Portugal Extends Validity of Expired Visas and Residence Permits Until June 30, 2025
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Loading... - Conall Davies
- 03 Mar 2025
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Portugal has announced an extension of the validity for expired visas and residence permits for foreign nationals, allowing them to remain in, exit, and re-enter the country without legal concerns until June 30, 2025. This decision aims to provide stability and reassurance to those affected by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The extension applies to all relevant documents that expired on or after February 22, 2020. This includes:
- Residence Permits (AR), including those for CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) nationals.
- Short-stay, temporary stay, and residence visas.
- Other legal stay documents.
With this extension, foreign nationals can continue to live, work, and travel within Portugal without interruption, ensuring their legal status is maintained.
Recognition of Extended Documents
All public and private entities in Portugal are required to accept these extended documents. This includes a wide range of institutions such as:
- Employment and Vocational Training Institute (IEFP)
- Social Security Institute (ISS)
- Portuguese Tax Authority (AT)
- National Health Service (SNS)
- Local Authorities (City and Parish Councils)
- Banks
- Employers
These entities will recognize the validity of the documents for all legal, professional, and social purposes, providing foreign nationals with the necessary support to navigate their daily lives.
Rights of Foreign Nationals in Portugal
The new regulation grants foreign nationals the right to stay legally in Portugal, allowing them to exit and return to the country using their extended documents as proof of their legal status. This measure addresses the uncertainty many foreign residents have faced due to backlogs and delays in processing applications during the pandemic. It ensures that individuals can continue their lives in Portugal without the fear of losing their legal status.
Limitations for Schengen Travel
While the extension is valid within Portugal, it does not affect travel to other Schengen Area countries. Foreign nationals with extended visas must still comply with the entry requirements of other Schengen states. The standard Schengen Borders Code will apply when traveling between Portugal and other EU countries.
This extension has been welcomed by foreign nationals who have faced challenges during the pandemic, providing them with much-needed clarity and security regarding their legal status in Portugal. By allowing these individuals to maintain their residency and travel rights, Portugal demonstrates its commitment to supporting its diverse community of foreign residents during these uncertain times.
