Manifestation of Interest in Portugal: What Changed?

What Was the Manifestation of Interest?

The Manifestation of Interest (manifestação de interesse) was a mechanism in Portuguese immigration law that allowed certain non-EU nationals who were already present in Portugal — and who met specific conditions — to apply for a residence authorisation without having first obtained a residence visa from a Portuguese consulate abroad.

The mechanism was primarily associated with two provisions of the immigration law (Lei n.º 23/2007, as amended):

• Article 88(2) — related to residence based on employment (trabalho subordinado). A person who was in Portugal with a valid employment contract or promise of employment, and who had their tax (NIF) and social security (NISS) situations regularised, could submit a manifestation of interest for residence authorisation through this route.
• Article 89(2) — related to residence based on independent professional activity (atividade profissional independente). A person who was in Portugal exercising an independent professional activity and who had their tax and social security situations regularised could submit a manifestation of interest.

This mechanism was distinctive because it offered a path to residence for people who were already physically in Portugal and working, but who had not gone through the standard process of obtaining a residence visa before entering the country.

How Did It Work?

Under the former system, the general process involved:

1. The person was already in Portugal (having entered legally, for example on a short-stay visa or visa-free entry)
2. They obtained a NIF (tax number) and registered with Social Security (NISS)
3. They had or obtained a valid employment contract (Article 88) or evidence of independent professional activity (Article 89)
4. They submitted a Manifestation of Interest through the immigration authority (previously SEF, now AIMA)
5. The authority would schedule an appointment, review the documentation, and — if all requirements were met — grant a residence authorisation

This route became widely used, particularly among immigrant communities in Portugal, as it offered an alternative to the standard visa-first process which required applying from outside Portugal.

What Changed in June 2024?

On 3 June 2024, the Portuguese government published Decreto-Lei n.º 37-A/2024, which entered into force on 4 June 2024. This legislation revoked the Manifestation of Interest provisions under Articles 88(2) and 89(2) of the immigration law for new cases.

Key points from the legislation:

• The Manifestation of Interest route is no longer available for new applications submitted after 3 June 2024
• The change is part of a broader reform of Portuguese immigration policy
• The government's stated aim was to redirect immigration through the standard visa system, where applicants apply from their country of origin through Portuguese consular services

Transitional Provisions

The Decreto-Lei n.º 37-A/2024 included transitional provisions. According to AIMA's published information:

• Residence authorisation procedures that were initiated up to 3 June 2024 (i.e., before the decree entered into force) were not affected by the revocation. These existing cases continue to be processed under the previous rules.
• This means that if you submitted a valid Manifestation of Interest before 4 June 2024, your case should continue through the system.

I Already Submitted — What Should I Do?

If you submitted a Manifestation of Interest before 4 June 2024 and your case is still pending:

Can I Submit a New Manifestation of Interest?

No. The former Manifestation of Interest route under Articles 88(2) and 89(2) is not available for new applications. The relevant provisions were revoked from 4 June 2024.

If you are currently in Portugal without the appropriate residence authorisation and did not submit a Manifestation of Interest before the cut-off date, you should:

• Seek qualified legal advice about your specific situation
• Explore the current lawful visa and residence pathways (see below)
• Contact AIMA or SOS Imigrante for guidance
• Not rely on information about the old system as though it still applies

What Are My Options Now?

If you want to live and work in Portugal legally, the current process generally requires:

1. Apply for a Residence Visa From Outside Portugal

Apply through the Portuguese consulate in your country of origin or residence. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your stay (work, study, family, investment, etc.). See our Portugal visa types guide for an overview of available categories.

2. Enter Portugal With the Correct Visa

The residence visa allows you to enter Portugal and begin the residence permit application process.

3. Apply for a Residence Permit Through AIMA

Once in Portugal with a valid residence visa, you apply for your residence permit. See our residence permit guide for details on this step, and our AIMA appointment guide for how to book.

Useful guides for planning your move:

• Portugal Visa Types — overview of residence visa categories
• Residence Permit Guide — the application process after arrival
• AIMA Appointment Guide — booking and preparing for your appointment
• Document Checklist — what you need to prepare
• Find Employment in Portugal — guidance on the job market

Common Questions

Is there any way to regularise my situation without leaving Portugal?

The standard process for most non-EU nationals now requires applying for a residence visa from outside Portugal. However, individual circumstances vary. Some situations (such as family members of EU citizens, or specific humanitarian cases) may have different rules. Consult AIMA or an immigration lawyer about your specific case.

I have been working in Portugal for years. Does that give me automatic rights?

Having worked in Portugal, even for a long period, does not automatically grant you residence rights if you did not go through the proper legal process. However, your work history, tax contributions, and social security record are factors that may be relevant in certain procedures. Seek legal advice.

What about CPLP citizens?

Citizens of CPLP (Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries) member states may have specific provisions or arrangements. Check with AIMA or the Portuguese consulate whether any special rules apply to your nationality.

Can my employer help me regularise?

While your employer cannot submit a residence application for you, they may be able to support your application by providing necessary employment documentation. The visa application process generally requires the applicant to initiate it themselves through the consular system.