In this new monthly column, afpop, Portugal’s largest foreign residents’ association, aims to answer some of the most frequently-asked questions by members.
Document extensions
Question: I am confused now as to what documents are still valid past their expiry date. Is my Residência valid after it expires at the end of the month?
afpop answers: It’s true that there have been several different deadlines extended over the last year and have been again recently. Some refer specifically to UK citizens and some to all. Your reader doesn’t say if they are UK citizens or other, but the situation for ALL Residências, Cartão de Cidadão, certificates, licences and visas is that they will be accepted until December 31, 2021 whatever their expiry date, if they expire after February 24, 2020.
UK citizens who are resident should have already applied online for the new Residency Card and have the proof of application, which should be carried with the Residency document at all times.
Extension for Portuguese driving licences
In line with an EU directive, Portuguese driving licences that expire between September 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 have an automatic extension of validity for 10 months from the date of expiry.
Extension in filling in the Portuguese Census
The census can still be completed online until the end of May.
UK citizens:
Extension in accepting UK licences for residents
The Portuguese government has extended the recognition of UK driving licences until December 31, 2021.
However, they are still obliged to exchange their UK licence for a Portuguese one if:
▪ The licence expires
▪ The license is stolen or lost.
Please note that those who have been resident in Portugal for longer than 60 days and who are still driving with their UK licence should have registered their address with IMT.
Extension for presenting a Fiscal Representative
The Portuguese government has announced that the deadline for appointing a Fiscal Representative for non-resident property owners, who already have their address in the UK registered at Finanças, has been postponed until June 30, 2022. However, any new applicant for a Portuguese fiscal number, who is not resident in another EU country, must appoint a Fiscal Representative immediately.
UK citizens remaining in Portugal for more than 90 days due to COVID
If you are not a resident in Portugal but you have been in Portugal since before January 1, 2021, the 90 days that you are allowed to stay in Portugal without a visa has already passed. SEF has announced that if you are a UK national arrived in Portugal before December 31, 2020 and you are still in Portugal due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, you do not need a visa or further authorisation to remain in Portugal. However, you must return to the UK as soon as the restrictive measures are lifted.
For more information about the benefits of membership of afpop, the largest association for foreign residents in Portugal, you can visit their website www.afpop.com; email them direct on [email protected] or call the afpop office on 282 458 509 or 938 252 100. Please remember to quote the Algarve Resident when contacting them.
