Portugal Grants Extra Time for Expired Residence Permits: Non-EU Residents Can Stay and Work Until April 15, 2026 – What You Need to Know

Portugal grants extra time for expired residence permits: non-EU residents can stay and work until April 15, 2026.

Lisbon, March 23, 2026 — Thousands of non-EU nationals living in Portugal have received much-needed breathing room regarding their legal status. The Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA) has officially clarified that residence permits expired on or before June 30, 2025, remain fully valid for both residence and work purposes until April 15, 2026.

This six-month grace period follows the end of the previous blanket automatic extension on October 15, 2025, and is designed to give affected residents sufficient time to complete their renewal process amid ongoing backlogs at AIMA.

Clear Rules Based on Expiry Date

According to AIMA’s guidance:

• Residence permits with an expiration date on or prior to June 30, 2025 Holders continue to enjoy full legal rights to live and work in Portugal until April 15, 2026 — exactly six months after the last automatic extension ended.

• Permits expired after June 30, 2025 These benefit from the standard six-month grace period calculated from the individual card’s expiry date.

The legal basis for this extension is Article 63, paragraph 14 of Decreto Regulamentar n.º 84/2007, which provides a protective buffer for the right of residence while renewal is underway.

Important distinction: These rules apply only to staying and working inside Portugal. They do not automatically guarantee re-entry into the Schengen Area if you leave the country during this period. Travellers are advised to carry both the expired card and proof of renewal submission.

What If You’ve Already Applied for Renewal?

If you have submitted your renewal application, AIMA recommends carrying:

• Your expired residence card

• The official receipt or submission confirmation from the AIMA portal

This combination serves as valid proof of your ongoing legal status while the application is being processed.

Employer Guidance: Avoid Compliance Risks

Companies employing non-EU workers should take immediate action:

• Review expiry dates of all foreign employees’ permits, paying special attention to those expired on or before June 30, 2025.

• Ensure renewal applications are submitted well before the April 15, 2026 deadline.

• Advise employees to keep both the expired card and renewal proof readily available.

Failure to maintain proper documentation can result in fines, disruptions to social security contributions, banking issues, and potential work authorization problems.

How to Renew Your Residence Permit Efficiently

AIMA has significantly expanded online renewal options to help reduce backlogs:

• Use the main renewal portal: services.aima.gov.pt or the dedicated Portal das Renovações

• Cases expired up to June 30, 2025 are often routed through AIMA’s special Mission Structure, with notifications sent by email

• Newer expiries use the updated online system

Experts strongly recommend starting the renewal process as early as possible, even with the grace period in place, as individual processing times can still vary.

Why This Clarification Was Necessary

Portugal has been battling a massive backlog at AIMA that affected hundreds of thousands of residents. The end of automatic extensions in October 2025 created uncertainty for many. The October 17, 2025 clarification, now reinforced in 2026 guidance, provides a clear transitional framework and extra time for those most impacted by earlier expiries.

Bottom line: If your residence permit expired on or before June 30, 2025, you are legally allowed to remain and work in Portugal until April 15, 2026. Use this window wisely to complete your renewal and avoid any future complications.

Related reading: For the latest Portugal residence permit renewal procedures, AIMA backlog updates, and practical expat guides for 2026, explore our complete collection here: Portugal Visa & Residency Updates