AIMA: Immigrants Entering Portugal by Land Must Register with the PSP

Foreign nationals who enter Portugal by land are required to submit an entry declaration to the PSP-Polícia de Segurança Pública (Public Security Police) within three days, as already stipulated under Portuguese law. Until recently, proof of entry was generally accepted in the form of a passport stamp or through registration via the accommodation form (SIBA). This practice, however, has now changed.

Following the proposed reforms to the Portuguese Nationality and Immigration Laws — which were partially declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court and later vetoed by the Portuguese President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, — the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has begun enforcing the law strictly, applying its provisions to the letter and leaving no room for discretionary flexibility.

The requirement to file the entry declaration within three days of entering Portuguese territory is laid down in Article 77 of Law No. 23/2007 of 4 June (the Foreigners’ Law).

In practice, both AIMA and its predecessor SEF previously showed tolerance by accepting alternative forms of proof, such as a passport stamp from another Schengen country, an airline or bus ticket to Portugal, or proof of accommodation registration (hotel, hostel, or Airbnb) as substitutes for the PSP entry declaration in the residence permit process.

It should also be noted that the parliamentary vote on the broader reforms to nationality and immigration law, particularly regarding Portuguese citizenship, has been postponed until September 2025. At LVP Advogados, we will continue to monitor developments closely and provide timely updates to our clients and readers.

This stricter approach by AIMA may cause serious difficulties for foreign nationals living in Portugal, especially for those left in limbo after the suspension of the Manifestação de Interesse (Expression of Interest) process. The Portuguese government has introduced a transitional regime, but it only applies to individuals who paid social security contributions in Portugal during the 12 months before the suspension.

The main concern is that individuals who cannot demonstrate such contributions and who instead seek to regularise their situation by filing an entry declaration at the PSP may unexpectedly be issued with a voluntary departure order from Portuguese territory.

Given these risks, it is crucial to be aware of the current legislation and, where appropriate, to consult an immigration lawyer experienced in Portuguese law who can clarify your rights and obligations.

If you require legal guidance on this matter, our team is available to assist.