The manifestation of interest was one of the most commonly used mechanisms by non-EU citizens to obtain a residence permit in Portugal.
It was particularly useful for those who entered on a tourist visa, or without a valid visa, and subsequently began working, as it meant they did not have to return to their country of origin to apply for a work visa.
After the approval of the Action Plan for Migration (June 3, 2024), the Government revoked the residence permit procedures based on manifestations of interest. (Decree-Law No. 37-A/2024, of 3 June).
Following the revocation of residence permit procedures based on expressions of interest, the conclusion of employment contracts with foreign workers from countries outside the European Union is now subject to the holder obtaining a valid visa.
The new decree-law does not apply to residence permit procedures initiated on or before 3 June 2024.
What changed following the end of the manifestation of interest
With the entry into effect of the new Action Plan on Migration (3 June 2024), the expression of interest scheme has been officially abolished (Decree-Law No. 37-A/2024 of 3 June) with the objective of promoting more regulated immigration and reducing pressure on public services.
You can no longer enter Portugal as a tourist and regularise your situation afterwards. To work in the country, you must start the process in your country of origin or in your country of legal residence.
To enter into an employment contract in Portugal, you must first obtain the appropriate visa.
How can you enter Portugal legally
Before you enter the country, it is necessary to apply for a visa at the Portuguese consulate in your home country. You have several options, depending on your purpose:
- Work visa — you must already have an employment contract or a job offer from a Portuguese company (or one based in Portugal);
- Job-seeking visa — this allows you to enter Portugal to look for work for 120 days (renewable for a further 60);
You can view all visa application options on the AIMA website.
Once you are in Portugal, you must apply for a residence permit from AIMA. Please note that the application must be made whilst your visa is still valid.
Transitional regime: what happens to those who already had an manifestation of interest in progress
The government has introduced a transitional arrangement to ensure that people whose applications have already been submitted do not find themselves in an irregular situation. Specifically:
- Applications submitted before 3 June 2024 — remain valid and will be assessed under the previous legislation. Wait for the call from AIMA;
- Workers who made contributions before 4 June 2024 — Law No. 40/2024 of 7 November protects migrants who were already working before 4 June 2024. Even if you have not submitted an expression of interest, if you can prove your registration with Social Security and your contributions, you can still benefit from this scheme. It is important that you complete the 12 months of contributions required for presumed legal entry.
Exception for nationals of CPLP countries
If you are a national of a country belonging to the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), you continue to benefit from a simplified procedure with fewer bureaucratic requirements, making it easier to access the labour market and obtain a residence permit.
What should you do while you wait
If your application is already being processed, follow the recommendations below:
- Check the platform — log in to your account on the SAPA/AIMA portal regularly to check your status;
- Check your email — keep an eye on your inbox and spam folder, as notifications are sent via email;
- Keep your accounts in order — ensure you have no outstanding debts with Social Security or the Tax Authority;
- Travel abroad — avoid leaving the country if your documentation is not in order, as you may encounter problems on your return.
If you have any questions or require legal advice, please contact us so that we can advise you or refer you to a lawyer.
