Portugal Immigration Rules are something every immigrants should know about. Portugal, which is on the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, is a well-liked travel destination for both tourists and locals because of its extensive Atlantic coastline, powerful waves in the west, and warm, sandy beaches in the south. Portugal provides a new opportunity for foreigners with more than 300 glorious days, amiable residents, and a laid-back way of life. It’s even more attractive given the affordable cost of living.
Opportunities in Portugal
For creative people looking to make money from their own blogs, channels, or social media content, Portugal is a great place to be. Portugal provides a sunny environment, stunning landscape, and simple access to filming places within a 30-minute drive, inspiring millions of ideas for content. The gorgeous Azores, in particular, are quite attractive and can draw thousands of viewers.
Portugal is a great destination for creative people from a variety of industries because of its varied terrain and ease of access. Here are a few rules and regulations for immigration to Portugal both legally and illegally. In this whole guide, I will explain to you the most important Portugal Immigration Rules For Illegal Immigrants.
Types of Immigration
- Non-EU nationals
- Temporary residence permit
- Permanent residence permit
- Corporate Immigration
Residence permit for foreign citizens
There are various reasons for applying Residence permit in Portugal. The residence permit visa allows holders to request a permit from SEF, allowing them to stay in the national territory for four months, usually within the application deadline.
Temporary and permanent residence
The temporary residence permit is valid for two years and renewable for three, while the permanent permit is five years long and requires renewal every five years or when the holder changes.
1. Renewal Residence permit
To renew your Portugal residence permit online, visit the SEF portal and navigate to the Requests > Automatic Renewal area, follow the portal’s steps, and submit your request.
2. Rules for Residence Permit Holder
Portugal’s residence permit holders are guaranteed equal treatment in social security, tax benefits, trade union membership, professional recognition, and access to public goods and services.
3. Duties of Residence Permit Holder
Residence permit holders are mandated to inform their situation changes, maintain legal entry and exit, and uphold public order, security, and health while adhering to legal requirements.
Legal support for migrants
Portugal’s Legal Support Office, part of the Alto Comissariado para as Migrações (ACM), assists immigrants and ethnic groups, focusing on integrating and managing diversity. The GAJ, a specialised service office of CNAIM, provides information, advice, referrals, mediation, and support to migrant citizens to defend their rights and empower their duties.
Immigration law for Portugal
The Portuguese Nationality Act regulates citizenship access through Portuguese parents, naturalisation, or marriage. 1981 changes made it challenging for first-generation migrants. Portugal introduced the Golden Visa Program for non-EU residents.
Immigration statistics
Since 1990, Ukraine and Brazil have been the largest immigrant communities in Portugal, alongside Romanians, Moldovans, and Chinese.
Portugal Legal Immigration Rules
As I mentioned above, Portugal is the best place for creative minds and foreigners for business and earning, so there are few rules for immigration to Portugal. Portugal’s Legal Immigration Rules are discussed below;
- Work visa
- Entry Visa
- Residence permit
- Must Pay taxes
1. Work visa from outside Portugal
For employees who want to work in Portugal, Portuguese embassies and consulates abroad can provide a work visa. It also requires an admission visa that is good for up to six months. To be given residency in Portugal, you must apply with the SEF immigration office and have a valid visa for the duration of your stay.
2. Residence permits for employed workers
For citizens, regardless of nationality, whether they have a residence permit, visitation visa, visa waiver period, or are undocumented, Portugal offers a somewhat easy-to-use combined residence and work permit system.
3. Job-seeking visa
Portugal’s immigration authorities are granting work-seeker visas, enabling people to look for work without regard to their nationality, and helping employed workers apply for residency permits.
Job Seeking Visa Applications Rules
Few tips for applying for a Job-seeking visa in Portugal;
- 1st visit any Portugal embassy in your residence country
- Book an appointment and register with IEFP by filling an IEFP form from the embassy.
Requirements
- You must have a valid passport
- Travel document issued by the government
- 2 recent passport-size photos looking in good condition
- Show your character record of your country and certificate
- Travel and medical documents
- Show proof of your earnings proofs as mentioned minimum monthly salary
The visa can only be granted if there is no known fact preventing it and no one-year custodial sentence conviction for a crime punishable by one year.
Portugal Citizenship policy
Workers can apply for a residence permit, which grants them unemployment benefits and family reunification, after five years, and for six years, they can obtain Portuguese citizenship.
Portugal Immigration Rules for Illegal
Portugal allows undocumented workers to apply for a residence permit without a residence visa, resulting in irregular residency and limited access to healthcare and social protection measures. Employers may not pay taxes, causing workers to risk arrest and deportation. The permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for three years.
Illegal Immigrants do not have equal rights to gain healthcare services & rights and also are excluded from most social protection policies.
1. Tax Rules
In 2022, non-resident foreigners in Portugal will be subject to a 25% tax on their total income. Employers who fail to pay taxes run the possibility of being arrested and deported since the system might not allow workers to regularise their status.
2. Prove Identity
Illegal Immigrants need to prove they have been working and making social security contributions for the last 12 months, if they fail to bring or show their identity, they must be allowed to bring theirs otherwise they will be arrested and subjected to jail or submitted back to their country.
3. Pay Fine
Portugal’s employment workers may face fines for irregular residency, but these are rare. Their permits are valid for two years and can be renewed for three years.
Is Portugal strict for illegal foreigners?
The EU’s immigration policy is lenient, enabling undocumented immigrants to apply for jobs and request residency, although authorities often disregard proof of legal entry to Portugal.
Also read about, AIMA opens! Portugal Immigration Agency SEF closes>>
Final Thoughts
In this whole article, I have explained all about Portugal’s immigration rules for foreign immigrants who are legal and illegal immigrants. I also covered different aspects about Immigration policies to Portugal. I also mentioned here how to apply for a visa and what are the requirements for a visa. I hope you understand everything. If anything is missing or want suggestions please feel free to contact.
