What provisions does the Portuguese government have for visa holders after June 2025?
The Portuguese government has established crucial provisions for visa holders that will come into effect after June 2025, as outlined in Decree-Law no. 41-A/2024. This decree allows documents set to expire during the transition to be valid until June 30, 2025, ensuring residents ample time to renew their permits. Following this period, holders of these documents may still enjoy continuance under the same terms if they provide proof of having scheduled their renewal. This flexibility reflects the government's commitment to supporting foreign residents and addressing the substantial administrative delays that have occurred recently. Individuals should stay well-informed about renewal processes and timelines to secure their residency without difficulty. Since the Portuguese immigration sector is undergoing significant reorganisation, engaging legal advisors can be invaluable in ensuring compliance with the latest regulations. With the growing expat community, utilising local networks for updates and shared experiences can also enhance the understanding of your rights and responsibilities. It's wise to keep all documentation prepared well in advance, facilitating a more straightforward renewal process. Being proactive about your immigration status cannot be overstated, particularly with upcoming changes. The government aims to create an efficient mechanism for processing renewals and minimizing delays, showcasing their intent to retain skilled immigrants. Connect with professionals who can assist with your immigration concerns to navigate this evolving landscape expertly. For plans beyond June 2025, it's essential to understand your rights fully and prepare ahead to avoid potential issues. Reach out today; we are here to provide tailored support for your immigration needs!
The prolonged and disorganized process of abolishing the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF);
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which initially slowed down administrative processes;
More recently, the inability of the Agency for Immigration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) to effectively manage and control the increase in the volume of pending cases.
Given this context, and due to the particular inability to currently guarantee an adequate mechanism for the renewal of Residence Permits, the Portuguese Government, on June 25, 2024, approved the extension of the validity of the aforementioned documents for another year. In accordance with the government decision, on June 28, 2024, Decree-Law no. 41-A/2024, came into force, a diploma that appears with the aim of alleviating the current administrative burden and guaranteeing time for migration services so that they can be reorganized, improving their efficiency in handling requests from foreign citizens.
Main Provisions of Decree-Law no. 41-A/2024 – regarding the amendment of article 16 of Decree-Law no. 10-A/2020, of March 13:
Validity extension until June 30, 2025:
"Documents and visas relating to stay in national territory, which validity expires from the date of entry into force of this decree-law or in the 15 days immediately preceding, are accepted, under the same terms, until June 30, 2025."
Provisions for after June 30, 2025:
Furthermore, as previously decreed, the extension includes the possibility that "The documents referred to in the previous paragraph continue to be accepted, under the same terms, after June 30, 2025, as long as their holder provides proof that they have already carried out the scheduling of the
respective renewal.".
Mariana Antunes Silva
Lawyer at Martínez-Echevarría & Ferreira
