Search
Contact
Login
Share this article
The government of Portugal again extended the validity of immigration documents and visas, now to June 30, 2025.
Key Points:
Additional Information: Authorities in Portugal have introduced other measures as well to improve the efficiency of their immigration systems. AIMA recently announced a change in procedure to schedule residence permit services. The new procedure is designed to expedite service scheduling and make the process simpler and more practical.
BAL Analysis: As the government continues to transfer administrative powers to AIMA, another automatic extension has been granted to help those who have been impacted by processing delays. Portuguese residents who are eligible may now stay in the country legally until at least June 30, 2025. BAL will provide further updates as information becomes available.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.
Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The government of Portugal is requiring certain applicants to submit a 300 euro (about US$325) fee ahead of their application for residence permits.
Additional Information: Applicants will receive an e-mail from AIMA to create an account in the new service platform, where they will be prompted with the fee request. Upon completing payment individuals will receive an appointment within the next 20 business days. Before the scheduled appointment date, applicants should resubmit any updated information and documentation. The Portuguese government is currently transferring administrative powers from the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) to AIMA as part of a larger restructuring of the immigration system. The ongoing reorganization at AIMA is delaying resident permit issuance and backlogging appointment availability.
BAL Analysis: The new measure is designed to accelerate the regularization process and grant residence permits faster. BAL will provide further updates as information becomes available.
The U.S. Embassy Lisbon announced that Portuguese nationals can apply for E-1 and E-2 visas under the fully implemented AMIGOS Act.
Additional Information: The AMIGOS Act was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.), who co-sponsored the legislation, said in a press release, “Portuguese Americans have made significant contributions in the San Joaquin Valley and throughout the United States. The AMIGOS Act will help create more American jobs and increase investment across the country, while strengthening the bonds between United States and Portugal.”
This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.
The government of Portugal announced that immigration documents or visas that expire on or after Nov. 10 will be accepted until June 30, 2024.
BAL Analysis: The Portuguese government is currently transferring administrative powers from the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) as part of a larger restructuring of the immigration system. Automatic extension has been granted to help those who have been impacted by processing delays. Portuguese residents who are eligible can now stay in the country legally until at least June 30, 2024.
Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The government of Portugal announced the transition of immigration responsibilities from the Immigration and Border Service (SEF) to the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum.
BAL Analysis: The government intends to expedite the processing of pending cases and resolve outstanding issues in the immigration system. Visa processing delays may occur as the new immigration agency transitions the backlog from SEF.
IMPACT — MEDIUM
The Portuguese government has launched an online consular platform to schedule services and appointments at local consular posts.
Individuals may now use Virtual Consulate for:
Additional Information: After registering, individuals can authenticate themselves with the Mobile Digital Key or with the Citizen’s Card and a card reader to access the platform.
BAL Analysis: Portuguese authorities introduced the online consular services platform to simplify its processes for scheduling consular services. The Portuguese government plans to expand services provided by the Virtual Consulate in the coming months.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
The Portuguese government has clarified Schengen area travel restrictions for resident permit holders for nationals of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP).
Additional Information: CPLP countries include Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, East Timor, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal and São Tomé e Príncipe. More information for residence permit holders for nationals of CPLP countries is available on this website.
BAL Analysis: Portuguese authorities have allowed nationals of CPLP countries to apply for residence permits to increase mobility and strengthen ties between the countries. Such individuals are reminded that they are not permitted to travel freely throughout the Schengen area.
The Portuguese government has made online residence permits available to nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries.
BAL Analysis: Portuguese authorities have allowed nationals of CPLC countries to apply for residence permits to increase mobility and strengthen ties between the countries.
The Portuguese government has automatically extended residence permits that expired or are set to expire in 2023.
BAL Analysis: The Portuguese government has granted the automatic residence permit extension to help those who have been negatively impacted by processing delays. Portuguese residents can now stay in the country legally until at least Dec. 31, 2023.
The Portuguese government recently introduced a Job Seekers visa for foreign nationals looking for work in the country.
BAL Analysis: The visa intends to bring more foreign nationals to Portugal to stimulate the economy, create jobs and help the country recover financially from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.