Portugal Extends Validity of Visas and Residency Permits

28 June 2024

The Portuguese Government approved a one-year extension for the validity of visas and residency permits; they are now valid until 30th June 2025. This extension was officially announced on the 25th of June 2024. 


The extension is a direct response to the substantial delay of pending documents at the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), the authority currently overseeing migration processes in Portugal. The massive number of pending cases has posed significant challenges in the timely renewal of migration-related documents.


The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) currently faces an estimated backlog of 410,000 cases, significantly impeding the renewal processes for residence permits, work visas, and mobility visas from the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP). 


The validity extension is one of three key measures implemented under the newly approved decree-law, in alignment with Portugal’s New Action Plan for Migrations, previously presented. The other two measures include AIMA's mission to proactively attract immigrants, assuming and valuing the Migration Observatory as an integral part of AIMA's organisational structure.


At the same time, the Portuguese Government has approved the establishment of a Mission Structure for the Recovery of Pending Cases at AIMA. This new structure, which will operate until 2nd June 2025, will be tasked with the analysis and resolution of pending processes concerning the regularisation of foreign nationals. The structure will comprise up to 300 personnel exclusively assigned to the administrative processing of cases and assisting applicants.


With the implementation of these new measures and updates in the immigration agency's structure and production process, the Portuguese government aims to address and disclose all pending issues within a year. After that, the goal is to only process current cases.


Navigating the complexities of the immigration process can be daunting and intricate. Engaging with various administrative structures and staying aware of the latest legislative updates necessitates guidance. Should you require assistance with your immigration matters, contact us. Our expertise is at your service to ensure your process is handled with the utmost care and precision.

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