P03E - Residencia Non-EU citizens
Category : Paperwork
P03E - Residencia Non-EU citizens
We remind you that the following information is simply general information and meant as a help to understand the Portuguese rules and regulations. As there are so many different situations, you should always inform yourself with the Portuguese authorities (embassy, consulate, or AIMA- Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo – the Portuguese foreign authorities) or an agent dealing with visas and Residence, to obtain information about your specific situation.
What are the requirements for entry into Portugal?
To enter Portugal non-EU citizens must:
Hold a travel document valid for at least 3 months longer than the intended duration of stay.
Possess a valid and appropriate visa for the purpose of the stay. This visa must always be requested at a Portuguese Embassy/Consulate based in the country where you live.
Have sufficient means of subsistence for the period of stay.
Not be registered in the AIMA Integrated Information System or in the Schengen Information System.
What is a short stay visa?
This visa can be issued with a period of validity which can be up to 1 year, but the authorised period of stay in Portugal which it confers is 90 days in every 180 days.
Our factsheet FS/31 “Schengen 90/180 rule” has further information on the calculation of those days, especially if you come to Portugal in split visits, not always 90 days consecutive.
For short term stays, citizens of certain countries are exempt from applying for a visa, you can find the list of countries here.
Look under “CONSULTAR LISTA DE PAÍSES TERCEIROS ISENTOS DE VISTO”
Among those countries are for example : Australia, Canada, USA, Japan, UK and Singapore.
It does not mean that these citizens are exempt from complying with the 90/180 rule but only that they are exempt from applying for a visa with the Portuguese authorities in the country where they live.
What types of visas are issued abroad?
The Portuguese embassies and consular offices can issue various types of visas. Each has a distinct purpose, a definite period of validity and only grants temporary stay in the country for the purpose for which the visa was granted.
You are able to see the different types of visas available for entering Portugal on the Portuguese foreign ministry website.
The expiry date of my visa has passed. What should I do to remain in Portugal?
If you wish to remain in Portugal for a longer period than you were initially granted on entry, you should request for an extension to your stay with AIMA, and this will only be granted if the same reasons which led to the decision to allow you to enter the country are still present (except for clearly justified cases).
What is a Residence visa?
If your plan is to come to live in Portugal, you need to apply for a Residence visa (also called D7). This visa allows the holder to enter Portugal with a view to applying for a Residence permit.
Which criteria are considered when considering a request for a Residence visa?
In considering a request for a Residence visa, the following criteria will be considered:
The reason why the stay is being requested, for example retirement, family reunion etc.
Means of subsistence to live in the country
Accommodation conditions
Health Insurance
Does this mean that if I have a Residence visa I am not considered a Resident?
You are not considered a Resident. Someone having a Residence visa is not yet a Resident, but only authorised to apply for a Residence permit.
I am the holder of a Residence visa. Can I be refused permission to reside in Portugal?
Yes, the fact of being in possession of a Residence visa does not oblige the Portuguese Foreign Authorities AIMA to grant you authorisation to reside here. Additional criteria have to be met.
What is a Residence permit?
A Residence permit is a document that allows foreign citizens to remain in Portugal for a certain period, or for an indefinite period of time. There are two types of Residence permit: temporary and permanent.
Which conditions do I have to meet to apply for a Residence permit?
To be granted a Residence permit, the applicant must meet the following conditions:
Be in possession of a valid Residence visa, which has been issued to allow entry into Portuguese territory.
Be present in Portuguese territory;
Present the documents that AIMA requires to issue the Residency permit
What is a temporary Residence permit?
A temporary Residence permit has the following characteristics:
It is valid for a period of two years from the date of issue of the permit;
It is renewable for successive periods of two and three years;
The Residence permit must be renewed whenever any personal identification details in the document change;
Where do I ask for a Residence Permit?
A request for a Residence Permit is handed in at an office of the Portuguese Foreign Authorities AIMA,, through the completion and signing of an application form. Part of the process when applying for a Residence visa is that an appointment is booked with an AIMA office in Portugal, to turn the visa into the Residence permit (card).
At this appointment you should generally show following documents:
Passport or any other valid travel document
Valid Residence visa
Evidence of sufficient means of subsistence
Evidence that the applicant has adequate accommodation
Permission for AIMA to check Portuguese criminal record (except for under 16 years old)
A document attesting to the existence of a family relationship, where applicable
Supporting evidence of registration within Tax Authority (NIF)
Document proving that the applicant is registered with the Social Security, where applicable
Health insurance or supporting evidence he/she is covered by the National Health Service
What is a permanent Residence permit?
A permanent Residence permit has the following characteristics:
Your right to stay in Portugal has no expiry date.
The Residence permit (the card) must be renewed every five years or whenever necessary – that is, whenever any personal identification details change.
Who can apply for a permanent Residence permit?
The foreigners who can obtain a permanent Residence permit are those who cumulatively:
Have legally resided and had a temporary Residence permit in Portugal for at least 5 years
During the last 5 years of Residence in Portuguese territory they have not been condemned and sentenced, either singularly or cumulatively, to more than one year in prison.
How can I renew my Residence (temporary or permanent) permit?
A request to renew a Residence permit can be done at an AIMA office or online.
AIMA will evaluate the application and grant the renewal.
If you need to renew in person, you must have an appointment in order to deal with the application. You will find further information below about how an appointment can be booked.
When should I request a renewal of my Residence permit?
The renewal of a temporary Residence permit should be requested by the interested party up to 30 days before its expiry date. For the period of 1 year following the expiry date of the temporary Residence permit you can still request its renewal but in this case you will be subject to the payment of a fine. However, if you do not request the renewal of your Residence permit within the period of 1 year after its expiry date, you will lose your right to Residence.
What criteria are used when considering renewal?
When considering renewal, AIMA will consider the following criteria:
1. Means of subsistence demonstrated by the interested party;
2. Housing conditions;
3. Compliance with Portuguese legislation by the interested party, for example those laws concerning foreigners.
Can I renew my Residence permit online (Renovação Automática)
Most Residence permits can be renewed on the SEF website. Once logged in, choose Renovação Automática and follow the steps to renew online.
How can I book an appointment for renewal of a Residency?
At present the appointments can be booked by contacting AIMA, by telephone (+351) 217 115 000.
You can also try sending them an email AIMA contacts but be prepared it can take a while to get a reply.
As a Resident in Portugal, how long can I be absent from Portugal?
The holder of a temporary Residence Permit who intends to be absent from Portugal, during the validity period, for a timeframe exceeding 6 consecutive months or 8 non-sequential months has a duty to inform AIMA before leaving national territory
The holder of a permanent Residence Permit who intends to be absent from Portugal, for a period exceeding 24 consecutive months or, in a timeframe of 3 years, be absent 30 non-sequential months, has a duty to inform AIMA before leaving national territory
The holder of any other Long Term Residence Title may not be absent from European Union territory for a period equal to or exceeding 12 consecutive months, or from national territory for a period equal to or exceeding 6 consecutive years, failing which the loss of such title may ensue.
I have lost my Residence permit document. What should I do?
A second copy of the Residence permit document can be requested if it is in a bad state of conservation, it has been lost, destroyed or stolen. The request for a second copy should be accompanied by a declaration explaining the reasons for the request and, in the case of theft, with a copy of the police report of the theft. The request should be handed in at an AIMA office. You will need an appointment to request a second copy of your Residence permit (see procedure for booking an appointment above).
Which basic precautions should I take once I start residing in Portugal?
Always carry your passport/Residence permit with you;
Always carry with you the telephone numbers of relatives or a friend who can be contacted in the event of an emergency;
Do not let any documents that have a fixed period of validity, such as a passport, visa, Identity Card, driving licence, your Residence permit document, or any other document, expire.
If you are a foreign Resident, always inform AIMA of any changes in your nationality, marital status, address or any absences from the country (see rules mentioned earlier).
Which identification documents do I need to have?
The Residence permit substitutes, to all intents and purposes, the identity card of a foreign citizen.
The Residence permit is the only identification document that can prove legal Residency status in Portugal.
