Portugal’s Temporary Residence Permit Delays Impact International Travel

Portugal is currently experiencing significant administrative delays affecting Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) appointments, causing widespread travel restrictions for many foreign nationals. These delays have resulted in appointments being scheduled up to six months after the expiration of the initial D visa, which itself has a limited validity period of 120 days. Unfortunately, no visa extensions are available while applicants await their residence permits, intensifying travel challenges.

Causes of the Delays

The delays are primarily linked to the operational rollout of Portugal’s new immigration and border agency, Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA), which took over immigration responsibilities after the dissolution of SEF. AIMA inherited a substantial backlog of over 400,000 applications, compounded by the simultaneous launch of new immigration pathways that expanded demand on the agency’s limited resources.

The transition from SEF to AIMA has not only disrupted continuity but also strained the processing capacity, leading to prolonged appointment scheduling and slower permit issuance. These operational difficulties have been worsened by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact on Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals awaiting their Temporary Residence Permits face restricted international mobility as the validity of their D visa expires before they can complete their residence permit formalities. Without an option for visa extension, travelers encounter barriers to crossing borders, booking flights, or starting new employment. This situation puts pressure on employers and individuals who rely on timely permit issuance for work or study.

What Can Affected Individuals Do?

Individuals impacted by these delays are urged to:

• Maintain close contact with their immigration case teams or legal advisors to assess risks specific to their situation.

• Explore possible interim solutions, such as requesting assistance from AIMA or their consulates.

• Plan international travel cautiously, being mindful of the restrictions while awaiting permit approval.

Outlook and Recommendations

While the Portuguese government is actively working on improving immigration processing by modernizing systems and increasing staffing, there is currently no published timeline for resolving the backlog. The situation necessitates patience and proactive communication for those navigating Portugal’s immigration system during this transition.

Given these challenges, staying informed and seeking expert guidance remains crucial for foreign nationals and employers dealing with Portugal’s Temporary Residence Permit process in 2025.