New State of Emergency – What Changes from 15th January Onwards
15 January 2021
A new State of Emergency has come into force at 0:00 on 15th January until the end of the month.
What changed from the previous State of Emergency?
Portugal has seen an exponential increase in the number of COVID-19 cases for the past weeks. Therefore, tightened measures are in place:
- Home retreat is a duty for all citizens, except for a set of authorised movements, namely: acquisition of essential goods and services, performance of professional activities when there is no possibility to work from home, participation in the upcoming Presidential election, school attendance, fulfilment of parental responsibilities, among others;
- Mandatory curfew for people who tested positive for COVID-19 or on active surveillance;
- It is also mandatory to work from home, whenever possible, with the exception of essential services workers;
- Exceptional and temporary system of early voting for people who are in compulsory curfew, in particular citizens residing in elderly homes;
- A wide range of facilities and establishments shall remain closed, including for cultural and leisure activities, sports activities and spas;
- Retail and service providers open to the public, with the exception of authorised establishments, are suspended;
- Restaurants should operate exclusively for home delivery or takeaway;
- Public services are available by appointment only, since the priority is the use of digital platforms;
- Events and celebrations are forbidden, except for religious purposes.
What if I do not comply?
Heavier fines are now applied:
- Not complying with working from home is now a very serious offence;
- Not taking a COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport is subject to a fine between 300€ and 800€;
- Fines are doubled during the State of Emergency
Under the Portuguese Road Code (Código da Estrada), it is strictly prohibited to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
The most recent and impactful change came with the enactment of Law No. 56/2023, which entered into force in October 2023.
AIMA confirms: Golden Visa applicants' 5-year citizenship timeline begins the day after settlement of the application analysis fee. Recently clarified by AIMA.
The Central Register of Beneficial Ownership (RCBE, Registo Central do Beneficiário Efetivo) is a mandatory register established by the Portuguese government.
Submit IRS Modelo 3 in Portugal by 30 June 2025 or request an extension until 31 December with Modelo 49 in specific cases.
Nova lei reformula Autorizações CPLP: cartão físico de 2 anos, visto consular obrigatório e acesso à livre circulação no Espaço Schengen.
Bought or renovated a home in Portugal and found defects? You may have legal protection, with warranty periods from 5 to 10 years under Portuguese law.
A branch is not a separate legal entity. It operates as an extension of the parent company and is fully dependent on it, both legally and financially.
To maximise these benefits, property buyers should assess eligibility before purchasing a property, ensuring it meets the criteria for IMT exemption.
Acquiring Portuguese citizenship through marriage or a civil partnership with a Portuguese national may appear to be a straightforward legal process.