Introduction:
If you are an expat living in Portugal or planning an extended stay, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest regulations regarding visas and residency documents. Great news: documents and visas that expired on or after February 22, 2020, remain valid and are accepted by Portuguese authorities until June 30, 2025.
What Does the Law Say?
According to Article 16, paragraphs 1 and 8, of Decree-Law No. 10-A/2020, recently updated by Decree-Law No. 41-A/2024, documents and visas related to residency in Portugal that expired from February 22, 2020, remain legally valid and recognized until June 30, 2025.
Which Documents Are Included?
This extension applies to a broad range of documents, including:
- Residence Permits (AR), including CPLP Residence Permits;
- Registration Certificates for EU Citizens;
- Residence Cards for EU Citizens and their Family Members;
- Short-stay, temporary stay, and residence visas;
- Other official documents issued by Portuguese authorities.
Who Accepts These Extended Documents?
The extended validity of documents is recognized by:
- National Health Service (SNS);
- Social Security Institute (ISS);
- Portuguese Tax Authority (AT);
- Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP);
- Banks, employers, and local authorities (City and Parish Councils).
What This Means for Expats
If you hold an expired visa or residence permit, there’s no need to worry about its validity in Portugal until June 30, 2025. This extension allows you to:
- Stay in Portugal without penalties;
- Exit and re-enter Portugal using the expired document;
- Continue accessing public and private services, including healthcare, tax, and banking.
⚠️ Important Note:
The extension only applies within Portuguese territory. If you plan to travel to other Schengen countries, you must comply with the requirements set by the Schengen Borders Code.
Contact Information
For additional assistance, you can contact AIMA – Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum:
📞 Phone: (+351) 217 115 000
🕗 Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
🌐 Website: AIMA
Conclusion
This measure provides significant relief for expats and residents in Portugal, offering peace of mind regarding expired documents. If you have questions about your legal status or require assistance with renewals in the future, seek expert advice.
Portugal remains a welcoming and supportive destination for expatriates, demonstrating its commitment to integration and stability for its foreign residents.
For full legal details, refer to Decree-Law No. 10-A/2020 and Decree-Law No. 41-A/2024.
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