Migration Lawyer Advises Brazilians to Secure Portugal Visa Before Departure
Brazilian Migration Lawyer Advises Early Visa Application Amid Tightening Immigration Rules in Portugal
Wilson Bicalho, a Brazilian immigration lawyer, has urged Brazilians planning to relocate to Portugal for long-term stays to apply for their visas while still in Brazil, warning that those who wait until after arrival face very slim chances of approval.
“Applications submitted from within Portugal have a very remote chance of success,” Bicalho told CNN Brasil, noting a rising number of unsuccessful residency applications due to incomplete documentation.
Growing Interest & Stricter Regulations Prompt Caution
This advice comes amid a growing wave of Brazilians interested in living in Portugal, coupled with the Portuguese government tightening immigration criteria. Although Portugal offers multiple visa types tailored to Brazilians—such as the D7 passive income visa, tech/startup visa, and employment-based residence visas—many applicants are facing denials.
Bicalho emphasized that many of the rejections stem from applicants failing to submit complete and accurate documents. He advises potential migrants to carefully review the official checklist and meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
“Many Brazilians are failing to obtain residence permits because they don’t meet the basic legal criteria,” he added.
Portuguese Government Notifies 34,000 Foreigners to Leave Voluntarily
In a related development, the Portuguese government has begun notifying approximately 34,000 foreign nationals, including thousands of Brazilians, to leave the country voluntarily following the rejection of their residence permit applications.
Under Portuguese immigration law, foreign nationals whose residence permit requests are denied have 10 to 20 days to leave the country after receiving official notification.
“This notification allows for voluntary departure and only leads to forced deportation if the individual fails to comply and after a new legal procedure,” said António Leitão Amaro, Portugal’s Minister of the Presidency.
Exceptions for Long-Term Residents and Families
While the departure deadline is strictly enforced, exceptions may apply for certain categories of migrants:
- Foreigners with school-aged children
- Those with family ties in Portugal
- Individuals with a long-standing history of residence in the country
Currently, over 5,000 Brazilians are expected to be impacted by the removal notifications. The effect on other nationalities remains to be fully assessed.
Conclusion
With immigration laws tightening and enforcement becoming more assertive, legal experts like Wilson Bicalho are urging Brazilians to take proactive steps, follow legal channels, and complete their visa applications from their home country. As Portugal balances its open-door reputation with stronger immigration enforcement, proper documentation and compliance have become more crucial than ever.
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