Publications

16 September 2022

Changes to the Legal Regime for Foreigners in National Territory

On August 25, 2022, Law nº 18/2022 was published, which amends the legal regime for the entry, stay, departure and removal of foreign citizens in national territory.
This law essentially aims to speed up the mobility processes between the Member States of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, also creating visas for foreigners who intend to work in Portuguese territory or work remotely.
The following changes stand out:

  • A national citizen of a member state of the community of Portuguese-speaking countries who intends to apply for a visa of any nature, will not need the prior opinion of the Foreigners and Borders Service;
  • The visa for looking for work in Portugal is created, granted for a period of 120 days, extendable for another 60 days, thus allowing entry and stay in Portugal for the purpose of searching for work;
  • In addition to the SEF, the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado and Espaços Cidadão are responsible for issuing and renewing the residence permit for British citizens benefiting from the United Kingdom's Withdrawal Agreement from the European Union;
  • “Digital nomads” - can be granted to subordinate workers and self-employed professionals residence visas for the exercise of professional activity, provided remotely, both to natural and legal persons.

Of all the changes, we understand that we must give a certain relevance to the latter – digital nomadism – which seems to us to be “another step on the right path in the world – new digital age”.
Until then, only the D7 visa provided for some regulation for this type of worker, however it would only be directed to a retired foreign citizen or one who demonstrates living on their own income.
Castilho - International Legal Corporation has no doubts that these changes will be of undeniable usefulness, proximity between people, equality and transparency in contracting.
However, any of the procedures for obtaining any visa will be complex, so any interested citizen should inform himself in advance in order to be successful!