A simple guide to the document that almost everyone asks about.
I don’t live in Portugal yet. How do I prove where I will live?
The question is natural. No one wants to rent a house in a country they cannot yet enter, without even knowing whether the visa will be approved. The good news is...
Reuniting the Family in Portugal: Residence Card for a Family Member of an EU Citizen, Family Reunification, D6 Visa and Accompanying Family Visa
Four different legal paths that almost everyone treats as if they were just one
There is a question that comes to the office almost every week, always phrased in the same way: “how do I do family reunification to bring my husband / my wife / my children / my parents to Portugal?”
The question...
Portugal, Spain, France and Germany: Is Immigration Bureaucracy (AIMA) a Problem Only in Portugal?
When researching topics related to immigration in Portugal, it is common to find reports about appointment difficulties, procedural delays, or long waiting times for the issuance of residence permits.
These situations exist and should not be ignored. However, there is an important question that...
Portugal and Immigrants During the Pandemic: A Little-Known Decision
Portugal continues to be regarded as one of the best and safest countries to live in, but few people remember what happened during the pandemic.
While several countries restricted foreign nationals’ access to certain public services, Portugal adopted a different approach.
The Portuguese...
Is Portugal’s Immigration System Becoming More Digital?
A frequent criticism of Portugal’s immigration system is its bureaucracy. However, this criticism often overlooks the significant progress made in recent years.
The Renewals Portal, the Online Family Reunification System, and the Contact Form
In 2025, AIMA launched the Renewals Portal,...
Is the AIMA Really as Problematic as It Seems?
The name AIMA has become a constant presence in immigrant groups, forums, and social media. Most posts highlight delays, appointment difficulties, or negative experiences.
But does this perception represent the whole reality?
After a decade of working with immigration matters in Portugal, my perception...
Is Portugal Closing Its Doors to Immigrants? A Comparison with Spain, France and Germany
A significant portion of the reactions to the amendments to the Nationality Law resulted from the perception that Portugal was adopting a more restrictive approach toward immigration.
However, when we analyze the nationality systems applied by other European countries, we find that Portugal remains...
The Possibility of Applying for Portuguese Citizenship Will Take Longer, but Few Foreigners Know That They May Still Apply for Permanent Residence After Five Years of Legal Residence in Portugal
One of the greatest misconceptions created by the recent legislative changes is the idea that a foreign national will remain in a legal limbo for ten years without any stability or legal certainty.
This is not true.
What Happens After Five Years of Legal Residence?
Even with the changes to the...
Residence Visas in Portugal: A Complete Guide to All Categories
Discover all residence visa categories in Portugal under the Immigration Law
Law no. 23/2007 of July 4, commonly known as the Portuguese Immigration Law, has been continuously updated to address the challenges of international mobility. The most recent amendments have introduced significant changes...
Renewal of Residence Permit in Portugal (AIMA): Complete Practical Guide 2026
The renewal of a residence permit in Portugal is now, in many cases, carried out through the online portal of the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA).
Although the process is now more digital, it has also become more technical and demanding, making it essential to ensure that all...
I Entered Portugal as a Tourist but Decided to Become a Resident — What Now? Is It Possible to Regularize Residency Without a Visa?
Residency regularization after entering Portugal: legal options under the Foreigners’ Law and the EU Citizens’ Law.
Important Notice Before We Begin
First of all, it is essential to emphasize that the legally safest path continues to be planning your move to Portugal from your country of origin,...
Tourist Visa in Portugal: When and How to Request an Extension of Your Stay
Anyone planning to visit Portugal purely for tourism should organize their trip within the 90-day per semester limit, strictly complying with the entry and stay rules applicable to their specific situation.
Those who already anticipate that they may need more time in Portugal—for example, for family...
Guide: Visas in Portugal. Main differences
Legal framework and types of visas
Law no. 23/2007 of 4 July establishes the legal framework for the entry, stay, exit, and removal of foreign nationals from Portuguese territory. Among other matters, it regulates visas for obtaining a residence permit. Abroad, it is possible to apply, among others,...
New Foreign Nationals Act (Law No. 61/2025): Visas and Family Reunification in Portugal – What Changed in 2025?
On 22 October 2025, Law No. 61/2025 was published, substantially amending the Foreign Nationals Act (Law No. 23/2007) and reorganising the legal framework governing the entry, stay, exit and removal of foreign nationals in Portugal. The changes, in force since 23 October 2025, introduce a new visa...
Motivation letter for the visa: is it really worth it?
The motivation letter is not compulsory when applying for a visa, but it can make all the difference in the process. This document is used to explain your personal and professional reasons for living in Portugal, showing consistency between your profile and your choice of country.
A good motivation...
How to include your family in your D7 or D8 visa application
One of the advantages of residence visas in Portugal is the possibility of including family members in the process. But beware: there are additional financial requirements and proof of family ties is required.
In addition to the minimum income required for the main applicant, the means of subsistence...
Freelancers and the D8 Visa: how to prove income?
The D8 Visa, known as the “visa for digital nomads”, has attracted many freelancers and independent professionals. But one of the main doubts is: how to prove the required income?
In 2025, the applicant must prove income of at least €3,480 per month (four times the minimum wage in Portugal)....
Changes to Portugal’s Immigration and Nationality Rules in 2025: what has (and hasn’t) been decided?
In recent days, news has been circulating about possible significant changes to Portugal’s immigration rules and nationality law. This information, which is often taken out of context or misinterpreted, has caused concern among those planning to immigrate to the country – especially in...
Rights and Duties of a Legal Resident in Portugal. Clarify doubts such as “How long can I be absent from Portugal?”
Obtaining a residence permit in Portugal gives the immigrant the right to reside legally in the country, with benefits and responsibilities established by Portuguese law.
Rights of Legal Residents in Portugal
Right to Health: Legal residents have access to the National Health Service (SNS)...
The expression of interest is over. How do I regularize my residence in Portugal?
With the end of the expression of interest as a way to regularize residence in Portugal, many foreigners are wondering what alternatives are left to legalize themselves in the country.
A transitional regime is in place that still makes it possible for all immigrant people who have not submitted...
D2 Visa: Entrepreneurship and Independent Activity in Portugal
The D2 Visa is an option for foreigners who wish to settle in Portugal to carry out a business or independent professional activity , with a focus on the target public in this territory. The main aim is to boost the country’s domestic market.
This visa is especially aimed at entrepreneurs...
Portuguese Nationality after 5 Years of Legal Residence
If you have been legally resident in Portugal for at least 5 years (in the last 15 years), you can apply for Portuguese nationality by length of residence. This process is regulated by Article 6(1) of the Portuguese Nationality Law and has clear requirements that must be met in order for the application...
Special Action for the Protection of Rights, Freedoms and Guarantees: Request for an Appointment to Issue and Renew a Residence Permit at AIMA and IRN
In Portugal, applying for and issuing or renewing residence permits has become a lengthy process for many immigrants due to the overloaded services of AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum).
In response to this situation, there is a legal action commonly known as a “queue-busting...
How to Obtain a Certificate of Length of Residence to Apply for Portuguese Nationality
For those wishing to acquire Portuguese nationality by length of residence, it is essential to prove that you have been legally resident in Portugal for at least five years.
One of the ways to prove this is through the Certificate of Length of Residence.
This document, issued by AIMA (Agency for...
Visas for Those Who Want to Work in Portugal: Complete Guide
Portugal has become an increasingly popular destination for professionals from all over the world.
The quality of life, pleasant climate, safety and economic growth are some of the factors that attract foreign workers to the country.
However, to work legally in Portugal, you need to obtain the right...
What documents do I need for the AIMA interview?
AIMA (the Immigration and Administrative Mobility Authority) is an essential body in Portugal that manages immigration, mobility and legalization processes for foreign citizens.
If you are planning to move to Portugal, AIMA will be one of your main points of contact to ensure that your documentation...
Different Types of Visas for Those Who Want to Work in Portugal
Portugal is an attractive destination for professionals from various fields who are looking for work and life opportunities in a new country. The Portuguese visa system offers various options for those wishing to work in the country, catering for different profiles and needs. Here, we’ll explore...
Residing in Portugal: How to Obtain the First Registration Certificate for EU Citizens
Are you a citizen of a country in the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland and want to live in Portugal? In this article, we will detail the process for applying for a Certificate of Registration, including when and how to do it.
Rights and legislation
According to Law no. 37/2006,...
Regularization in Portugal: New Rules for Immigrants
If you are a foreign citizen who wants to work in Portugal, you will now need to apply for a specific work visa at Portuguese consulates before entering the country.
The new rules, which were promulgated by the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and presented by the Prime Minister,...
Differences between Family Reunification and the Visa for a Family Member of a Residence Visa Applicant for Portugal
When it comes to immigration and family reunification in Portugal, it is essential to understand the differences between the family reunification process and the visa for a family member of a residence visa applicant. Although both procedures involve the union of family members on Portuguese soil,...
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Visa in Portugal?
Often, the path to living, working or studying in Portugal begins with obtaining a visa. Understanding the requirements and the necessary documentation is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition. In this article, we’ll explore the general documents required for different types of visas in Portugal...
How to apply for a digital nomad visa for Portugal: Brazilians are at the top of the list
These days, more and more people are looking for ways to work remotely and do business without the need to be physically present in an office or specific location. With the advance of technology and the popularization of digital work, the concept of the digital nomad has emerged, i.e. people who...
Change in Law creates new types of visas for Portugal in 2022; understand
In July of this year, a new law on foreigners was approved in Portugal, aimed at facilitating and complementing the process of immigrants entering and leaving the European country, given that the flow continues to be intense throughout the year. The government’s aim with this new law and its...
Residence in Portugal for British post Brexit
In January 2020, the United Kingdom officially left the European Union – one of the most important economic blocs in the world. This movement has been nicknamed “Brexit” (a combination of the words British and exit) and is thus known throughout the world.
With this departure,...
What the Tech Visa program for Portugal is and its changes in 2022
A successful program with high demand since its launch in 2018, Tech Visa seeks to attract highly qualified professionals from outside the EU for specific positions within companies in Portugal.
The program underwent major changes in 2022 and increased its scope, no longer restricting visa issuance...
Bureaucratic aspects of living in Portugal
The number of Brazilians in the country continues to grow, but what does it take to live in Portugal? There are many bureaucracies that can be requested and every citizen must take into account their needs and purposes for the correct procedures.
This is the fear or lack of attention of many:...
What does the Equal Rights and Duties Statute mean?
The Statute of Equal Rights and Duties, signed in 2000, is one of the valid agreements between Brazil and Portugal. In short, this treaty is responsible for benefiting Brazilians living in Portuguese territory and vice versa.
When requested, the documentation can only be sent to citizens of Brazilian...















































































