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Decree-Law 85-B/2025: Final Extension of Portugal Residence Permits Until October 15 | ZR Advogados

Decree-Law 85-B/2025: Final Extension of Portugal Residence Permits Until October 15

Portuguese Government publishes new decree-law providing final extension for residence permits expired until June 30 to October 15, 2025. AIMA to launch new digital portal for renewals in the coming days.

Final Extension Confirmed

Decree-Law No. 85-B/2025 was published in the Official Journal on June 30, automatically extending the validity of residence permits expired between February 22, 2020, and June 30, 2025, until October 15, 2025.

On June 30, 2025, Decree-Law No. 85-B/2025 was published in the Official Journal, establishing the final extension of residence permit validity for foreign citizens in Portugal. This new legislation marks the end of an extension cycle that began in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new decree automatically extends the validity of residence documents that expired between February 22, 2020, and June 30, 2025, until October 15, 2025. After this date, proof of renewal payment will be required to maintain legal status in national territory.

According to AIMA's official statement from July 2, 2025, the notification and renewal process is already operational, with specific procedures for different situations.

Essential Timeline

Jun 30, 2025

Decree Publication

Decree-Law 85-B/2025 published in the Official Journal

Jul 1, 2025

✅ Notifications Started

EMAIMA began sending email notifications in chronological order. Portal services.aima.gov.pt active

Oct 15, 2025

Extension Ends

Deadline for automatic validity of extended residence permits

Dec 2025

Completion Target

Government's goal to finalize all pending renewals

Key Changes and Exclusions

Visas Excluded

Unlike previous decrees, this legislation does not include visas in the automatic extension. Visas now require specific procedures through AIMA's new portal.

Future Residence Permits

Residence permits that expire from July 1, 2025 onwards are not covered by this extension and will require renewal through new procedures.

New Decree

This is a new decree-law, not an amendment to Decree-Law No. 10-A/2020. It represents a different approach to definitively resolve the renewal issue.

New AIMA Digital Portals

Visa Portal Already Available

AIMA has already launched a new online form to request visa extensions and appointments for AR and AR CPLP. The form also allows requesting appointments for permanent residence for EU citizens and family members, plus duplicate documents.

Access: AIMA Contact Portal

Process Already Started - July 2 Update

AIMA officially confirmed on July 2 that the notification process began on July 1, 2025. Two parallel digital services are operational:

  • Portal services.aima.gov.pt: Already active for permits expired until June 30
  • AIMA Renewals Portal: Will be available "during this week"

Step-by-Step Renewal Process

For Permits Expired Until June 30, 2025

Process via AIMA Mission Structure:

  1. Wait for Notification: You will receive email from EMAIMA in chronological order (February 2020 to June 2025)
  2. Access Portal: Log in to services.aima.gov.pt and revalidate credentials under "Renew Residence Permit"
  3. Generate DUC: Request Single Collection Document for fee payment
  4. Payment: Make payment within 10 working days
  5. Appointment: If necessary (expired biometric data or passport), receive in-person appointment proposal

For Permits Expiring After June 30, 2025

Process via AIMA Renewals Portal (available this week):

  1. Direct Access: Enter the Renewals Portal when made available
  2. Prior Payment: Make fee payment according to permit type
  3. Documentation: Attach copy of all required documentation
  4. Analysis: AIMA will analyze criminal record, precautionary measures and subsistence conditions
  5. Biometrics: Only called to AIMA Shop if process approved and data expired

Renewal Modalities

Online Renewal

For residents with valid biometric data and valid passport, the process will be fully digital through AIMA portals, with no need for in-person attendance.

In-Person Renewal

Only when biometric data or passport are expired, there will be need for in-person service at Mission Structure or AIMA Shops.

Renewal Certificate

180-Day Validity

After October 15, 2025, residence permit holders must present proof of renewal payment, issued by AIMA, with validity of 180 days from issuance.

AIMA Mission Structure

The decree establishes that AIMA will publicly disclose procedures for processing renewals, possibly involving the Mission Structure created to recover pending cases. This structure has already demonstrated effectiveness by:

  • Summoning over 500,000 foreign citizens since July 2024
  • Accelerating processing of all pending Expressions of Interest
  • Resolving operational constraints in the transition to new permit models
  • Implementing uniform model for CPLP citizens

Processing Expectations

According to DN Brasil sources, the Government has set a goal to complete all work by December 2025. The issuance of new cards should be faster than AIMA's current pace, as renewals require less detailed analysis than first residence permits.

Service Consolidation

The decree also signals an important structural change: after this renewal wave, all work will be concentrated within AIMA. The objective is to stop sharing the service with the Institute of Registries and Notarization (IRN), which began handling renewals after AIMA's creation.

Technological Modernization

AIMA has been developing technological platforms based on interoperability between Public Administration systems, aiming for dematerialization and simplification of residence permit renewal procedures.

Legal Security

The decree emphasizes the need to guarantee legal security for foreign citizens during the renewal process, ensuring:

  • Continuous access to essential rights and services
  • Regular stay in national territory
  • Orderly transition to new procedures
  • End of precarious regularizations through successive extensions

Attention to Deadlines

This is the final automatic extension. After October 15, 2025, it will be essential to have requested renewal and obtained proof of payment to maintain legal status in Portugal.

ZR Advogados Recommendations

Wait for Notification

For permits expired until June: Wait for EMAIMA email with instructions. For future permits: Access Renewals Portal directly when available.

Complete Documentation

Have your tax and contributory status regularized, plus valid passport, proof of financial means, health insurance, and updated criminal record.

Payment Deadline Attention

After generating the DUC, you have only 10 working days to make payment. Don't leave it to the last day to avoid problems.

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