Immigration lawyer Wilson Bicalho has advised Brazilians who want to move to Portugal long-term to apply for the visa while still in Brazil.
Highlighting the importance of this step, Bicalho stressed that those who complete the application procedure in Brazil have a better chance of obtaining a residence permit when in Portugal, Schengen.News reports.
On the other hand, for those who make an application while already being in Portugal, Bicalho said that they have a “very remote” chance to obtain the document, CNN Brasil explains.
This advice from Bicalho comes following an increase in interest among Brazilians to stay in the European country and the tightening of criteria by Portugal.
Portugal currently offers several visa types that meet the needs of Brazilian nationals wanting to remain in its territory. However, a number of them fail to have their applications approved due to the failure to submit all the necessary documents.
Bicalho explained that there is a checklist of documents that Brazilians need to complete and present when filling out the application form. He further empasised that many Brazilians are unable to obtain a residence permit in Portugal as they do not meet the basic requirements.
Taking this into account, the expert also called on Brazilians to be more vigilant when it comes to submitting documents and meeting the criteria established by the Portuguese authorities.
Portugal Notifying 34,000 People, Including Brazilians, to Leave the Country Voluntarily
The government of Portugal is notifying around 34,000 people who have had their applications for residence permits denied to leave the country voluntarily. Among those who have been notified are also Brazilian citizens.
Under Portuguese law, foreign nationals who have their residence permits not issued or renewed will have a period between ten and 20 days to leave Portugal after receiving the notification.
This notification, under the Portuguese regime, allows voluntary abandonment and only leads to coercive abandonment after a new procedure.
However, it has been explained that the same rules will not apply to everyone. The period during which foreigners need to leave Portugal may be extended for foreigners with children in school, with family ties to Portugal, and for those who have resided in the country for a long period of time, among others.
Current data show that more than 5,000 Brazilians are expected to be asked to leave Portugal. It is still to be seen how the measure will affect nationals of other countries.