Expression of Interest in Portugal: Procedure, Requirements and Waiting Times - Encontre Portugal (2024)

• Immigrant counselling, Tips from Portugal, Travelling
• July 26, 2023

• Tags: expression of interest, Portugal, Procedure, regularisation, requirements", Waiting time, Residence Permit

Expression of Interest in Portugal: Procedure, Requirements and Waiting Time

A Expression of Interest is a request that foreigners who are illegally resident in Portugal can make to the Portuguese state to regularise their stay in the country. It is also used by tourists wishing to reside legally in Portugal. In this article, we'll explain in detail how the procedure works, who can apply, what documents are needed, the costs involved and the estimated waiting time for a response.

What is an Expression of Interest in Portugal?

The Expression of Interest is a mechanism by which foreigners illegally resident in Portugal or tourists who have decided to reside in the country can request that their situation be regularised before the authorities. This request is sent to the Aliens and Borders Service (SEF) and requires the fulfilment of specific requirements under the Aliens Act.

Requirements for submitting an Expression of Interest

To submit an Expression of Interest, the following requirements must be met:

1. Have entered Portugal legally;
2. Have an employment relationship, such as an employment contract or service contract;
3. Be registered and in good standing with Social Security.

Documents to submit an Expression of Interest

The application must be accompanied by the following documents:

1. Application form signed by the applicant or their legal representative;
2. Passport or other valid travel document;
3. Proof or declaration of legal entry into Portugal (valid visa or proof of entry within the visa waiver period);
4. Proof of financial means to support yourself in the country;
5. Criminal record certificate from the country of origin (recent and issued by the Federal Police, in the case of Brazilian citizens);
6. Criminal record certificate from other countries in which you have resided for more than one year (except Portugal);
7. Authorisation for SEF to consult the Portuguese criminal record;
8. Proof of guaranteed accommodation in the country;
9. Proof of registration and good standing with Social Security (obtained from the Social Security Direct website, except in the case of a promise of an employment contract);
10. Proof of registration with the Tax Administration (Finanças);
11. Labour contract in Portugal or formal promise of a labour contract.

Step-by-step Expression of Interest procedure

Check out the steps needed to correctly submit your Expression of Interest:

1. Gather documentation: Ensure that all necessary documents are complete and up-to-date;
2. Register on the SAPA Portal: Start the procedure via the SAPA Portal, sending the scanned documents for analysis;
3. Face-to-face service: After the analysis, you will receive a notice from SEF with an appointment to see you in person;
4. Monitor the process: Wait for the request to be analysed and check the progress via the SAPA Portal.
   

   How long does the Expression of Interest take?

   The waiting time for the Expression of Interest to be finalised can vary significantly, depending on SEF's demands. The first analysis of the documents can take from a few weeks to months, followed by the scheduling of the interview and then the waiting time to receive the Residence Permit, which can be around 90 days. However, there have been reports of processes taking more than a year to be finalised.

   Fees and fines that can be charged

   The Aliens Act provides for fines for foreigners who stay in Portugal beyond the permitted time, for lack of proof of legal entry into the country or for irregular professional practice. Depending on the situation, fines can be imposed on applicants for Expressions of Interest.

   Cost of the Expression of Interest

   According to the SEF fee schedule (August 2022), the cost of the Expression of Interest request is 250€ for Brazilians.

Importance of the Expression of Interest

The Expression of Interest is an important procedure for foreigners in an irregular situation in Portugal or tourists wishing to reside legally in the country. However, due to the complexity of the process, it is recommended that those interested seek professional help to ensure that the requirements are met and that the application is correctly submitted. In addition, it is essential to follow the legal guidelines and apply for a visa in the country of origin, where applicable, to avoid future complications. Remember that each case is unique and it is essential to be well-informed in order to make the right decisions regarding your situation.

• The importance of legal advice: Due to the complexity of the requirements and the bureaucratic process involved in the Expression of Interest, it is highly advisable to seek the advice of a professional. lawyer specialising in immigration. A qualified professional can help ensure that all the documents are correct, increasing the chances of success in the process.
• Fines and penalties: It is essential to be aware of the possible fines and penalties that can be applied if the foreigner does not comply with the immigration rules during the waiting period for the Expression of Interest or after the Expression of Interest. issuing the residence permit. It is therefore essential to follow all legal guidelines to avoid future problems.
• Other forms of regularisation: In addition to the Expression of Interest, there are other ways to regularise your situation in Portugal, such as Family Reunification, the Job Search Visa and the Student visa. Each of these options has specific requirements and, once again, it is important to have the advice of a professional to choose the best option according to your individual situation.
• 4. Benefits of Regularisation: A regularisation of situation in Portugal brings numerous benefits for foreigners, such as access to health services, labour rights, the possibility of family reunification and greater legal security to remain in the country.
  5. Legislative Updates: It's crucial to be aware that immigration laws and regulations can change over time. That's why it's important to keep up with legislative updates and be informed about possible changes

  The Expression of Interest is a viable alternative for foreigners wishing to regularise their situation in Portugal. However, the process is complex and requires strict compliance with legal requirements. Seeking specialised help and being well informed about the rules and procedures are essential steps to increase the chances of a successful application. Remember that each case is unique, and careful and responsible handling of all documentation is fundamental to achieving the goal of residing legally in Portugal.

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