With the current COVID-19 epidemic, Caiado Guerreiro Immigration Ministry has introduced new rules in the form of Questions and Answers for Portuguese investors and immigrants. Resident Global cites some content related to Golden Visa investors as follows
1. Does SEF work at this time?
Most public services will be performed online to avoid unnecessary travel, except in cases where electronics and emergency operations cannot be provided.
Via the web portal https://eportrif.gov.pt, by phone 300 003 900 and 300 003 980 and administrative online portals.
With SEF, there is only emergency schedule, case proving appropriate. The charter is allowed to be implemented and decided by the Regional Director. Citizens can make an appointment through the following phone numbers: 808 202 653 (fixed line) and 808 962 690 (mobile) or email gricrp.cc@sef.pt.
2. What do I do when I have an appointment with SEF but the service is closed?
According to the terms of the Decree-Law number. 10-A / 2020, in case of closure of a judicial court, administrative and tax court, arbitral tribunal, prosecution service, judges, alternative dispute resolution agencies, notary offices, translations service or administration, or suspend services directly at these facilities, at the discretion of the public authority based on the risk of COVID -19 infection, the time to practice the above acts will also be delayed since date of closure or suspension of service.
The suspension of service for citizens or their representatives residing or working in cities where the facilities are closed or direct service suspension is verified, even if Acts and proceedings must be taken in another city.
3. What do I do when my residence permit expires?
Pursuant to Decree 84/2007, Article 63, Clause 14, residence rights do not expire within 6 months from the expiry date on the license. This means that you have 6 months to extend after the expiry date of your residence card.
According to the 10-A / 2020 law, Portugal's public authorities now accept for all legal purposes, the use of documents must be extended by 14 March 2020 or 15 days earlier, in same terms until June 30, 2020.
4. Are any measures taken regarding the validity of the documents?
According to the Decree-Law number. 10-A / 2020, citizenship card, certificate issued by the registry and civil identification service, driver's license, as well as documents and visas valid from March 14 / 2020 will be accepted until June 30, 2020.
5. I cannot come to Portugal to fulfill my residency obligation at this time?
Except for the application of special provisions that may be approved, a residence permit may be revoked when the party concerned has no good reason and is absent in this country:
a) As a holder of a residence permit temporary, 6 consecutive months or 8 months alternating, in the total validity period of the authorization;
b) Being the holder of a permanent residence permit, 24 consecutive months or, for a period of three years, 30 months.
Absent in excess of the prescribed limit must be justified by a request filed with the SEF before the owner leaves the national territory or in special circumstances, after leaving.
Absences of persons who are absent for a longer period of time than expected above will not be canceled when they prove that during their absence from the national territory, they has developed professional or business activities or is cultural or social in nature.
The same principles must apply to Golden Visa holders, adjusted for a minimum stay of 7 days / year on national territory.
6. I am awaiting residence approval, can I have an answer?
According to the terms of the Directive No. 3863-B / 2020, published March 27, 2020, effective the same day, all applicants for a residence permit pursuant to Law No. 23/2007, July 4 or those who have made a request under Law No. 26/2014, May 5, with applications pending at SEF on March 18, will automatically be allowed to stay in the national territory since that day.
7. Can I apply for ARI - Golden Visa?
Yes. The online service of submission of Golden Visa Vietnam works. Alternatives to document delivery are being proposed to the SEF, with biometric data collection following the approval period. In addition, special rules are still pending, and Portugal's new immigration rules.
The above is information on the new Portuguese immigration rules. Any questions, investors please contact Resident Global for the fastest answer.