Government Approves Proposed Changes to the Law on Foreigners in Portugal

The Portuguese parliament has just approved the proposed changes to Law 23/2007, known as the Foreigners’ Law. It is not yet known when the changes will come into effect, since they will have to be approved by the President of the Republic and, subsequently, published in the Official Gazette. But what does this mean in practice for foreigners who wish to live in Portugal?

Read also: Portugal is Europe’s Best Country for Expatriates

What might change in the Aliens Act?

As announced on the official website of the Portuguese Republic, the main proposed changes are as follows:

For those who have a job offer

This bill intends to facilitate the granting of a visa to obtain a residence permit for the exercise of subordinate professional activity (known as a D1 visa). Until now, companies which were hiring needed to demonstrate that the offered job vacancy had been available for 30 days before a foreigner could be hired to fill it, respecting the “principle of priority”. With the change, anyone will be able to apply for a visa with a contract or promise of work, not just applicants for the D3 Visa, which is only for highly qualified professionals. In other words, it may be easier to get job offers for simple vacancies in Portugal.

For those looking for work

In addition, there will be a specific visa for those who do not have this promise or work contract, that is, a temporary visa for those who wish to seek employment in Portugal. The idea is that this visa will allow legal residence for 120 days, extendable for another 60, as long as tickets and means of subsistence are presented. At the end of the period, if the immigrant cannot find work other than being self-employed, he/she must leave the country.

For Students

For higher education students, the article referring to the residence permit is being changed, which is now valid from two to three years, and can be renewed for equal periods. In cases where the duration of the study program is less than three years, a permit must be issued for the duration of the program.

Furthermore, the government wants to speed up the issue of study visas for higher education students, dispensing with the need for a prior opinion from the SEF for those who have already been admitted to an educational institution in national territory, thus reducing the waiting time for students.

For remote workers

Finally, a new visa will also have to be created for the purpose of remote work, “as well as the accompaniment of qualified family members with the respective titles”.

Visa simplification for CPLP citizens

The granting of a short-term visa, temporary stay or residence for citizens covered by the Agreement on Mobility among Member States of the CPLP (Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries) is now exempt from SEF’s prior opinion. This means less bureaucracy and probably more agility in granting visas to these citizens.

With these changes, the Portuguese government intends to establish “procedures to attract regulated and integrated immigration for the development of the country, to change the way public administration relates to immigrants, and to guarantee conditions for the integration of immigrants.”

Atlantic Bridge is aware of all changes in the law, in order to assure a legal, smooth and safe transition of its clients to Portugal. If living in this country is in your plans, talk to one of our specialists.