Special Mechanism for Obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit (RP):

A special mechanism for obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit (RP) is available for Ukrainians seeking asylum.

Special Mechanism for Obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit (RP):

— Refugees are automatically assigned Social Security Identification Numbers (NISS), Tax Identification Numbers (NIF), and access to the national healthcare system.
— The temporary residence permit is issued for one year and can be extended twice for six months each if there is a threat to life in the country of origin.

It is recommended that Ukrainians do not apply for refugee status but instead apply for temporary protection status (pedido de proteção temporária – EU temporary protection). This document process is simplified, does not involve the withdrawal of personal documents, does not impose restrictions on the applicant, and facilitates opening a bank account, employment, business registration, social assistance, enrolling children in kindergarten/school, studying at Portuguese universities, and receiving medical care at public healthcare institutions.

Who Can Obtain Temporary Protection in Portugal?

— Ukrainian citizens
— Persons granted international protection in Ukraine
— Relatives of Ukrainian citizens or those who have received international protection in Ukraine (spouses or civil partners) who cannot return to their country of origin
— Foreign nationals or stateless persons permanently residing in Ukraine who have a temporary residence permit or a long-term visa and are unable to return to their country of origin.

Entry to Portugal for Ukrainian Citizens

Ukrainians can enter Portugal using the following documents:

— Biometric passport
— Ukrainian Identification Document (ID). According to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (DPSU), Ukrainian citizens from occupied or war-affected areas are allowed to leave using their internal passport (Order No. 309 of the Ministry of Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine, December 22, 2022). Citizens from other regions require a biometric passport.
— Children under 16 years old traveling with parents must have a birth certificate. Children may cross the border with one parent (without the official permission of the second parent). If a child travels with friends or relatives, they must have a notarized travel authorization from one parent, translated into English or Portuguese.

To obtain temporary protection in Portugal, applicants must register online with the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA).

In-person presence is required when applying for a child staying in Portugal without parents (e.g., with a grandmother, sister, aunt). Applications for temporary protection for minors can be submitted at the National Centers for Migrant Support (CNAIM) in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, as well as at certain AIMA offices.

Upon approval, Portuguese authorities will issue:

— Residence Permit (Título de Residência)
— Tax Identification Number (NIF)
— Social Security Number (NISS)
— National Health Service (SNS) Number

These identification numbers provide access to healthcare, education, employment, social protection, and other services.

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Obtaining a Residence Permit (RP) in Portugal

The Temporary Protection Status can later be converted into another category of Temporary Residence Permit (RP). After legally residing in Portugal for five years, including under Temporary Protection, you may apply for Permanent Residence (PR). This opens up additional opportunities for integration and long-term residency in the country.

Currently, Portugal offers various visa types that provide different options for living and working:

D7 Visa (for individuals with passive income): Suitable for retirees or those with a stable source of income.
D2 Entrepreneur Visa & Start-Up Visa: Available for entrepreneurs and start-up founders.
Work Visa: Allows foreigners to officially work in Portugal, provided they have a job offer from a local employer.
Golden Visa (Investment Visa): Grants residency through investments.
- Important: On February 16, 2023, the Portuguese government announced the termination of the Golden Visa program. However, subsequent changes approved by Parliament allow its continuation with modifications.
Digital Nomad Visa: Designed for remote workers wishing to live in Portugal.
Family Reunification Visa: Allows family members of a Portuguese resident to join them.
Student Visa: Enables foreign students to study at Portuguese institutions.

Portuguese Citizenship

Portuguese citizenship can be obtained based on several criteria, including descent, birth in Portugal, marriage to a Portuguese citizen (after 3 years of cohabitation), and naturalization after 5 years of legal residence. Naturalization can be granted based on business activities, investments, real estate purchases, legal employment, and other factors.

Eligibility for Portuguese Citizenship

— Descent: Individuals with Portuguese ancestry may obtain citizenship.
— Birth in Portugal: Citizenship is granted to those born in Portugal.
— Marriage to a Portuguese citizen: After 3 years of living with a Portuguese spouse, foreigners can apply for citizenship.
— Naturalization: After 5 years of legal residence, individuals can apply for naturalization. Requirements include compliance with local laws, absence of a criminal record, and sometimes investment, real estate purchases, or legal employment.

Documents Required for Citizenship Application

To apply for Portuguese citizenship, foreign nationals must provide the following documents:

Valid Passport: A passport with sufficient validity at the time of application.
Birth Certificate: A certified and officially translated copy of the birth certificate with notarization, an apostille, and a visa from the consulate.
Residence Permit (RP) or Permanent Residence (PR): Documents proving legal residence, particularly for those applying through marriage or naturalization.
Proof of Residence: Issued by the Portuguese authorities, confirming at least six years of residence in Portugal.
Application Letter: Addressed to the Minister of Justice. The application form is available on the AIMA website.
Portuguese Language Certificate (CILPE): Proof of Portuguese language proficiency at A2 level or higher, obtained by passing the CILPE exam.
Criminal Record Certificate: Issued by the relevant authority of the applicant’s home country or by the Portuguese Embassy, translated into Portuguese with an apostille.
Payment Receipt: A processing fee of €175 to €250, depending on the citizenship type.
Proof of Portuguese Ancestry (if applicable): Documents proving descent from Portuguese ancestors, which may be obtained from national archives.

Special Mechanism for Obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit (RP):