The Portuguese Parliament has approved a new law that allows citizens from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) to apply for residency in Portugal after entering the country as tourists. This move, particularly aimed at Brazilians, simplifies the regularisation process for those facing difficulties in securing legal status.
Earlier this year, Brazil had pushed for this change, and now it has been supported by Portuguese authorities. Under the new law, citizens from Brazil and Timor-Leste can enter Portugal as tourists and later apply for residency permits. However, nationals from other CPLP countries must first secure a visa before applying for residency.
The application process can be accessed through the CPLP section on the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) website, although the page is currently unavailable.
The lawyer João Roseira, from the Martins Castro law firm, has suggested that Portugal should increase airport inspections to better monitor the arrival of Brazilian nationals. Additionally, Catarina Zuccaro, another lawyer, pointed out that since Brazilians and Timorese citizens do not need a visa to enter Portugal, their passport stamp will serve as proof of legal entry. This stamp will be crucial for those wishing to transition from tourist status to residency.
The recent updates to Portugal’s Foreigners Law highlight the importance of legal entry, meaning Brazilians who wish to establish residence in Portugal must be able to demonstrate their legal entry, whether for work or educational purposes. This can be confirmed by various sources, including the Public Security Police (PSP), which can provide a document verifying their identity.
