New diplomas to facilitate the mobility of workers between countries
The Council of Ministers approved, on June 15, a set of diplomas that aim to facilitate the mobility of workers between countries. These measures have not yet entered into force but we can highlight the following points: a swifter process when issuing visas which can now and in certain cases, be carried out without the prior consent of SEF (The Immigration and Border Service); the creation of a temporary visa for job search in Portugal, for a period of 120 days that can be extended for an additional 60 days, up to a total of 180 days; and a more expedite process when granting visas for superior education students.
The Council of Ministers also proposed a simplified procedure when granting short-term visas for temporary stay and residence visas for citizens of CPLP countries - Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe and East Timor. In addition, citizens from these countries who are already in Portugal may apply for a residence permit.
The subject of digital nomads was addressed as well. Foreigners who work remotely outside the national territory can apply for a temporary stay visa and a residence visa for the exercise of subordinate or independent professional activity.
