CPLP visa versus Schengen visa: Portugal between two waters

The procedure for granting residence permits to citizens of Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP) has recently been made easier in Portugal, thanks to a new online platform. In just two months, over 113,000 immigrants, mainly Brazilians, have regularized their situation in the country. Nevertheless, this measure raises questions about Portugal's relationship with the Schengen area.

An easier procedure for Portuguese-speaking countries

Since March 13, 2023, citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries have been able to benefit from a digital, fast and simplified procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Portugal. The website enables CPLP members to automatically obtain a residence permit without having to visit a Portuguese Border and Immigration Service (SEF) center.

The site has experienced some difficulties in managing the influx of visitors wishing to obtain a residence permit. For the time being, it is only accessible to CPLP nationals who have already submitted a visa application and are awaiting a reply.

CPLP member states whose citizens can benefit from this new fast-track immigration procedure are Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe and East Timor.

Portugal has 300,000 applications for residence permits pending for the years 2021 and 2022, from all countries combined.

Exemption from certain documents for CPLP citizens

Since last November, applications from citizens of CPLP member states to obtain or renew residence permits have been exempt from the requirement to present :

• Valid travel insurance,
• Proof of means of subsistence,
• A copy of the return ticket.

Visa applications no longer need to be made in person, but can be made online, except for minors. However, the this new quasi-automatic residence permit still requires prior approval before being issuedThe conditions vary depending on whether the individual is a digital nomad, a job seeker, a student, a researcher, a volunteer or a minor.

Portugal between two regimes: CPLP and Schengen visas

While Portugal facilitates access to residence permits for CPLP nationals, it also remains a member of the Schengen area, with its specific immigration and visa rules. This raises questions about the relationship between these two regimes, and how Portugal manages to balance the two.

The European Commission has opened proceedings against Portugal. It considers that this residence permit runs counter to the uniform Schengen area model and is asking Portugal to remedy these shortcomings. In Sao Tome and Principe, nearly 9% of the population has already submitted a file.

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