I was asked to work for two big companies, which paid better and I wanted to work for them, and I couldn't stay because I didn't have a residence document.
Joseph
The expression of interest was terminated by the Portuguese government on June 4, raising further doubts among migrants. Only those who requested the process before the termination date will have the possibility of settling themselves through this route. The analysis took an average of two years.
Jose said that although he has an appointment set for September, he realizes he may have to deal with another recurring problem. “I wanted to go to Brazil,” he said. Carnival [de 2025]But I don't know if I will be able to do that because of how long it took for the residence card to arrive.”
The legal deadline is 90 days. But it was common for immigrants to wait about six months to get their residence card. While they waited, they could not leave the country.
The solution may take time.
The Brazilian embassy in Lisbon said in a statement that it had reinforced with the Portuguese government the importance of the Brazilian community for Portugal's economy and development, as well as the need for flexibility in processing immigration applications. Brazilians represent a third of the 1.04 million foreigners residing in Portugal.
