New Validity Periods for Residence Permits
5 August 2020
Portugal’s State Budget for 2020 approved changes to the Immigration Law in order to facilitate the granting and renewal of residence permits. As such, all temporary residence permits are now initially issued for 2 years instead of 1 year, and subsequently renewable every three years. The only exception to this rule is the Golden Visa, which is also granted for 2 years, but renewable every 2 years.
It is likely that with these new validity periods, SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service) will be able to speed up their procedures. This is especially relevant at the moment, considering that Portugal is dealing with an exponential growth of foreign citizens applying for legal residence.
Please note that these changes to the duration of the temporary residence permits validity do not affect the possibility of applying for permanent residence or citizenship. In these cases, the minimum time required to apply remains 5 years.
* - Maximum absence periods may be exceeded for duly proven professional or force majeure reasons.
A practical overview of how foreign nationals can access Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS), including eligibility, Número de Utente and key requirements.
Understand how Article 122.º j) allows certain applicants to apply for a residence permit in Portugal without returning home. Requirements, context and practical guidance.
Understand Portugal’s legal framework for residential leases, including duration, renewal, termination, rent updates and communication rules.
Law n.º 67/2025 introduces tougher penalties for illegal occupation and enables faster restitution of property. Learn what the reform means for owners and occupants.
Danielle Avidago | Immigration Consultant
Facing eviction in Portugal? Learn the 15-day deadline to respond, how to oppose an eviction through BAS, and what tenants can do when they believe the landlord is wrong.
Is your AIMA application stalled for months or years? Portuguese law provides judicial tools to challenge excessive administrative delay and compel a decision. Learn how Article 66.º CPTA works, the one-year deadline, and what alternatives exist when the time limit has expired.
Portugal’s Nationality Law reform is now under preventive constitutional review by the Constitutional Court. Understand the contested provisions and potential impacts.
Understand how board members and qualified roles in recognised companies and certified startups may qualify for Portugal’s IFICI+ (NHR 2.0) tax regime.
Understand Portugal’s share capital rules for Lda and SA companies. Legal requirements, strategic considerations, and guidance for entrepreneurs incorporating in Portugal.