The European Commission has initiated an “infringement procedure” against Portugal regarding visas for citizens of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP), launched in March last year. Soon, SEF launched a procedure for automatically converting them into residence permits, which 151 thousand people managed to take advantage of.
The Commission “urges Portugal to harmonize the provisions” of these visas with EU law. “Portugal has not fulfilled its obligations under Regulation 1030/2002, which establishes a uniform residence permit model for third-country nationals.” In a notice sent to the State Secretariat for European Affairs, the body considers that “the residence permit does not correspond to the model established” in the European rules.
In addition, it adds, “both residence permits and long-term employment visas for citizens of CPLP states do not allow their holders to travel within the Schengen area.”
A residence permit for CPLP immigrants costs 15 euros, and you can receive the document in electronic format within 72 hours.
In addition to Portugal, the CPLP includes Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, and East Timor.