Portugal | Resident permit appointments unavailable

The government of Portugal has announced delays in issuing resident permits, and appointments are not available for any type of residence permit application.

Key Points:

• There is uncertainty about when new appointment slots will become available, and the anticipated new online portal for scheduling appointments has not yet launched. Authorities have not provided any updates on the expected timeline for implementation.
• For already scheduled appointments, significant delays at the new Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum are resulting in processing problems for current cases and rescheduled appointments.
• Residence permits are not expected to be issued for the remainder of 2023. The template change to the resident permit card is causing delays in issuing residence permits. Previously approved permits will remain pending until integration of the new card template is completed.

Additional Information: As previously reported, the government recently stated that immigration documents or visas that expire on or after Nov. 10 will be accepted until June 30, 2024. Automatic extension has been granted to help those who have been impacted by processing delays.

The Portuguese government is currently transferring administrative powers from the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) to the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum as part of a larger restructuring of the immigration system. Some AIMA delegations are still awaiting the completion of officer training and staffing.

BAL Analysis: AIMA’s ongoing reorganization is making it difficult to predict when new appointments will become available. Reorganization challenges may result in further processing delays, and limited appointment availability is expected to extend into 2024. BAL will provide further updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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