Portugal has announced simplified procedures according to order n.º 5793-A/2020 issued by council of ministers, to issue residence permits due to the health crisis.
The order significantly reduces attendance time for the appointment at the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) bureaus for about 250 thousand foreign nationals will result in efficient application processing. Portugal requires all personal to wear masks before visiting public offices.
The order makes the following changes to the residence permits issued also under golden visa scheme.
- For renewal of the residence permits, no need to face-to-face visit to the immigration office required, simply to submit the application at SEF Portal. The authorities will check relevant databases (for crime, taxes, social security) and will issue residence permits by mail to the address.
- Residence permits for visa exemptions do not require new supporting evidence, in which the documents submitted together with the application of the visa exemption (expression of interest)
- Holders of permits to be issued decisions on applications under this order and minors are exempted.
The official english version of announcement is available here
