Vocational Training Enrollment Surges as Immigrants Seek New Path to Portuguese Residency
A significant increase in demand for professional training courses has been registered in Portugal following the government's announcement of changes to the law governing foreign nationals. According to sources within the sector, enrollment in these courses is being used as a primary method for new immigrants to enter the country and for individuals with irregular status to obtain legal residency.
The legal basis for this trend is found within Portugal's Foreigners' Law, which allows individuals enrolled in studies to apply for a residence permit. Consequently, vocational courses with a duration exceeding 13 months have become a key instrument for residency applications. This has led to a proliferation of guidance on social media, advising prospective immigrants on how to use this educational route to secure their legal status in Portugal.
The impact is quantifiable. The Prepara Portugal training center, for instance, has reported a more than 100% increase in new enrollments over the past three months. Monthly registrations have climbed from 58 to 195. Higor Cerqueira, the institution's founder and pedagogical director, confirmed to the Lusa news agency that 'since the discussions about the new law began, we have noticed an even more significant growth in interest in our courses.' He added that the center receives dozens of inquiries daily through all its communication channels.
This training center, which was established by immigrants, primarily serves this demographic, offering 18-month courses at an average cost of one thousand euros. The student body is diverse, with individuals from 28 different nationalities, though Brazilians constitute the largest group at 75%, with Moroccans and Angolans following. The courses are offered in Portuguese, with some availability in English and French.
According to Cerqueira, students are typically seeking qualifications in areas that offer an alternative to manual labor, such as data analysis, information technology applied to management, and digital marketing. The certification from the Directorate-General for Employment and Labour Relations (DGERT) is a critical component, as it ensures the courses meet the legal criteria for a visa application for both prospective immigrants and those already in the country irregularly.
Cerqueira acknowledged that enrollment is 'a path to get the visa' but stressed the value of the training itself in helping immigrants secure better employment. He also stated that student attendance is a matter of record and that AIMA, the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, performs checks by requesting proof of course attendance. The Lusa agency sought comment from AIMA on the matter but had not received a response at the time of publication. For guidance on Portuguese residency and housing options, visit realestate-lisbon.com.
