Brazilians more welcome in Portugal

 

By Marla Barret

Portugal Passes Law Allowing Brazilians to Apply for Residency After Entering as Tourists

In a groundbreaking move that underscores Portugal’s historical ties with Brazil, the Portuguese government has passed a new law allowing Brazilian nationals to apply for residency after entering the country as tourists. This significant policy shift not only simplifies the immigration process for Brazilians but also strengthens the cultural and economic bonds between the two nations.

A Simplified Path to Residency

Under the new law, Brazilian tourists in Portugal can now transition to residency status without leaving the country. This eliminates the need for a lengthy and expensive process that previously required applicants to return to Brazil and apply through consular services. The change is expected to benefit thousands of Brazilians who are seeking opportunities in Portugal, whether for work, education, or family reunification.

First Steps: Tourist Visa Requirements

For Brazilians considering this pathway, the journey begins with obtaining a tourist visa. While Brazilian citizens can enter Portugal without a visa for stays of up to 90 days under the Schengen Agreement, those intending to transition to residency should ensure they meet all initial entry requirements. These include:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned stay.

• Proof of Accommodation: Reservation details or a letter of invitation from a host in Portugal.

• Return Ticket: Evidence of a return or onward travel plan within the 90-day visa-free period.

• Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage is mandatory, ensuring tourists are protected in case of medical emergencies or unforeseen events. Travel insurance should meet Schengen requirements, covering a minimum of €30,000 as reported by SchengenInsuranceInfo.com

• Sufficient Funds: Proof of financial means to cover expenses during the stay, such as bank statements or a letter of sponsorship.

What Does Residency Offer?

Residency in Portugal provides several benefits, including access to healthcare, education, and the labor market. It also paves the way for permanent residency or citizenship after a few years, granting Brazilians the right to live and work across the European Union.

Navigating the Application Process

Once in Portugal, Brazilian tourists can apply for residency through the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF). The application typically requires:

• Proof of Entry: A stamped passport or other documentation verifying arrival in Portugal.

• Housing Contract: Rental agreement or proof of residence.

• Employment Offer or Financial Support: Evidence of economic stability.

• Criminal Record Certificate: Issued by Brazilian authorities and apostilled.

Applicants are encouraged to seek legal advice or consult with immigration specialists to ensure compliance with all requirements.

A Growing Brazilian Community

Portugal has long been a favored destination for Brazilians, drawn by a shared language, familiar culture, and favorable living conditions. This new law is expected to further bolster the Brazilian diaspora, which already forms one of the largest immigrant communities in the country.

Conclusion

Portugal’s decision to streamline residency applications for Brazilians reflects its commitment to fostering closer ties with its former colony. For Brazilians dreaming of a new life in Europe, this policy offers an unprecedented opportunity. As always, prospective migrants should prepare meticulously, ensuring they meet all entry requirements, including securing reliable travel insurance, before embarking on their journey.

Marla Barrret is a contributor to PORTUGAL NEWSWATCH wish special expertise in the legal aspects of emigration and immigration.

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WINTER VISITORS TO THE ALGARVE

 

One of most globally endangered bird species has been tracked undertaking an epic journey from England to the Algarve.

The birds – Curlews - are the largest European wading species, typically found in estuaries and moorlands. Due to their rarity, several were rescued, reared, and released this summer in the Dartmoor Natural Park in Devon, England.

A few individuals have since flown 2,092 kilometres south to the Algarve. Following extraordinarily careful observations, the BBC is quoting Jon Avon, the Curlew Recovery Project officer of the Duchy of Cornwall, as saying that “three of the birds were located in northern Spain, while two others made it all the way to southern Spain and the Algarve.”

Curlews have a distinctive call, and are also best known for their long legs, their long, slender, down-tuned beaks, and mottled brown plumage. If you see one in the Algarve, please let us know.

Meanwhile, the huge of human visitors to the Algarve each year is rising. The United Kingdom accounts for the largest number of visitors from the north. Big numbers also come too from Germany, France, Scandinavia and elsewhere. More Americans are enjoying the low as well as the high season. Groups of Canadians who call themselves ‘snowbirds,’ fly in from icy conditions at home in winter to meet in the Algarve.

Winter visitors to the Algarve are attracted not only because of the milder southern weather, but because significant discounts are on offer for accommodation. Many hotels and resorts are giving 50% discount deals for the low season, December through February.

The booming number of humans from abroad is, of course, much appreciated locally. But aside from the Curlews, we must not forget the great many resident, stray, abandoned and stressed dogs and cats wandering about among the visitors.They need care and homing. Fortunately, Animal Rescue Algarve (ARA) is doing the very best it can. It could do with your help: https://animalrescuealgarve.com /

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Written by Len Port.

Edited by Catriona Anderson. 

DEEPENING UNITY IN EUROPE

 

It is perhaps no coincidence that the importance of Portugal’s participation in the European Union has been emphasised in Lisbon this week by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. 

 

The EU is an essential part of NATO, even more so at a time of Russian expansionist threats, and just weeks before Donald Trump takes over the White House. With shared values and sharing most of the same member states, the EU and NATO are now facing strategic challenges like never before

 

Noting that Portugal’s former Prime Minister Antonio Costa heads the EU Council in Brussels, and that Mark Rutte of the Netherlands is the NATO chief, Portugal’s President stressed the fact that Portugal and the Netherlands share their commitment to multilateralism. 

 

Also this week, Portugal’s Finance Minister, Joaquim Mirandinha Sarmento, said the European Union needs common instruments to fund defence spending amid the protracted war in Ukraine and calls from Washington for NATO members to increase such expenditure. “All together, we must find solutions, just as we did in the financial crisis, the sovereign debt crisis, the pandemic, with inflation,” said the minister. 

 

In the words of a NATO statement last week, NATO and the EU “work side by side in crisis management, addressing hybrid threats and challenges posed by growing strategic competition, as well as in building the capacities of their common partners in the east and south.

 

Relations between the two organisations were institutionalised in the early 2000s, building on steps taken in the 1990s to promote greater European responsibility in defence matters. NATO, of which Portugal is a founding member, plays a complementary, coherent and mutually reinforcing role with the EU in supporting international peace and security. 

 

The NATO statement went on to say that the development of European defence capabilities is a key element of joint efforts to make the Euro-Atlantic area safer, and it contributes to transatlantic burden-sharing. In developing these capabilities, NATO allies must ensure coherence and complementarity and avoid unnecessary duplication.  

 

Close cooperation between NATO and the EU is key to developing an international, comprehensive approach and operations requiring crisis management and operations, involving the use of both military and civilian means. 

 

NATO and the EU stand united in condemning Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to self-defence, 

 

The 2022 Strategic Concept – the Alliance’s core policy document, which sets NATO’s strategic direction for the coming years – describes the European Union as a unique and essential partner for NATO and calls for an enhanced strategic partnership. In January 2023, the NATO Secretary General and the Presidents of the European Council and European Commission signed the third Joint Declaration on EU-NATO Cooperation to further strengthen and expand the partnership. This declaration builds the unprecedented progress in cooperation since previous declarations were signed in 2016 and 2018.

Written by Len port.

Edited by Catriona Anderson.