Last Updated on October 31, 2024 by Maryam Siddiqui
It’s at times like these where you wish you had a private agent to update you every step of the way. While this recent news has shaken everyone to a certain extent, it was the need of the hour. So, what does the end of the expression of interest in Portugal mean?
Read along to learn more about this update and what it could mean for people who want to move to Portugal!
What Was The Expression Of Interest?
With the expression of interest, it allowed non-EU citizens to enter the country legally with a tourist visa and later be regularized. The regularization takes place by receiving a Resident Permit.
Applicants would submit an expression of interest form to the Portuguese immigration authorities, indicating their desire to live and work in Portugal. This system allowed individuals to initiate the residency application process while seeking employment.
With this in place, individuals were allowed to come with a tourist visa and look for a job with a job seeker visa. After they had completed at least 12 months of Social Security discounts, they would automatically be legalized.
However, the system noticed flaws that had to be changed to improve the status of applications overall. This will lead to the improvement of significant backlogs and inefficiencies that AIMA (formerly SEF) has been facing.
Why Has The Expression Of Interest Been Removed?
The Portuguese government has removed the expression of interest process to streamline and improve the immigration system. This change addresses the backlog and inefficiencies by requiring applicants to present an employment contract directly at Portuguese consulates in their country of origin.
The goal is to regulate immigration better, attract qualified professionals, and enhance the overall process.
This change is part of broader efforts to streamline the application for residence permit process, making it more effective and straightforward, enhancing the experience for both new arrivals and administrative bodies in Portugal.
What is a Residence Permit?
A residence permit is a document that allows foreign nationals to legally reside in a country for an extended period.
In Portugal, this is crucial for non-EU citizens who wish to live, work, or study in the country.
There are various types of residence permits, each catering to different purposes, such as employment, family reunification, or long-term stay.
The Process of Obtaining a Residence Permit
To obtain a residence permit, foreign citizens must follow a structured process. This includes securing an appropriate visa, which is typically a work visa, business visa, or study visa, depending on the individual’s purpose of stay.
The process also involves submitting a criminal record certificate and other required documentation to the Portuguese consulate or embassy in their home country.
Applicants must have a legal entry into Portugal, which means they must enter Portugal legally with a valid visa.
Once in Portugal, they can apply for their first residence permit at the borders service (AIMA, formerly SEF). This service oversees the integration process, ensuring that foreign nationals meet all the legal requirements.
What is an Employment Contract and Its Legal Framework?
An employment contract is a key requirement for many types of residence permits.
The Portuguese government requires a promised employment contract to be presented at the consulate when applying for a visa. This employment contract must be valid and meet Portuguese legal standards.
Additionally, the process may involve a service provision contract for those who are self-employed or providing services in Portugal.
This is particularly relevant for digital nomads or freelancers who wish to reside in Portugal.
The new decree law aims to streamline the process, making it more efficient and reducing the backlog of pending processes.
This law also supports attracting immigrants, particularly skilled workers who can contribute to the Portuguese economy.
Enhancing Consular Services and Efficiency
The Portuguese government is strengthening consular services, especially in Portuguese language countries, to better manage the influx of applications.
This includes increasing staff and improving the online platform for processing applications.
The entire reception of foreign nationals is being enhanced to ensure a smoother and more efficient process. The goal is to reduce the time it takes to process applications to a few weeks, rather than months.
New Action Plan For Migration
Here’s the outlined action plan for migration:
- End of expression of interest for tourists: As explained above, this is to streamline and improve the immigration system.
- Strengthening consular services: Increasing staff in key countries, especially within the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), to attract workers and implement the CPLP Mobility Agreement.
- Dedicated task force: To expedite immigration applications, PCP proposes temporarily hiring 10,000 employees at AIMA.
- Attracting skilled foreign workers: Identify job opportunities for skilled and in-demand labor.
The end of the expression of interest in Portugal has taken place, and we have yet to receive news about the dedicated task force to expedite operations.
What Does This Mean For Expats?
To be clear, it does not affect the status of any current expats who are regularized currently.
For prospective expats, the removal of the expression of interest Portugal process means they must now secure an employment contract before applying for a residence permit. This change requires them to present the contract at a Portuguese consulate in their home country.
This new requirement could potentially make the immigration process more straightforward but also more competitive for those seeking to move to Portugal.
However, the process remains the same if you are interested in one of the many long-term visas. Such as the D2 Business Visa, D4 Study Visa, D7 Passive Income Visa, or the Golden Visa.
Let’s Move to Europe
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How To Move Ahead
Under new regulations, all non-EU individuals must follow the necessary arrangements if they wish to work and live in Portugal:
- Secure Employment: Find and secure a job offer in Portugal. Ensure the employment contract is valid and meets Portuguese legal standards.
- Book an appointment at the Consulate: Understand the requirements and process for submitting your application.
- Prepare Documentation: Gather all necessary documents, including your employment contract, identification, proof of qualifications, and any other required paperwork.
- Submit Application: Submit your residence permit application in person at the consulate.
- Follow-up: Stay in contact with the consulate for any updates.
Visas To Portugal
Here’s a list of all the different types of Visas for expats that Viv Europe helps with:
- D1 – Work Visa
- D2 – Business Visa
- D3 – Highly Qualified Worker
- D4 & D5 – Study Visa
- D6 – Family Reunification
- D7 – Passive Income Visa
- D8 – Digital Nomad Visa
- Golden Visa
Do You Need Help Moving To Portugal?
It’s normal to feel confused about new rules and regulations after changes occur. If you’re considering moving to Portugal, staying informed about these rules is essential.
Book a consultation with Viv Europe and start your relocation process for a seamless journey to Europe. Schedule a meeting to discuss which visa you’re interested in, and we’ll take care of the rest!
