In Portugal, the Expression of Interest was for years one of the main entry points for foreigners who wanted to legalize their status in the country after securing employment there. However, in June 2024 , this mechanism was revoked by Decree-Law No. 37-A/2024 , significantly altering the migration landscape.

In this article, you will understand:

  • Why the Expression of Interest process ended.

  • What are the current options for living and working legally in Portugal?

  • How can an immigration lawyer provide support in this process?

1. The end of the Expression of Interest

Until 2024, the Expression of Interest allowed foreign citizens who entered Portugal as tourists and obtained an employment contract to apply for a residence permit directly, without a prior visa.

This path was closed because it generated:

  • Overburdened at AIMA (formerly SEF) , with long queues and processes stalled for years.

  • Legal uncertainty arose , as many foreigners remained undocumented for extended periods.

  • Lack of immigration control hinders the management of public policies.

With the new law, the Portuguese government requires that entry into the country be made with an appropriate visa , according to the immigrant's purpose.

2. Current Alternatives to the Expression of Interest

Today, anyone wishing to live in Portugal must choose one of the available legal visas . Among the main ones are:

✔ Job Seeker Visa

Intended for those seeking employment in Portugal. It has an initial validity of 120 days , extendable for a further 60 days . The applicant must prove sufficient means of subsistence during the job search period.

✔ D7 Visa (Passive Income or Retirement)

Ideal for retirees or people who live on stable income, such as rent, investments, or pensions.

✔ D2 Visa (Entrepreneurs and Independent Professionals)

Recommended for those looking to start a business or invest in Portugal.

✔ Digital Nomad Visa (D8)

Aimed at professionals who work remotely for companies or clients outside of Portugal, provided they can prove a stable monthly income.

✔ CPLP Visas

For citizens of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, the residency process is simplified and faster.

3. And what about those who submitted their Expression of Interest before June 2024?

If you submitted your Expression of Interest before June 3, 2024 , your application may still be valid. AIMA has created a new portal exclusively for tracking these processes.

➡️ This means that:

  • Those who have already submitted their application may still be contacted .

  • It is essential to monitor notifications on the AIMA portal.

  • Documents must always be up-to-date to avoid rejections.

4. Risks of attempting to legalize your status without a visa.

After the end of the MI (Migration Intervention), attempting to remain in Portugal without the appropriate visa can pose serious risks:

  • Irregular situation , hindering access to employment, health, and social rights.

  • Fines and orders to leave the country .

  • No entry into the Schengen Area in the future.

Therefore, the paperwork should always begin before the trip , with the selection of the correct visa.

5. How can a lawyer help?

With so many changes in the law, the advice of an immigration lawyer is increasingly important. Here's how legal support can make a difference:

  • Analyze your profile and recommend the most suitable visa.

  • Prepare all the necessary documentation , avoiding errors that delay the process.

  • Keep track of deadlines and notifications from AIMA (including for those who already had a pending Expression of Interest).

  • Defend your rights in case of rejection or irregularities in the process.

Having expert guidance significantly increases the chances of success and reduces insecurity during the transition to life in Portugal.

Conclusion

The Expression of Interest process in Portugal no longer exists , but this does not mean that the country's doors are closed. On the contrary: Portugal continues to offer various visas and opportunities for foreigners who wish to live, work or start a business in the country.

The secret lies in choosing the right visa and organizing the documentation strategically — and a specialized lawyer can be the difference between success and frustration in the process.

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