Temporary Residence Authorization for those who stayed in Portugal with an expired residence right
Official AIMA news
This article is based on the official AIMA news: Formulário de Contacto: Pedido de AR Temporária - Art. 122.º alínea j. Below we summarize procedures, documents and links provided by AIMA.
Art. 122(1)(j) of the Portuguese Foreigners Act (REPSAE) applies to foreign nationals who have not left Portugal and whose residence right has expired. AIMA has made available a specific contact form for this type of Temporary Residence Authorization (AR) application without visa.
1. Who Can Apply Under Art. 122(j)
Art. 122(j) applies to foreign nationals who:
- Have not left national territory during the relevant period
- Whose residence right has expired (e.g. expired residence permit)
Grace Period
According to AIMA clarification, residence rights are maintained for 6 months after the residence authorization card expires. For cards that expired by June 30, 2025, residents have until April 15, 2026 to maintain their rights, provided they have not left Portugal during this period.
2. Where to Find the Form
The contact form for temporary AR applications under Art. 122(j) is available at:
contactenos.aima.gov.pt/contact-form
Select the application type corresponding to Temporary Residence Authorization without visa — Art. 122(j).
To submit missing documents for pending processes, you must indicate your Foreigner Identification Number (found on the process receipt).
3. Required Documents
According to AIMA and the legal framework, the documents to submit include:
- Two passport-style photographs (colour, plain background, recent) — if scheduling in person at AIMA Lojas
- Valid passport
- Sworn statement of residence address (indicating tenure type: owner, tenant, subtenant, usufructuary, etc.)
- Proof of property or rental — property registry certificate (if owner/usufructuary) or landlord declaration (if tenant)
- Proof of means of subsistence
- Proof of continuous stay in Portugal (not having left national territory)
Address and Tenure
The address declaration must indicate the type of occupancy: owner, tenant, subtenant, usufructuary or other. The proof must match (property registry for owners, landlord declaration for tenants).
Stay in Portugal
It is essential to document that you have not left Portugal. Bank statements, utility bills, employment proof or other documents demonstrating continuous presence in national territory may be used.
4. Legal Framework
Procedures are regulated by Art. 122(1)(j) of REPSAE, in conjunction with Art. 61 of Regulatory Decree 84/2007 of November 5 (current version) and Ordinance 1563/2007 of December 11.
5. Official Links
- Contact Form (temporary AR Art. 122(j)): contactenos.aima.gov.pt/contact-form
- AIMA News – AR 122(j) Form: aima.gov.pt/pt/noticias/formulario-de-contacto-pedido-de-ar-temporaria-art-o-122-alinea-j
- AIMA Page – Art. 122(j): aima.gov.pt/pt/viver/que-nao-se-tenham-ausentado-de-portugal-e-cujo-direito-de-residencia-tenha-caducado-art-122-o-1-al-j
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for temporary residence under Art. 122(j)?
Foreign nationals who have not left Portugal and whose residence right has expired. The law provides a grace period: residence rights are maintained for 6 months after the card expires. For cards expired by 30/06/2025, deadline until 15/04/2026, provided they have not left Portugal.
Where is the form for temporary residence Art. 122(j)?
The form is at contactenos.aima.gov.pt/contact-form. Select the application type corresponding to temporary residence without visa, Art. 122(j). To submit missing documents, indicate your Foreigner Identification Number (from the process receipt).
What documents are required for Art. 122(j) applications?
Valid passport; sworn statement of residence address (indicating tenure type); proof of property/rental (property registry or landlord declaration); proof of means of subsistence; proof of continuous stay in Portugal. If scheduling at AIMA Lojas: 2 passport-style photographs (colour, plain background, recent).