Portugal: Temporary residence permits based on “expression of interest” are no longer admitted

Decree-Law no. 37-A/2024 of June 3 was published in the official Gazette, revoking the possibility that, as of June 4, 2024,onwards, foreign citizens could request a temporary residence permit to carry out work as an employee by submitting an “expression of interest”.

Before this legal amendment, in short terms, the “expression of interest” could be presented by foreign citizens who, among other legal requirements, met the following requirements:

1. Had an employment contract or a promise of an employment contract, or had an employment relationship proven by a trade union, by a representative of migrant communities sitting on the Council for Migration or by the Portuguese Labor Authorities (“Autoridade para as Condições de Trabalho”);
2. Had legally entered in national territory;
3. Were listed in Social Security (except in case of promise of employment contracts holders);
4. Had demonstrated to have means of subsistence and accommodation.

From June 4, 2024, even meeting the above requirements, foreign citizens will no longer be able to apply for temporary residence permits by presenting an “expression of interest”.

The possibility of applying for a temporary residence permit for independent professional activity and for entrepreneurial immigrants through an expression of interest has also been revoked.

Procedures for applying for temporary residence permits that began before June 4, 2024, based on expressions of interest, will, however, not be affected by this legal amendment.