General guidance on the new residence permits for UK nationals under the Withdrawal Agreement by SEF and UK GOV Portuguese Borders and Immigration Agency (SEF) and the British Embassy in Lisbon launch a joint information campaign The Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) and the British Embassy in Lisbon have today launched a joint information campaign to remind UK nationals who are living in Portugal, or plan to by... 28 Dec 2020 min reading Portuguese Borders and Immigration Agency (SEF) and the British Embassy in Lisbon launch a joint information campaign The Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) and the British Embassy in Lisbon have today launched a joint information campaign to remind UK nationals who are living in Portugal, or plan to by the end of the year, to register for residence if they have not already done so. UK nationals who live in Portugal and who intend to remain here after the end of the year, as well as those who, by 31 December 2020, arrive in Portugal with the intention to reside, should register with their local Town Hall (Câmara Municipal) to get their Certificate of Registration. Registration should be made so that UK nationals can demonstrate their rights are protected under the Withdrawal Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom. This includes the right to work, access healthcare, education, and benefits, after the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020. Any residence documents already held by 31 December 2020 will continue to be accepted after the end of the transition period. More information will be available shortly on substituting current documents for new residence documents which state the holder’s status as a beneficiary of the Withdrawal Agreement What is the new residence Permit? The new residence permit will be issued to UK nationals residents in Portugal before 31 December 2020 and confirms their status as beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union. This new residence permit replaces the EU residence documents previously issued (Registration Certificates issued by the town halls and Certificates of Permanent Residence issued by SEF – Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service). The current residence EU documents will be accepted after 31 December 2020 and until the new residence permit is issued. After registering on this Portal and submitting the form, the UK nationals can download digital proof of their registration – a document, with a QR code – which can be printed and used when travelling to prove residence in Portugal. Who can apply? UK nationals who are living in Portugal before the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, and UK minors who are family members of residents as set out in the Withdrawal Agreement. UK nationals who come to live in Portugal after 1 January 2021 may need to require a residence visa and should follow the relevant application process. Family members of UK nationals who are third country nationals must follow the usual process of renewing their residence card. When can I apply? If you already have a residence document from Portugal, you can register for a new residence permit now on this Portal. After January 2021, you will be asked to book an appointment to provide your biometric data (photo, signature and fingerprints) for your new residence permit. Appointments can be scheduled from 1 January 2021 onwards and will take place at a Town Hall (Câmara Municipal) that is offering this service near to of your residence area. What is the deadline for exchange? The registration to exchange you residence document on this Portal will be open until at least the end of June 2021. Thereafter you will need to schedule an appointment directly with SEF to exchange your residence documentation. Useful Links Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community 23/2007 Act covering the immigration rules for third country nationals Commission Implementing Decision of 21/02/2020 Fonte: SEF e Sul Informação Share article FacebookXPinterestWhatsAppCopy link