RelyOn Relocation® News

AIMA has clarified the validity period for residence permits that have expired.

• Permits that expired before June 30, 2025 will remain valid until April 15, 2026.
• For permits expiring after June 30, 2025, the general rule applies: they stay valid 6 months beyond the expiry date.

This means foreign residents keep their legal right to stay in Portugal for six months after their permit expires. While waiting for renewal, carry both the expired permit and the receipt confirming the renewal request.

After months of political tension, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa signed the revised Law No. 23/2007 governing the entry, stay, departure, and expulsion of foreigners. The bill was approved by 70 % of parliament members despite earlier constitutional concerns.
The amendments covered family reunification, job search visas, and application processing deadlines. The law is now awaiting official publication on the government’s legal website.
The citizenship law has not yet been adopted and remains under discussion.

As of October 12, Portugal began using the European Entry/Exit System (EES), replacing passport stamps with electronic entry and exit records. The new system applied to non-EU citizens entering for short stays of up to 90 days.
Upon first entry, travelers’ fingerprints and a facial image were collected, while entry and exit times and locations were automatically recorded. The transition was carried out gradually across Schengen countries over approximately six months.
In Portugal, the rollout was coordinated by the Internal Security System together with PSP, GNR, ANA Aeroportos, and ANAC.

A recent study found that immigrants played a vital role in keeping Portugal’s social security system sustainable. In 2023, their contributions reached a record €2.677 billion, while the benefits they received totaled only €484 million.
Economists highlighted that immigration has softened the impact of population aging. Without immigration, the tax burden would have risen to 43% of GDP. Portugal remained one of the few eurozone countries where immigrants contributed more than local workers.

AIMA has released a notice for residents whose residence permits expired between 22.02.2020 and 30.06.2025. If you haven’t received an automatic renewal, you must submit a request yourself via the AIMA portal.
After submitting the online request, follow the instructions, pay the fee, and wait for a biometric appointment. For permits expired after July 1, 2025, use the new platform: portal-renovacoes.aima.gov.pt.
Check your permit dates in advance to avoid processing delays.

Government has approved a new package of tax incentives to support the rental market. Income tax for landlords renting below €2,300 per month drops from 25% to 10%.
AIMI will not apply, and VAT on housing construction is reduced to 6%. Tenants will benefit from higher rent deductions — up to €1,000 by 2027.
Meanwhile, IMT for foreign property buyers will increase to curb speculation.