With Brexit coming into force, and in line with the UK’s Withdrawal Agreement for exiting the European Union, those UK citizens who got the European Citizen Registration Certificate must replace it with a Portuguese’ Residence Card.
Thus, all British citizens who already have a European Citizen Registration Certificate can apply for a Portuguese’ Residence Card through the new Brexit Portal (brexit.sef.pt). This new platform, created jointly by the Foreigner and Border Services – “SEF” (Immigration Authority in Portugal) and the UK Embassy in Lisbon, allows:
- To request the replacement of the European Certificate for a Portuguese Residence Card.
- To change the current address on the Certificate and future Card.
Afterwards, SEF will notify the applicant about the day, time, and location where he/she should go to replace the Certificate for the Residence Card.
British citizens who were not able to obtain the Certificate before the 31st of December 2020, are now able to apply directly for a Residence Card. In order to do so, it is necessary to provide proof of a Portuguese address prior to the end of 2020. After submitting said proof, SEF will notify the applicant about the day, time, and location where he/she should go to replace the Certificate for the Residence Card.
The validity of the residence card is the same as the European Certificate, i.e., 5 years. At the end of year 5 applicants are entitled to apply for a Permanent Residence and/or Portuguese Nationality.
For more information on this matter, please contact us at immigration@valadascoriel.com.
