Lisbon Residency Alert: Portugal Mandates Pre-Departure Visas for CPLP Investors and Expats
In a major policy shift affecting investors and expats from Brazil, Angola, and other Portuguese-speaking nations (CPLP), Portugal will now require a specific residency or work visa to be secured *before* arriving in the country. The previous pathway, which allowed many to enter as tourists and then apply for residency, has been eliminated. This new law directly impacts relocation timelines and the process of investing in Lisbon's real estate market.
What Foreign Investors Need to KnowThis procedural change adds a significant new step to the relocation process. 'The key takeaway for a Brazilian or Angolan investor is that the 'on-the-ground' application route is closing,' explains immigration lawyer Joana Alves. 'You can no longer buy a property in Lisbon and then sort out your residency. The legal right to reside must be obtained from a Portuguese consulate in your home country first. This requires more upfront planning and documentation.' While the government claims this will enable access to Schengen travel, the immediate effect is a more formalized and potentially lengthy application process.
Actionable Steps for Today's Buyer- Start the Visa Process Early: If you are a CPLP citizen planning to move to Portugal, begin the visa application process at your local Portuguese consulate immediately. This should now be your first step, even before finalizing a property purchase.
- Align Property and Visa Timelines: Coordinate your property search with your visa application timeline. Ensure any purchase agreements have clauses that account for potential visa processing delays.
- Consult Legal Experts: Engage with an immigration lawyer in Portugal to ensure you have all the correct documentation for the specific visa (e.g., work, D7, or other residency visas).
- Update Your Relocation Plan: Factor in an additional 3-6 months for the consular visa process before you can legally reside in Portugal and manage your investment property locally.
This new law makes advance planning more critical than ever for CPLP nationals looking to invest and live in Portugal. Explore opportunities with realestate-lisbon.com.
