IMPACT – MEDIUM

Portugal has implemented a number of immigration changes, including EU directives on intra-corporate transfers, students and researchers, and seasonal workers. The country also launched a new visa web portal to make it easier to book appointments.

Key information:

  • Portugal has implemented the EU’s intra-corporate transfer directive. This directive allows for non-EU/EEA managers, specialists or trainees transferred within the same corporate entity to apply for ICT permits that are valid for up to three years for managers and specialists and up to one year for trainees. Managers and specialists must have at least three to 12 months of consecutive experience in the sending company to qualify and trainees must have at least three to six months’ experience. Non-EU/EEA managers, specialists or trainees holding ICT cards issued by another EU country, meanwhile, may apply for Mobile ICT permits if they intend to work in Portugal for more than 90 days.
  • Portugal has implemented the EU’s students and researchers directive. The directive and its implementing regulations provide new processes for students and researchers. For example, students accepted at a Portuguese university are now exempt from having to provide proof of payment of tuition fees and evidence of means of subsistence. Residency permits for students can now be issued with a validity period of two years or the length of their university program (as opposed to the standard residence permit validity period of one year). Residency permits can also now be granted to paid trainees, whereas previously they were only available to unpaid trainees.
  • Portugal has implemented the EU’s directive on seasonal workers. Portugal will provide short-term and long-term visas for seasonal workers. The short-term visas valid for up to 90 days are available to workers in government-identified sectors where seasonal work is required. Temporary-stay visas valid for up to nine months will be issued to workers in sectors where the government has said longer term seasonal workers are needed.
  • Portugal has taken steps to simplify and streamline application processes. Officials launched a new online visa information portal that can be used for scheduling biometrics appointments and may eventually be used for submitting supporting documentation (the latter feature is not yet available). Additionally, university students from Portuguese-speaking countries may apply for visas online, without having to complete an interview. Additional information is available on this Immigration Service web page.

Analysis & Comments: The implementation of the directives will provide greater mobility and work opportunities for intra-corporate transferees, students, researchers and seasonal workers, while the moves to enhance digital applications procedures could lead to faster processing times and, in some cases, eased application requirements.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.