Covid-19 Restrictions during Christmas and New Year’s Celebrations

11 December 2020
The Portuguese Government has decided to lift a few of the tight regulations during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. 

CHRISTMAS: 

Circulation between municipalities:
    • Allowed.
Circulation on public road:
    • 23 to 24 December: allowed only for those who are travelling;
    • 24 and 25 December: allowed until 2am the following day;
    • 26 December: allowed until 11pm.
Opening hours:
    • 24 and 25 December: restaurants operate until 1am.
    • 26 December: restaurants allowed to operate until 3:30pm in very high and extreme risk municipalities.24 and 25 December: closing times do not apply to cultural establishments.

NEW YEAR:

Circulation between municipalities:
    • Prohibited between 12am on 31st December and 5am on 4th January 2021.
Circulation on public road:
    • 31 December: allowed until 2am;
    • 1 January: allowed until 11pm.
Opening hours:
    • 31 December: restaurants operate until 1am.
    • 1 January: restaurants allowed to operate until 3:30pm in very high and extreme risk municipalities.
Public parties or parties open to the public are forbidden.
Gatherings on the public road with more than 6 people are also prohibited. 
by Joana Loureiro Veríssimo 7 August 2026
Working remotely does not automatically grant residence in Portugal. Understand the legal requirements and residence routes available to digital nomads.
by Jéssica Dos Nunes 5 August 2026
Discover the legal options for recovering commercial debts in Portugal, including injunction procedures, enforcement actions and cross-border debt recovery.
by Danielle Avidago 3 August 2026
Learn the legal routes to Portuguese nationality by descent for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren under Portugal's updated Nationality Law.
by António Pratas Nunes 29 July 2026
Explore how DAC8 changes crypto-asset reporting in Portugal, including automatic information exchange and tax compliance requirements.
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.
More posts