General guidance on the new residence permits for UK nationals under the Withdrawal Agreement

What is the new residence Permit?

The new residence permit will be issued to UK nationals residents in Portugal before 31 December 2020 and confirms their status as beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

This new residence permit replaces the EU residence documents previously issued (Registration Certificates issued by the town halls and Certificates of Permanent Residence issued by SEF – Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service).

The current residence EU documents will be accepted until the new residence permit is issued.

After registering on this Portal and submitting the form, the UK nationals can download digital proof of their registration – a document, with a QR code  – which can be printed and used when travelling to prove residence in Portugal.

Who can apply?

UK nationals who are living in Portugal before the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, and UK minors who are family members of residents  as set out in the Withdrawal Agreement.

UK nationals who come to live in Portugal after 1 January 2021 may need to require a residence visa and should follow the relevant application process.

Family members of UK nationals who are third country nationals must follow the usual process of renewing their residence card.

When can I apply?

If you already have a residence document from Portugal, you can register for a new residence permit now on this Portal.

SEF will contact you to book an appointment to provide your biometric data (photo, signature and fingerprints) for your new residence permit.

Appointments can be scheduled at a Town Hall (Câmara Municipal) that will be offering this service.

What is the deadline for exchange?

SEF informs all British citizens covered by the European Union Withdrawal Agreement residing in Portugal, that the certificate with the QR Code is an official document that can be used whenever you travel, proving your residence in the country.

It should also be noted that current EU residence documents continue to be accepted until the new residence permit is issued.