Portugal has issued around 5,675 visas for citizens from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) to seek work in the country, since the end of last October, when the new type of visa came into force.

Citizens from Brazil, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe lead the list of nationalities with this visa, reveal data from the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE).

Since the creation of this new type of visa, with the change in the Foreigners Act, which came into force on October 30, 2022, about 5,675 visas have been issued (until April 26, 2023), in total and in all consular posts, to seek work," says an official source from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Citizens from Brazil, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe lead the list of nationalities with the six-month visa intended for foreigners who are part of the CPLP and wish to look for work in Portugal.

This visa is valid for a total of 120 days, but can be extended for another 60 days, and is granted at Portuguese consular posts, which immediately inform the Foreigners and Borders Service and the Employment and Professional Training Institute (IEFP).

To apply for a visa to look for work, a declaration of conditions of stay in Portugal is required, as well as proof of submission of a declaration of interest for enrollment with the IEFP and the possession of means of subsistence equivalent to three minimum monthly salaries.

Citizens of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) will also have a visa facilitation regime in Portugal, under the agreement on mobility among CPLP member states.

According to the decree, CPLP citizens can obtain a work-seeker visa or a CPLP residence visa, and are exempt from presenting valid travel insurance, proof of means of subsistence, a copy of the return transport ticket, and presentation in person to apply for a visa.

In addition to Portugal, Cape Verde, Brazil, East Timor, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Angola, and Mozambique make up the CPLP.

SEF data show that the foreign population residing legally in Portugal increased in 2022 for the seventh consecutive year, totaling 757,252, and the Brazilian community was the one that grew the most, totaling 233,138. (cnnportugal)