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Brazilians can now enter Portugal as tourists and easily obtain residency! New law in force transforms the migration process, expanding opportunities and strengthening Portuguese-speaking ties.
Obtaining residency in Portugal has always been one of the main challenges for Brazilians who wish to live in the European country.
However, new legislation promises to make this process much simpler.
The changes to the Foreigners Law (nº 23/2007) came into effect this Friday (14) and bring significant changes for those who want to work or study in Portuguese lands.
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New rules make residency easier
According to a information from the Poder 360 website, the decree was sanctioned by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and approved by the Assembly of the Republic, being published in the country's Official Gazette on Thursday (13).
The new legislation allows Brazilian and East Timorese citizens to enter Portugal without the need for a prior visa, and can apply for residency directly from Portuguese territory if they are employed or enrolled in an educational institution.
On the other hand, for the other countries of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) — which includes Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe and Equatorial Guinea — a visa is still required to enter Portugal.
The application for residence can only be made later, in accordance with the previous rules.
Impact for Brazilians
The number of Brazilians living legally in Portugal has grown significantly.
According to Poder 360, residence permits granted to Brazilians increased by 240% in just one year.
In 2022, 43.313 new permits were issued, while in 2023 that number jumped to 147.262.
In 2023, foreigners totaled 1.044.606 residents in Portugal, of which 35,3% were Brazilian.
This contingent increased significantly compared to 2022, when 239.744 Brazilians lived in the country, representing 30,7% of the foreign population.
This increase is directly related to the CPLP mobility agreement, signed in 2021 and regulated in 2022.
This treaty facilitates the granting of visas and now has a new boost with the relaxation of residency rules.
Documentation changes
Another important change in the new legislation is related to immigrant documentation.
Previously, residence permits were issued on A4 paper, which made the document difficult to use and secure.
Now, about 150 CPLP citizens will receive a residence permit in card format, valid for two years and accepted throughout the European Union.
This change ensures greater security for immigrants, in addition to facilitating the recognition of documentation within the Schengen Area countries.
New entry control system
With the entry into force of the new law, Portugal also implemented a Entry/Exit System (SES), a digital control mechanism that replaces manual stamps in passports.
This system aims to electronically record the entries and exits of immigrants, helping authorities to monitor the length of stay of each person and identify situations of irregular migration.
The new control is aligned with the European Union guidelines for Schengen Area, which currently encompasses 29 European countries.
According to article 9º-A of the legislation, the idea is that the system facilitates inspection and increases border security.
How to apply for residency
For those who wish to take advantage of the new rules and apply for residency in Portugal, the process requires some basic documents, such as:
- Valid passport;
- Proof of enrollment in an educational institution or employment contract;
- Proof of means of subsistence (such as bank statements or declaration of financial support);
- Health insurance valid in Portugal.
With the new law, these documents can be presented directly in Portugal, without the need for a prior visa, making the process easier. much faster and more accessible for Brazilians.
Future perspectives
Relaxing residency rules could result in a significant increase in the Brazilian community in Portugal in the coming years.
With it becoming easier to obtain documentation, the number of Brazilians living legally in the country is expected to surpass the 400 mark by 2025.
The decision also sets a precedent for other CPLP nations, which may in the future claim the same rights granted to Brazilians and Timorese.
For experts, the new Portuguese legislation represents a major step forward for Brazilians who wish to live, study or work in the country.
With the elimination of the requirement for a prior visa and the digitalization of migration control, Portugal becomes an even more accessible destination for the Brazilian community.
Nothing has changed, they continue to request a visa to have residency, look at the AIMA CPLP portal