Portugal will automatically renew or extend the residence or stay visas of immigrants with no criminal record or other weighting factor, according to the local press.

Last Thursday, the Portuguese government approved the regulatory decree that establishes the "legal regime for the entry, stay, exit and removal of foreigners from national territory" and which contains the aforementioned change. This includes the non-requirement of certain documents hitherto required of students and minors.

The measure comes as part of the abolition of the Aliens and Borders Service (SEF).

However, the ministerial diploma still needs to be promulgated by the Portuguese president.

In addition, in order to provide proof of means of subsistence, "means derived from grants, scholarships, contracts or promises of employment" are added to company contracts, contracts or written offers of contracts for the provision of services.

The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) will now manage the system for granting residence and residence permits. Changes have also been made to simplify and digitize processes. For example, instead of paper photographs, digital photographs can be submitted; and steps have been taken so that AIMIA can create an electronic residence application system on its website.