AS Consultancy

Long Term EU Residency card holders in Portugal

Portugal offers the opportunity for foreigners with long-term residency permits from other EU (European Union) member states to live and work in Portugal under Article 116 of Portuguese immigration law. The EU has an agreement allowing long-term residency holders and their families to move freely between EU countries and exchange their residency permits. Eligible candidates who hold a European long-term residency permit can access the Portuguese market for employment, professional activities, education, family reunification, investment and business, or other legal commercial and non-commercial activities.

 

Eligible Candidates:
  • Holders of Long-term EU Residency cards and their families
  • Holders of Permanent EU Residency cards and their families
  • Holders of EU Blue Cards and their families

 

 

Step-by-Step Process:

 

STEP 1: Define the Purpose of Residency in Portugal

Define the purpose for accessing the Portuguese market, such as employment, business, professional activities, education, family reunification, or other legal commercial and non-commercial activities. Portugal authorities will not accept the request unless the applicant demonstrates sufficient changes for the purpose.

 

STEP 2: Establish a Connection with Portuguese Territory and Community

Before making a residency request to the competent authority, demonstrate a connection with Portuguese tax authorities, banking institutions, social security institutions, licensing and permit authorities, commercial activity establishments, and Portuguese address, employment, business, education, and family contracts.

 

STEP 3: Book an Appointment with AIMA for Submission and Biometric Data

Book an appointment with the AIMA by telephone, with the reason for the appointment, identification details, and EU residency card.

 

STEP 4: Prepare the Required Documents

Gather and prepare the following documents, translated into Portuguese:

  • Valid passport
  • EU long-term residency permit
  • Criminal record from home country
  • Criminal record from resident country
  • Portuguese tax number
  • Portuguese bank account
  • Proof of professional activities in Portugal
  • Portuguese social security number
  • Proof of accommodation in Portugal
  • Any additional supporting documents

 

STEP 5: Visit AIMA for Biometric Data (Fingerprints)

Report to the AIMA with the required documents and provide fingerprints on the appointment day.

 

STEP 6: Receive Residency Card at Portuguese Address

The residency card will be delivered by post to the applicant’s Portuguese address and will be valid for the next five years or the validity of the EU card. Note that the officer may request additional documents and an interview.

 

STEP 7: Apply for Family Reunification

Once the primary applicant has obtained a Portuguese residency card, they may apply for family reunification under Article 98 for EU and non-EU family members, subject to supplementary documentation. Eligible family members include the spouse, children, parents, and partner in a living relationship.