Applying for Residence in Portugal

For Living in Portugal and Family Reunification

Article 77, paragraph 1 – Residence Permit (General regime)
Documents Required

The application for residence title should be scheduled (via an electronic platform – to be implemented for holders of residence visas) and submitted personally on a standard form signed by the applicant or his/her legal representative. The application may be submitted at any SEF’s directorate or regional delegation, which, after proceedings and decision, will forward it to the directorate or regional delegation of the applicant’s area of residence. Necessary documentation as follows:

  • Two recent, identical photographs, in colour with blank background, and easily identifiable (only for appointments at Odivelas, Aveiro or Braga SEF bureau)
  • Passport or any other valid travel document
  • Valid residence visa
  • Evidence of sufficient means of subsistence, as per the provisions of Order number 1563/2007, of 11/12
  • Evidence that the applicant has adequate accommodation
  • Permission for SEF to check portuguese criminal record (except for under 16 years old)
  • A document attesting to the existence of a family relationship, where applicable
  • Supporting evidence of registration within Tax Authority
  • Document proving that the applicant is registered with the Social Security, where applicable
  • Health insurance or supporting evidence he/she is covered by the National Health Service
 Notes
  • The granting of a residence permit shall entail: the absence of any fact which, if known to the competent authorities, would preclude the granting of the visa; Absence of conviction for a crime which in Portugal is punishable by a custodial sentence of more than one year; The applicant is not within a period of prohibition of entry into the national territory, following an expulsion measure from the country; No indication in the Schengen Information System; No indication in SEF’s Integrated Information System for non-admission purposes, under article 33 of the Aliens Act.
  • Without prejudice to any special legal provisions (as when the Aliens Act provides specific different deadlines), with the amendment introduced to article 75 of the Aliens Act, by article 192 of Act n.º 75-B/2020 of 31 december – State Budget to 2021 in force since 01/01/2021 and to 2021 –, the temporary residence permit is valid for two years [and not just one] from the date of issue of the corresponding title and renewable for successive periods of three years [and not just for two].

  • The following administrative offences apply: Article 192 of the Aliens Act (Illegal Stay); Article 197 of the Aliens Act (No entry declaration); Article 198 of the Aliens Act (Unauthorized independent professional activity); Article 199 of the Aliens Act (No travel document).
 Fees

ARTICLE 77, PARAGRAPH 1 OF THE REPSAE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH ARTICLES 51 AND 53 OF THE RD 84/2007 AS AMENDED

ORDER NUMBER 1563/2007, OF 11/12