Corporate Immigration — Portugal: CPLP Residence Permit does not allow to circulate in other EU countries

Background

The CPLP Residence Permit is a document issued to national citizens of States where the Mobility Agreement between the Member States of the CPLP—Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea Equatorial, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe and Timor-Leste), grants the right of residence in Portugal.

Impact

There are no guarantees that the right to circulate through the territory of other Member States for 90 days in a 180-day period, without any type of visa, will be granted, given that the Mobility Agreement aims to promote mobility and freedom of movement within the CPLP Space.

Who are affected?

Immigrants who were in Portugal irregularly and required CPLP residence permit to regularise themselves.

Benefits of CPLP Resident Permit

The process of the CPLP Residence Permit application will be exclusively automatic and online, without the need for an in-person visit to the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF), except for applications for minors. The CPLP Residence Permit costs 15 euros and is valid for one year, renewable for two successive periods of two years.

• The holder of the CPLP Residence Permit has the following rights in Portugal:
• Education, teaching and vocational training, including subsidies and scholarships in accordance with the applicable legislation;
• Exercise of a subordinate professional activity;
• Exercise of an independent professional activity;
• Professional orientation, training, improvement and recycling;
• Access to health care;
• Access to law and the courts.

The person also has equal treatment in matters of:

• Social security;
• Tax benefits;
• Trade union membership;
• Recognition of diplomas, certificates, and other professional titles or access to goods and services available to the public, as well as the application of provisions granting them special rights.

Implementation date

CPLP resident permit application was already available for submission on www.sef.pt and www.eportugal.gov.pt from 13 March 2023.

Santa Fe recommendation

We recommend that people regularise themselves in Portugal through the standard procedure, which is to request a visa at the Consulate of the applicant’s country of origin or residence. The completion of the process with the SEF will allow the individual to obtain a Residence Permit recognised by the EU. This will always be more advantageous in several ways, allowing freedom of travel through the Schengen area and without running the risk of being deported, if approached by any authority from other EU countries.

For more information or assistance, please contact:

Arthur Leomil
Immigration Consultant, Portugal
Santa Fe Relocation
Lisbon, Portugal
D +351 221 224 733
M +351 938 212 428
E Arthur.Leomil@santaferelo.com

Irene Martin
Immigration Director
Santa Fe Relocation Southern Europe Cluster
Madrid, Spain
D +34 695 228 239
E Irene.Martin@santaferelo.com

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