Changes to EU Citizens' Residency Process in Portugal

26 January 2024

European Union citizens intending to establish residence in Portugal will be impacted by recent updates outlined in Decree No. 13, from 22nd of January 2024. These modifications primarily concern the Registration Certificate for EU citizens and the Permanent Residence Certificate for EU citizens. 


The reasoning behind these adjustments lies in their alignment with the regulations stipulated by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. The primary goal is to reinforce the safety measures for EU citizens and their families as they exercise their right to free movement within the borders of the European Union.


AIMA, the Portuguese agency responsible for immigration matters is the public entity responsible for the emission and personalisation of the certificates. AIMA is also assigned with the implementation and management of technological infrastructures, ensuring the seamless registration, transmission, and processing of these requests. Furthermore, AIMA exercises authority over the collection of personal data, granting, and delivery of both the Permanent Residence Certificate for EU citizens and the Residence Card of a family member of a Union citizen.


It's important to highlight that Decree No. 13, from 22nd of January 2024, encompasses a broader spectrum, involving the reorganization of the Portuguese border control system, a legislative shift initiated by Law No. 73 from 12th of November 2021. This restructuring aims at a nuanced delegation and separation of entities responsible for enforcement and administrative activities. To delve into the specifics of this reorganization, you may examine the details provided in this article.


Decree No. 13, from 22nd of January 2024, comes into force 30 days following its publication. It applies exclusively to processes initiated from that specific day onward, without any retrospective impact on preceding processes.


If you need help with this matter or any other related issue, please don't hesitate to ask for our assistance. We will be delighted to assist you.

by Joana Torres Fernandes & Madalena Mourão 28 July 2026
Hiring in Portugal involves more than an employment contract. Learn the labour, immigration, payroll, Social Security and compliance obligations every employer should address before onboarding employees.
by Jéssica Dos Nunes 24 July 2026
Buying a renovated property in Portugal? Learn the legal risks, required property checks and why legal due diligence protects your investment.
by Javier Mateo 23 July 2026
Understand the 2026 changes to Portugal's nationality law and when children born to foreign parents may qualify for Portuguese nationality at birth.
by Jéssica Dos Nunes 21 July 2026
Learn why incorporating a company in Portugal is only the first step and how ongoing legal, tax and corporate compliance supports long-term business success.
by Constança da Graça Mendes 16 July 2026
Learn why Portuguese Land Registry requirements remain essential in cross-border succession, even with the European Certificate of Succession.
by Luís Maria Branco 7 July 2026
Proposed changes to Article 122(1)(k) will restrict Portugal's exceptional residence route for parents of foreign minors. Learn how this impacts your family.
Portugal EU family residence, Law 37/2006
by Danielle Avidago 29 June 2026
Moving to Portugal? Learn how Law 37/2006 protects EU family members with a 5-year residence card, no prior visa required. Get clear legal insights now.
by Luís Maria Branco 26 June 2026
Portuguese nationality law provides citizenship pathways for stateless persons and vulnerable children under protection measures, ensuring legal stability and rights.
by Joana Torres Fernandes | Domingas Andresen Guimarães 25 June 2026
Living in Portugal? Find out how Portuguese succession rules affect international assets, forced heirship for family, and when you need a local public will.
More posts