Ask the Lawyer: My residency expired. Am I illegal in Portugal?

An expired residence permit does not mean immediate illegal status; under Article 63 of Regulatory Decree No. 84/2007, the right of residence remains protected for six months after the expiry date indicated on the card. General automatic extensions ended on October 15, 2025 under Decree-Law No. 85-B/2025, and this six-month grace period applies to documents expiring after June 30, 2025, without replacing the need to apply for renewal. Those who have already requested renewal receive a 180-day receipt upon payment and registration, which must be carried alongside the expired card while awaiting AIMA's decision.