Obtaining a residence permit with visa exemption:
understanding your options
OBTANING A RESIDENCE PERMIT WITH VISA EXEMPTION: understanding your options
When planning immigration to Portugal, applying for the residence visa best suited to your profile remains the most recommended route.
After all, arriving in the country with a “D” type visa increases your chances of having a pre-scheduled appointment with AIMA and facilitates the resolution of issues with various Portuguese entities, such as the Tax Authority and Social Security. Especially now, with the end of the Expression of Interest system, ensuring that you apply for the correct visa while still in your home country is even more critical.
However, there are still alternatives for those who arrive without the appropriate visa and need to regularize their status with AIMA. Among the most well-known routes are the residence permit for higher education or vocational studies. These are not the only options: here are the possibilities under Article 122 of the Foreigners Law.
- Residence permit for those who have minor children, Portuguese or residents, over whom they exercise parental care – a pathway for those with children already regularized, as well as the possibility of proving, with a declaration from the other parent, the exercise of parental responsibilities;
- Residence permit for victims of criminal offenses or violations in labor relations, under conditions of social vulnerability, salary exploitation, or unfair working hours** – a regularization opportunity for those who have experienced exploitative labor situations, such as lack of social contributions from the employer, violations of labor laws, or similar issues.
- Residence permit for those suffering from an illness requiring prolonged medical assistance that prevents return to their home country to avoid personal health risks** – this route is always subject to proof that the applicant’s condition is severe enough that returning to their country for further treatment would pose a risk, for instance, due to the absence of similar treatment in their home country.
- Residence permit for second or third cycle graduates – master’s or doctorate – who, upon completion of their studies, are seeking work in their field. This is an important pathway for those at the beginning of their careers, looking for opportunities in the job market.
The options above are not the only ones available under the law. To ensure you can potentially fit into one of these categories, we recommend a personalized legal consultation tailored to your specific needs.
Obtaining a residence permit with visa exemption
