On April 28, 2025, significant changes will come into effect regarding the processes for granting and renewing residence permits in Portugal.
According to the new rules established by the Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum (AIMA), applications will only be accepted for analysis and decision when they are fully completed, meaning they must contain all the documents required by current legislation. Otherwise, the application will be rejected at the time of submission, which could cause significant delays or even impair the process.
This change aims to simplify and speed up the analysis of immigration-related administrative processes. From that date, applicants will need to ensure that all necessary documents, as per Law No. 23/2007 (Foreigners’ Law) and Regulatory Decree No. 01/2024, are submitted completely and correctly at the time of application submission.
AIMA stresses that having a well-prepared application from the outset is crucial for a swift decision, as the analysis of incomplete applications can result in considerable delays.
If the documentation is not complete at the time of submission, the process will be archived, with no possibility of correction during the initial review phase. This represents a significant change, as previously it was possible to submit missing documents during the course of the process.
Carefully and thoroughly reviewing the legal requirements, especially with the help of a specialized immigration lawyer, is therefore key to ensuring a quick decision and avoiding future setbacks.
