Portugal’s new Covid measures

26 November 2021

Portugal has seen an incredible positive impact of the vaccination in terms of the decreasing numbers of people in ICUs and deaths, and the 3rd dose is already in place for elderly people. Nevertheless, all over Europe the number of Covid-19 cases has been rising, and with winter and the holiday season approaching, Portugal is not an exception. 


For this reason, the Portuguese Government has decided on a new set of measures to be applied from the 1st December onwards in mainland Portugal. These include:


  • It is recommended for the overall population to perform Covid tests regularly and to work from home. 


  • It is mandatory to present the EU COVID Digital Certificate upon entry at:
  • Restaurants;
  • Hotels, Resorts and Short-term Accommodation;
  • Events with booked seats;
  • Gyms.


  • It is mandatory to present the EU COVID Digital Certificate plus a negative Covid test:
  • When visiting elderly homes and other healthcare facilities;
  • At large events with no booked seats and sports events;
  • At bars and clubs.


  • Moreover, it is mandatory the use of mask in all indoor spaces.


After the holiday season, between the 2nd – 9th January, there will be a “contact contention week” which means that additional rules will apply:


  • Mandatory work from home;
  • Postponement of the school calendar to the 10th January;
  • Closure of clubs.
by Cleuzina Cruz 12 December 2025
A practical overview of how foreign nationals can access Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS), including eligibility, Número de Utente and key requirements.
by Danielle Avidago 11 December 2025
Understand how Article 122.º j) allows certain applicants to apply for a residence permit in Portugal without returning home. Requirements, context and practical guidance.
by Tomás Melo Ribeiro 30 November 2025
Understand Portugal’s legal framework for residential leases, including duration, renewal, termination, rent updates and communication rules.
27 November 2025
Law n.º 67/2025 introduces tougher penalties for illegal occupation and enables faster restitution of property. Learn what the reform means for owners and occupants.
by Margarida Tempera 24 November 2025
Facing eviction in Portugal? Learn the 15-day deadline to respond, how to oppose an eviction through BAS, and what tenants can do when they believe the landlord is wrong.
by Javier Mateo and Margarida Tempera 21 November 2025
Is your AIMA application stalled for months or years? Portuguese law provides judicial tools to challenge excessive administrative delay and compel a decision. Learn how Article 66.º CPTA works, the one-year deadline, and what alternatives exist when the time limit has expired.
20 November 2025
Portugal’s Nationality Law reform is now under preventive constitutional review by the Constitutional Court. Understand the contested provisions and potential impacts.
by António Pratas Nunes 19 November 2025
Understand how board members and qualified roles in recognised companies and certified startups may qualify for Portugal’s IFICI+ (NHR 2.0) tax regime.
by Tomás Melo Ribeiro 18 November 2025
Understand Portugal’s share capital rules for Lda and SA companies. Legal requirements, strategic considerations, and guidance for entrepreneurs incorporating in Portugal.
More posts