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Jun 11, 2025Video Briefing10:22Watch on YouTube

Portugal now offers a residency pathway that allows citizens of certain “CPL” (Citizenship by Community Passport List) countries to obtain a temporary residence permit without having to demonstrate a specific purpose such as work, study, or family reunification.

Who can apply

  • CPL nationals – citizens of countries that enjoy visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival access to the Schengen area. Typical examples include the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and most EU member states.
  • The applicant must be able to enter Portugal visa‑free (or with a short‑stay visa) and then submit the residence‑permit application from within Portugal.
  • The rule also covers Brazil and Timor‑Leste, which are listed as CPL nationalities.

Legal framework

  • Law 9/2025, effective 14 February 2025, amended the Portuguese immigration code.
  • The amendment permits CPL citizens to apply for a temporary residence permit without stating a purpose (work, study, family, investment, etc.).
  • This contrasts with other routes such as the D7 (passive‑income) or D8 (entrepreneur) visas, which require a demonstrable basis.

Application process

  1. Enter Portugal using the passport of a CPL nationality (no prior visa required).
  2. Access the AIMA portal – a dedicated section for CPL applications launched in mid‑February 2025.
  3. Submit the required documents (passport, proof of entry, background check, health insurance, proof of sufficient means).
  4. The initial temporary residence permit is issued for 2 years (previously 1 year for CPL holders).
  5. Renewals are also granted for 2‑year periods, aligning CPL permits with the standard EU entry‑exit system.

Costs and timeline

  • Processing time: typically 15–30 days from submission to issuance.
  • Fee: the base cost is under €100,000 (approximately half the price of the cheapest citizenship‑by‑investment programmes).
  • Adding family members increases the total fee proportionally, but the per‑applicant cost remains below the €100 k threshold.

Practical advantages

  • The residence card is issued in the plastic EU format, recognized throughout the Schengen area.
  • Holders can travel freely across all Schengen countries while the permit is valid.
  • The route is marketed as a “plan C” option for those who lack a job offer, marriage, or investment opportunity but still wish to establish EU residency.

Risks and considerations

  • Legal advice is essential. The CPL route is a specific immigration provision; misinterpretation can lead to denial or future complications.
  • The policy environment may change; while the law is current as of February 2025, future amendments could alter eligibility or benefits.
  • Portugal and Brazil’s administrative stance on CPL applications may differ; applicants should verify how each country implements the rule.
  • The permit is temporary; obtaining permanent residency or citizenship will require meeting additional criteria later on.

Decision checklist

  • Do you hold a passport from a CPL‑listed country?
  • Can you enter Portugal visa‑free or with a short‑stay visa?
  • Are you prepared to provide proof of sufficient financial means and health insurance?
  • Have you consulted an immigration attorney to confirm eligibility and understand long‑term implications?

If the answers align, the CPL residency route offers a relatively fast, low‑cost entry point into the EU without the need for employment, study, or investment commitments.