The immigration law allows the holder to enter and remain in the national territory for the purpose of seeking work.
2022/08/26
What is the purpose of the new amendment to the immigration law?
The new amendment, introduced by Law No. 18/2022 of August 25, modifies the legal regime governing the entry, stay, exit, and removal of foreign nationals from Portuguese territory.
What are the most significant changes?
The new law introduces several key updates:
- CPLP visa simplification: Streamlined visa issuance for citizens of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries.
- Higher education: Simplified residence visas for students admitted to Portuguese institutions.
- Job‑seeking visa: Allows entry into and stay in Portugal specifically to look for employment.
- Digital nomads: Temporary‑stay and residence visas for people working remotely for entities based abroad.
- Automatic registration: Provisional issuance of Tax ID (NIF), Social Security ID (NISS), and National Health Service user number.
- Extended validity: Longer validity periods for residence permits, including the EU Blue Card.
Key provisions
Digital nomads: A specific visa regime for remote workers employed by companies headquartered outside Portugal.
CPLP and student visas: The requirement for a prior opinion from the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) has been removed; checks are now carried out directly with the Security Intelligence Service (SIS).
Job‑seeking visa: Holders may work as employees until the visa expires or a residence permit is granted.
Ana Catarina Dias | [email protected]