AIMA

How does entry and residence for up to 90 days work?

The right to enter, stay, and reside in Portugal applies to nationals of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), the Principality of Andorra, Switzerland, and family members, including nationals of third countries such as Brazil. According to Law No. 37/2006, of 9th August, which regulates the exercise of the right of free movement and residence of EU citizens and their families within the national territory, entry and stay or residence for up to 90 days are free from any formalities, requiring only valid European civil identification. Family members from third countries might be required to acquire an entry visa based on the existing EU regulations, and the application process is designed to be swift and straightforward.

How does stay or residence work after 90 days?

EU/EEA/Swiss nationals must obtain a registration certificate formalising their right to reside and stay in Portugal for over three months. This Certificate is typically issued immediately by the City/Town Council of the area of residence and must be requested within 30 days after the initial 90 days have elapsed. For any family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen from a third country (extra-community), formalising the right of residence for over three months involves applying to the SEF for a Residence Card.

What is a Visa?

A visa is a pre-authorisation granted by a country, allowing an individual from another country to enter and/or stay in the issuing country. The issuance of visas falls under the responsibility of AIMA and must be requested through Portuguese consulates or, in some instances, Portuguese embassies. Generally, a visa for entry into Portugal is mandatory, with exceptions in specific cases or certain residence permit applications. It is important to note that the so-called 'tourist visas' do not exist; tourists are exempt from visa requirements.

What types of Visas are there? 

• Airport Stopover Visa – Valid for one or more countries in the Schengen Area, allowing passage through the international area of the airport of one of the member States;

• Short-term Visa – Valid for one year, permitting one or more entries of 90 days every 180 days. Applicable to one or more countries in the Schengen Area, it allows entry for purposes such as transit, tourism, visits, seasonal work, or accompanying family members holding a temporary stay visa;

• Temporary Stay Visa – Valid for up to one year, exclusively for the Portuguese territory. It allows entry and stays for medical treatment and monitoring of a family member, professional activity or training, research or highly qualified activity, amateur sporting activity, study, internship, or volunteering;

• Visa to Obtain a Residence Permit (or simply a Residence Visa) – Valid only for the Portuguese territory, allowing four-month entries. Its purpose is to apply for a residence permit.

Can a Visa be cancelled? 

Article 70 of the Foreigners Law outlines the reasons for cancelling a visa (including staying outside Portugal for periods longer than those authorised).

Can I extend my stay in Portugal?

Suppose you hold a visa or benefit from a visa exemption. In that case, extending your stay in Portugal and/or other states within the Schengen Area is possible as long as you maintain the admission conditions. The extension can be granted for up to one year, depending on the case.

What is a Residence Permit (RP)?

The Residence Permit is a document issued by AIMA that allows third-countries nationals (states not members of the European Union or parties to the Implementing Convention, or where the latter is not in application) to reside in Portugal. This permit is valid as civil identification throughout the European Union and serves as Tax identification, Social Security identification, and proof of address in the national territory.

What types of Authorisations are there? 

• The temporary residence permit is initially valid for two years and can be renewed for successive periods of 3 years. The right of residence guaranteed by the temporary residence permit only expires when six months have passed since the title's validity.

• The permanent residence permit allows indefinite residence with no validity limit, but the document must be renewed every five years. 

Can a residence permit be cancelled?

Article 85 of the Foreigners Law outlines the reasons for cancelling a residence permit (including staying outside Portugal for periods longer than those authorised).