Portugal extends temporary protection for Ukrainians until 4 March 2027: what about the extension and AIMA

The Portuguese government has automatically extended temporary protection (Proteção Temporária) for displaced persons from Ukraine until 4 March 2027. The decision was adopted by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 53-A/2026, published in the official gazette Diário da República on 12 March 2026 (DR No. 50/2026, Supl., Série I). Valid documents remain in force for another year without any action by the holder.

What exactly has changed

The resolution extends the validity of all Títulos de Proteção Temporária (temporary protection certificates) issued to displaced persons from Ukraine on the basis of the previous Resolution No. 29-A/2022 of 1 March — they are now valid until 4 March 2027. Previously, protection ran until 4 March 2026. The resolution came into force retroactively — from 5 March 2026, so there is no gap in protection, and documents dated "4 March 2026" remain valid.

The Portuguese decision was adopted to implement the EU-wide one: the Council of the EU extended temporary protection by Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1460, adopted on 15 July 2025 and published in the Official Journal of the EU on 24 July 2025 (Article 1 — an extension for one more year, until 4 March 2027). The categories of persons covered by the protection and the scope of their rights have not changed.

Do you need to do anything through AIMA

No. The extension applies automatically. Holders of temporary protection do not need to file a new application, go through a separate extension procedure or physically re-issue the card or certificate. The status is extended on the basis of the resolution itself — even if the document shows a date up to 4 March 2026, it is valid until 4 March 2027.

At the same time, AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) advises keeping contact details up to date. If you have changed your address, telephone number or other personal data — update them with AIMA (online via the "Alteração de Dados" form or in person). Otherwise, difficulties with access to medical, banking and social services are possible.

Which rights are retained

• Legal residence in Portugal until 4 March 2027;
• The right to work and run a business;
• Access to the national healthcare system (SNS);
• Access to education and other public services;
• Social support under the terms of the temporary protection regime.

What happens after March 2027

Temporary protection is an exceptional and, by definition, temporary regime. On 16 September 2025 the Council of the EU adopted a recommendation on a coordinated transition of people to other grounds for residence (national residence permits for work, study, family circumstances, etc.) or return to Ukraine when conditions allow.

Immigration procedures in Portugal mostly go through AIMA, which is overloaded and works with delays. Therefore, if you plan to stay long-term, it is worth already in 2026 studying alternative grounds for residence and starting to prepare documents, without waiting for the deadline.

How to check your status

General official information for displaced persons from Ukraine is compiled on the state portal gov.pt. News on temporary protection is also published by AIMA (if your browser shows a warning about the AIMA site's security certificate — open the page carefully or use the gov.pt portal).