Update: Expression of Interest
Law No. 40/2024 amends the transitional provisions of Decree-Law No. 37-A/2024, which revoked residence permit procedures based on the Expression of Interest mechanism.
▪ Introduction
On June 3, 2024, Decree-Law No. 37-A/2024 was enacted, bringing significant changes to Portugal's residence permit procedures, particularly by abolishing the Expression of Interest mechanism. Effective from June 4, 2024, this Decree-Law removed the pathway for foreign citizens to obtain residence permits through this process.
With the extinction of the Expression of Interest, many citizens already in Portugal, with established social and economic ties, found themselves in situations of uncertainty or vulnerability, as they lost access to a clear path to legalize their residence.
▪ What changed?
To address the impact of Decree-Law No. 37-A/2024, Law No. 40/2024 revises its transitional provisions, providing protection for individuals already residing and working in Portugal but had not yet submitted their Expression of Interest.
This amendment specifies that the revocation of residence permits granted through the Expression of Interest process does not apply to individuals who can demonstrate that, before the implementation of Decree-Law No. 37-A/2024 (June 4, 2024), they were:
(i) registered with Social Security, and
(ii) making contributions under a salaried or self-employed activity for at least 12 months, or working to complete 12 months.
▪ Effectiveness
Law No. 40/2024 comes into force on November 8, 2024.
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