Request for a Portuguese Residence Permit under Article 88, Paragraph 1 (using a D-2 Visa)
Article 88 and paragraph 1 of the Immigration Law were first introduced on July 4, 2007, and were later amended in 2012 and 2017. Only foreign nationals with a legitimate employment contract and proof of registration in Portugal’s Social Security System will be issued a residence permit for work purposes.
A 7-step method to obtain this category of visa:
Step 1: Declaration of Legal Entry:
Foreign nationals entering the country through an uncontrolled border from another Member State must report this fact to SEF (Portugal Immigration department). Foreign citizens and residents of a third country must file an entry declaration within three working days of entering Portugal. In accordance with Articles 14 and 16 of Act 23/2007 of July 4 and subsequent amendments. No further declaration requirements: Foreign nationals who entered Portugal via a border crossing are inspected at the border. Permanent residents and visa holders are permitted to stay in the country for more than six months. Foreign nationals staying in hotels or other accommodation units that submit accommodation forms to SEF after entering the country. Foreign nationals are protected by the EU’s legal framework or similar arrangements.
Step 2: NIF (tax Identity) Number:
The NIF number is also referred to as the contribution number (Numero de Contribuinte) and the unique taxpayer identification number. A unique identifier issued by the Portuguese Ministry of Finance and Taxation to individuals who are not only taxpayers but are also involved in contracts, opening bank accounts, sales, and purchases, as well as obtaining any registration within Portugal. After analyzing current data in Portugal regarding resident status, the Zajl office has compiled the necessary information to assist applicants.
You must visit the Finance department in person or send a representative with a power of attorney, a valid ID (such as a passport or citizen card), and a declaration of the fiscal representative to obtain a NIF number. When you request your NIF, it is accompanied by a standard report that indicates when you will receive your final taxpayer’s card.
The NIF number consists of a permanent personal tax number that can be used to communicate with tax authorities in Portugal, obtain a residence title, or obtain a loan from any private or public bank. This number is referred to as the NIF contribution number, which corresponds to (Numero de Contribuinte) in Portuguese or simply as a personal tax identification number.
Step 3: Request an accommodation confirmation letter:
On behalf of two citizens, the Junta de freguesia is the executive body of each municipality in Portugal that performs the address confirmation function upon submission of valid local proof of accommodation or reference. The Portuguese public and private institutions require the correspondent address (documentary proof).
The Junta de freguesia sends confirmation of the applicant’s address to the particular entity requested by the applicant. This document is only valid for three months from the date of issue, as the applicant is aware.
Step 4: Social Security Number (SSN):
A Social Security number is required for any expat, employee, or individual who wishes to work in Portugal. Social security numbers are assigned by Seguranca social institute. You must submit a copy of the employer-certified employment contract to apply for and obtain a Portuguese NISS social security number. The contracting firm may issue a promise contract if it intends to hire a foreign national. Freelancers and self-employed individuals may request a social security number without a job offer. The competent authority issues a number within 90 days of submitting the required application for worker admission to Portugal’s social department.
Step 5: The employment contract and taxes:
Employment contracts in Portugal are governed by Portuguese labor law (articles 273– 275). The minimum employment age is 16 years. An individual can obtain employment at the age of 18 years without having completed high school. There are numerous varieties of employment contracts. In 2018, the Portuguese government increased the monthly minimum wage from €557 to €580. The government has pledged to raise Portugal’s minimum wage above €600 for the first time in 2019 and to €635 in 2020. Based on data analysis collected from the Portuguese parliament, conducted by the Zajl office, and presented to the applicant for an easygoing process. Employer and employee contributions, including deductions for income tax and social security from salary or employer payments, constitute the tax obligation.
- Employer contribution = 23.75%
- Employee contribution = 11%
- Total contribution = 34.75 %
Step 6: Visiting SEF office for biometrics:
Before visiting the SEF office, the applicant should make an appointment online or by phone and submit a completed application form; afterward, the SEF will conduct an evaluation. The applicant may select a location, date, and time of his or her choosing.
Required documents under step 6 are as follows:
- Passport and visa
- Residence proof
- NIF number
- SSN number
- Employment contract
- Junta
- Police criminal record
- Social security payment receipt
- Letter of confirmation from the employer
SEF authority may call for an interview or additional documents.
Step 7: Delivery of residence card:
The printed temporary residence card is delivered to the address listed on your JUNTA certificate, which the Junta de freguesia issues.