June 2025 | Decree-Law 85-B/2025 published | Established the final extension until 15 October 2025. |
| July 2025 | AIMA and its Mission Structure introduced separate online renewal services | Renewals began moving away from the previous appointment-based system. |
| 26 September 2025 | AIMA published a special request procedure for older expired permits | Eligible residents whose cards expired between 22 February 2020 and 30 June 2025 could initiate a renewal request even if they had not received a notification. |
| 15 October 2025 | Automatic residence permit extensions ended | Residents could no longer rely on the general extension alone. |
| October 2025 | AIMA clarified the six-month right of residence | Explained the temporary position of certain non-EU residents after their card expired without renewal. |
| 16 February 2026 | Online renewals opened for Golden Visa (ARI) holders | Eligible investors could submit renewals and pay fees through the Renewals Portal. |
| 1 July 2026 | The portal expanded to applications for permanent residence certificates and cards for eligible EU citizens and family members | Eligible applicants could request the issuance of permanent residence certificates under Article 16 and permanent residence cards under Article 17 of Law 37/2006. |
| 11 September 2026 | Law 62/2026 came into force | Removed the tacit approval rule when AIMA misses the residence permit renewal decision deadline. |
| 23 October 2026 | The ordinary renewal window expanded to permits expiring by 31 January 2027 | More residents can submit renewals before their cards expire. |
The latest ordinary renewal portal expansion was reported on 23 October 2026. It allows holders of eligible residence permits expiring in January 2027 to begin renewing rather than waiting for their expiry date.
It is important to distinguish this ordinary renewal procedure from the separate EU free-movement regime. The functionality introduced on 1 July 2026 covers applications for the issuance of permanent residence documents for qualifying EU nationals and their family members. It is not a general online renewal service for every EU residence document.
Renewal windows can change, so always check AIMA's official website for the latest eligibility dates.
Which AIMA Renewal Route Applies to You?
Portugal currently uses different renewal routes depending on the type of residence permit and its expiry date.
Choosing the correct platform is important. A residence card that expired in 2024 is not generally handled through the same process as an ordinary card expiring in December 2026. CPLP residence permits and EU residence documents also have separate procedures.
| Your situation | Where to apply | Important information |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary residence permit expired between 22 February 2020 and 30 June 2025 | AIMA Services platform | Use the special process for older expired permits. If you have not received a renewal notification, you can initiate a request through AIMA's older-permit renewal request page. This procedure excludes CPLP, ARI and EU residence cards. |
| Ordinary temporary residence permit expired after 1 July 2025 or expires by 31 January 2027 | AIMA Renewals Portal | The current online window covers these expiry dates, subject to the usual renewal requirements. If your card expired on exactly 1 July 2025, check with AIMA, as its published descriptions of the starting date have not been entirely consistent. |
| CPLP residence permit or certificate | AIMA CPLP renewal and replacement service | CPLP permits have a separate procedure. Follow the specific notification and instructions for renewal or replacement with the uniform residence card. Do not use the ordinary older-permit request process. |
| Residence Permit for Investment (ARI), also known as a Golden Visa | AIMA Renewals Portal | The ARI route has its own conditions. Recent reporting indicates eligibility through 31 January 2027, but AIMA's published ARI FAQ still refers to 31 December 2026. Check the live portal for current eligibility. |
| Eligible application for issuance of a permanent residence certificate for an EU citizen or a permanent residence card for a qualifying non-EU family member | AIMA Renewals Portal | The portal provides the procedure for issuance under Articles 16 and 17 of Law 37/2006. This is a separate EU free-movement procedure, not a general renewal route for all EU residence documents. |
| Existing permanent residence permit under the Foreigners Law for a non-EU national | Check the category-specific procedure with AIMA | AIMA has published separate appointment guidance for permanent residence permits. Do not assume that every permanent card can use the ordinary online renewal route solely because its expiry date is within the current window. |
| Ordinary residence permit expiring after 31 January 2027 | Wait for AIMA to open the next renewal window | Check the portal regularly and prepare your documents in advance. The legal renewal timetable still applies, even where portal availability creates practical difficulties. |
What if your older residence card expired and AIMA never contacted you?
On 26 September 2025, AIMA published a specific procedure for ordinary residence permits that expired between 22 February 2020 and 30 June 2025 where the holder had not received a renewal notification.
Eligible applicants can initiate their request through services.aima.gov.pt/RAR/reqrenew.
After making the request, AIMA explains that the applicant will be contacted by email with confirmation, payment instructions and, where required, arrangements for an appointment and biometric collection. Applicants will also receive instructions about submitting their supporting documents through the platform.
This route does not cover CPLP permits, Golden Visas or EU residence cards.
What if your card expired more than six months ago?
The general government renewal guidance warns that someone whose residence permit expired more than six months ago may need to make a new residence application rather than use ordinary renewal procedures.
However, AIMA also operates a specific process for older permits affected by the historic extension period. If this applies to you, check whether your case is covered by that process before assuming that ordinary renewal is available.
This is particularly important if you never received an AIMA renewal notification, were unable to access the platform, or have been waiting for a response for many months.
For further information about appointments and procedures, see our AIMA appointments guide for 2026.
How the Online Renewal Process Works
For eligible applicants, the online process is intended to avoid an unnecessary visit to an AIMA office.
When should you apply for renewal?
Under Article 78(1) of Law 23/2007, an application to renew a temporary residence permit should be made at least 30 days before the card expires.
Article 63(16) of Regulatory Decree 84/2007 provides for applications during the period from 90 to 30 days before expiry. The same timetable is explained on the official gov.pt residence permit renewal page.
In practical terms, you should normally apply between 90 and 30 days before your temporary residence card expires.
However, AIMA's online portal may not yet be open for every upcoming expiry month. If your application window is unavailable, monitor AIMA's announcements and keep evidence of any attempts to apply or difficulties accessing the procedure.
The six-month residence rule explained earlier does not replace the normal renewal deadline.
What are the steps?
In general, you will need to:
- Access the correct AIMA platform and identify your residence permit.
- Confirm your personal details, including your address, email and passport information.
- Provide the supporting documents required for your type of residence permit.
- Ensure your tax and Social Security obligations are up to date, where applicable.
- Generate and pay the appropriate renewal fee.
- Check your AIMA account for the official renewal receipt or confirmation once it has been issued.
- Save that document and monitor the status of your application.
Payment and receipt issuance are not necessarily simultaneous. A payment reference or bank payment confirmation should not be confused with the official AIMA renewal receipt.
For older expired permits handled through AIMA Services, AIMA states that the official renewal receipt is made available in the applicant's account within up to 10 working days after payment confirmation.
AIMA may check your criminal record, means of subsistence, accommodation and other conditions relevant to your residence category.
If updated biometric information is required, AIMA can arrange an appointment. Not every applicant needs to attend in person.
Make sure your contact details are correct
An incorrect address or email can create avoidable problems, including missed notifications and delays in receiving your new card.
If you need to correct your address, AIMA instructs applicants to use its contact form and select the Renewals Portal category followed by the address correction option.
Other personal information can also be corrected through the relevant AIMA contact procedure.
Check that documents are readable, complete and current. If AIMA requests additional documents or corrections, respond within the deadline stated in the notification.
Your AIMA Renewal Receipt: What It Does and Does Not Do
One of the most important documents during a renewal is the official confirmation that AIMA has registered your application and received the applicable payment.
Under Decree-Law 85-B/2025 and AIMA's published guidance, the confirmation issued following registration and payment has a validity period of 180 days.
For older permits handled through AIMA Services, the official receipt may not appear immediately after payment. AIMA says it should be available in the applicant's account within up to 10 working days after payment confirmation.
Until the document is issued, keep your payment evidence and check your account, but do not assume that a payment reference or bank transfer receipt has exactly the same legal function as the official renewal receipt.
Article 78(7) of the Foreigners Law separately recognises that a renewal receipt can have the same effects as a residence permit for a renewable period. The statutory provision refers to 60 days, while the special confirmation issued under the 2025 decree has a 180-day validity period.
The important point is to check which document you have and the validity period that applies to it.
What the receipt can help you demonstrate
Inside Portugal, an expired residence card together with the appropriate renewal confirmation can help demonstrate that you have started the legal process of renewing your residence.
This can be important when dealing with:
- Employers and employment documentation.
- Portuguese tax authorities.
- Social Security.
- The National Health Service.
- Banks and other institutions that need evidence of residence status.
Some institutions may ask for additional documents or clarification. If this happens, you can provide your AIMA confirmation and refer them to the applicable legislation and official guidance.
Acceptance and documentation requirements can vary according to the institution and the circumstances. Do not assume that every organisation will accept the same documents without further checks.
What the receipt does not guarantee
- It does not mean that AIMA has approved your renewal.
- It does not replace the need to satisfy the conditions for your residence category.
- It is not a passport or an internationally recognised travel document.
- It does not guarantee that an airline or another Schengen country will accept your expired residence card.
If your confirmation is approaching its expiry date and AIMA has not decided your case, seek updated proof or clarification from AIMA. Do not simply assume that an expired receipt will be accepted indefinitely.
The End of Tacit Approval for AIMA Renewals
One of the most significant legal changes in 2026 was the removal of the automatic approval rule for delayed residence permit renewals.
Previously, Article 82(7) of Law 23/2007 provided that when AIMA failed to decide a renewal within the statutory period for reasons not attributable to the applicant, the request was treated as approved.
This was known as tacit approval (deferimento tácito).
On 10 September 2026, Portugal published Law 62/2026, which entered into force the following day.
The law expressly revoked Article 82(7), removing that automatic approval mechanism for residence permit renewals.
What does that mean for your renewal?
AIMA still has a statutory deadline of 60 days to decide a residence permit renewal under Article 82(6).
However, if that deadline passes without a decision, your application is no longer automatically approved under the repealed rule.
The separate 90-day decision period, with a possible exceptional extension of 30 days, concerns the granting of residence permits and should not be confused with the standard 60-day renewal deadline.
What if your application had already passed the 60-day deadline before 11 September 2026?
The legal position may require individual assessment. In particular, whether an applicant had already acquired rights under the previous tacit approval provision should not be assumed without reviewing the dates and circumstances of the application.
If your renewal is substantially delayed, you can request an update from AIMA, keep your documentation current and seek legal advice about available administrative or court remedies.
A prolonged delay does not necessarily mean your application has been rejected, but neither should it be treated as automatically approved.
Can You Travel While Your Residence Permit Renewal Is Pending?
This is one of the biggest concerns for residents waiting for a new card.
The safest approach is not to rely on an expired Portuguese residence card and an AIMA receipt for international travel.
Portugal's historic automatic extensions were domestic arrangements. They did not require other Schengen countries or airlines to recognise an expired Portuguese residence permit as a valid travel or entry document.
A renewal receipt is also not a substitute for the travel documents or entry authorisation required by another country.
What happens if you leave Portugal?
The risks depend on your nationality, the destination, your journey and whether you need a visa to enter the Schengen Area.
Possible difficulties include:
- An airline refusing boarding because your residence card has expired.
- Questions at border control about your right to enter or transit through another Schengen country.
- Difficulty returning to Portugal if your nationality normally requires a Schengen visa.
- Disagreement about whether your renewal confirmation satisfies the documentary requirements for your journey.
Even a direct flight to Portugal does not remove every risk, particularly where the airline must check your right to travel before allowing you to board.
If travel is unavoidable, carry your valid passport, expired residence card, AIMA renewal confirmation and other evidence relevant to your immigration position.
Documents such as proof of your Portuguese address, employment or studies may be useful supporting evidence, but they do not guarantee permission to board or enter.
Before booking, check the rules with the relevant authorities and your airline. If your situation is complicated, obtain immigration advice first.
What to Do Now if Your Residence Card Has Expired
If your Portuguese residence card has expired or is approaching expiry, the following steps can help you avoid unnecessary problems.
- Check the expiry date and permit category. Establish whether your card belongs to the older extension period, the newer online renewal system, or a separate CPLP, ARI, permanent residence or EU procedure.
- Check the legal renewal deadline. Temporary residence permit renewals should normally be requested between 90 and 30 days before expiry. Do not treat the six-month residence rule as a replacement for this timetable.
- Identify the correct AIMA platform. Use AIMA Services for eligible older permits, the CPLP procedure for relevant CPLP permits, or the Renewals Portal for the categories and dates currently supported.
- Start the process promptly. If your renewal window is open, apply within the legal timetable. If the portal is unavailable, monitor AIMA's announcements and retain evidence of any difficulties.
- Prepare your documents. Check your passport, proof of accommodation, financial evidence and any tax or Social Security requirements.
- Pay the fee and obtain your official receipt. Keep payment evidence, then download the official renewal receipt once AIMA makes it available. For older permits, this can take up to 10 working days after payment confirmation.
- Check your contact details. Make sure AIMA has your correct email and address so you can receive notifications.
- Monitor the confirmation's validity. If your case remains pending as the document approaches expiry, contact AIMA about obtaining updated proof.
- Be careful about travelling. Do not assume that a Portuguese renewal receipt will be accepted abroad.
- Get help if your case is stuck. If you have missed deadlines, cannot access your account or have experienced a prolonged delay, obtain advice on the appropriate next step.
If you have already made repeated attempts to renew without success, keep records of portal errors, submissions, payments and your communications with AIMA. These may be important if your case needs to be reviewed.
Common Questions About AIMA Residence Permit Extensions
Is my expired residence card still valid in Portugal?
The general automatic extension ended on 15 October 2025. AIMA says the right of residence for non-EU permit holders who have not renewed can continue for up to six months after expiry, subject to legal conditions, but this does not create a new valid card. If you have applied, carry your expired card and official AIMA renewal confirmation. The special six-month period for cards that expired by 30 June 2025 ended on 15 April 2026.
My card expired before 30 June 2025 and I never renewed. What now?
The special six-month residence period for those cards ended on 15 April 2026. If you hold an ordinary residence permit and never received a renewal notification, check AIMA's older-permit procedure at services.aima.gov.pt/RAR/reqrenew. CPLP, ARI and EU documents have separate procedures. Obtain legal advice, particularly if you are more than six months past expiry. Do not assume that an expired card alone protects your status.
Can I renew before my card expires?
Yes, if AIMA has opened your expiry period. Temporary residence permit renewals should normally be requested between 90 and 30 days before expiry. As of 29 October 2026, the Renewals Portal accepts eligible ordinary permits expiring through 31 January 2027. For later dates, check when AIMA opens the next window. If your card expired on exactly 1 July 2025, confirm the correct procedure with AIMA because published eligibility wording differs.
Will my renewal be approved automatically if AIMA is late?
No. Law 62/2026 removed the tacit approval rule for residence permit renewals from 11 September 2026. The statutory decision deadline remains 60 days, but missing it does not itself approve your case. Applications that had already passed the deadline before the law changed may require individual legal assessment.
Can I travel with an expired card and a receipt?
Do not rely on the expired card and receipt for international travel. Portuguese extensions are domestic arrangements, and airlines or other Schengen countries may refuse them. Obtain destination-specific advice before travelling.
Does a delay affect my path to citizenship?
It can affect the calculation and proof of legal residence. For nationality applications submitted since 19 May 2026, the general residence requirement is seven years for nationals of EU Member States or countries with Portuguese as an official language, and ten years for other nationals. Organic Law 1/2026 also repealed Article 15(4), which previously allowed time from a temporary residence permit application to count if the permit was subsequently approved. The new Article 15(3) sets rules for combining qualifying periods of legal residence. Nationality applications already pending on 19 May 2026 follow the previous law. AIMA delays do not automatically interrupt legal residence, but their effect on citizenship eligibility now requires careful assessment.
Need Help With Your AIMA Residence Permit Renewal?
Renewing a residence permit should be straightforward, but we know that it does not always work that way.
Some residents cannot access the AIMA platform. Others have expired cards, missing notifications, incorrect details or applications that have been pending for months.
At Visas.pt, our immigration team can help you understand the renewal procedure, prepare the required documentation and identify the available options when your application is delayed.
Where appropriate, our legal team can also assess whether further action is necessary to obtain a decision from AIMA.
We can help with:
- Residence permit renewal questions and document preparation.
- AIMA appointment and procedural difficulties.
- Expired residence cards and missed renewal deadlines.
- Delayed applications and possible legal remedies.
- Questions about travel while awaiting a residence card.
- How residence documentation may affect future permanent residence or citizenship applications.
Book a free consultation for a 15-minute introductory call to discuss your situation and the services we may be able to provide. This free introduction is not a legal consultation and does not include individual legal advice.
If you need advice on your legal rights, a delayed application or possible court action, you can arrange a dedicated consultation with one of our immigration lawyers.
You can also explore our AIMA appointment assistance service or arrange a more detailed immigration consultation.
Official Sources and Further Reading
The information in this article is based on Portuguese legislation and published guidance from AIMA and government authorities, together with reporting on the latest renewal portal changes.
- Diário da República: Decree-Law 85-B/2025, 30 June 2025. The final automatic extension and the 180-day renewal confirmation.
- AIMA: End of Automatic Residence Permit Extensions, 15 October 2025. Official explanation of the end of extensions and the renewal process.
- AIMA: Clarification on the Right of Residence. The six-month rule for non-EU residence permit holders.
- Regulatory Decree 84/2007, Article 63. Legal provisions on residence permit renewal timing and the right of residence following card expiry.
- AIMA: Special Renewal Procedure for Residence Permits Expired Between February 2020 and June 2025. The older-permit request process, exclusions and receipt issuance timetable.
- AIMA: Renewal and Replacement of CPLP Residence Permits. Separate instructions for CPLP residence permits and certificates.
- AIMA: Online ARI Renewals. Guidance on the investment residence renewal process introduced in February 2026.
- AIMA: ARI Frequently Asked Questions. Published eligibility information, including the older December 2026 endpoint. Check the live Renewals Portal for updated eligibility.
- AIMA: Permanent Residence Certificates and Cards for EU Citizens and Family Members. Online issuance procedures under Articles 16 and 17 of Law 37/2006, introduced in July 2026.
- AIMA: March 2026 Frequently Asked Questions. Guidance on category-specific residence procedures, including permanent residence permits.
- Diário da República: Law 62/2026, 10 September 2026. Changes to the Foreigners Law, including repeal of the tacit approval provision.
- Gov.pt: Renew a Residence Permit. General renewal eligibility, the normal 90-to-30-day application period and documentation. Some operational information may be superseded by AIMA's newer instructions.
- Diário da República: Organic Law 1/2026, 18 May 2026. Changes to Portuguese nationality requirements, the calculation of legal residence and transitional rules.
- IRN: Nationality Law Changes Effective 19 May 2026. Government explanation of the nationality rules and transitional provisions.
- DN Brasil: Residence Permits Expiring in January Can Now Be Renewed, 23 October 2026. Reporting on the expansion of AIMA's online renewal window to January 2027.
- AIMA Official Website. Current renewal announcements, portals and contact information.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Portuguese immigration procedures as of 29 October 2026. It is not individual legal advice. Immigration rules, administrative procedures and renewal windows may change. Your rights and available options depend on your nationality, residence category, application history and individual circumstances.