The information on this page was collected from public resources and does not constitute legal advice.
General information on border crossing?To arrive in Portugal, you can use regular commercial flights across the EU (subject to a valid biometric passport), international rail and bus services or free ""humanitarian flights"" coordinated by the Portuguese government (details - in the Portuguese embassies), free bus transfers coordinated by the Ukrainian community (details in Ukrainian Refugees UAPT WhatsApp / Telegram / Viber +351969293235), as well as other types of land transport, including private cars. You can check on this website To get more information you can contact:
Official government information is available here If you are traveling to Portugal from Poland - contact the Embassy of Portugal |
What documents do I need to enter?
More information at the official governmentโs website |
What happens after a border crossing?The Portuguese authorities recommend that Ukrainians do not apply for refugee status, but for the status of a person in need of protection - pedido de protecฬงaฬo temporaฬria (temporary EU protection). The procedure for processing documents in this case is simplified, does not involve the seizure of personal documents, does not impose restrictions on the person and creates mechanisms so that the person can open an account in any banking institution in Portugal; work as an employee or carry out business activities in Portugal; apply for social assistance; place your child in kindergarten / school; to continue studies in Portuguese universities; receive medical care in public medical institutions. To do this, you just need to register with the Foreigners and Borders Service Based on your request, the Portuguese authorities will issue:
These identification numbers provide access to health care, education, employment, social protection, etc. The waiting time for processing an application to the SEF is approximately 2 weeks, the information is sent to you by e-mail, which you specified when registering with the SEF. |
How can I get from the border to the capital (a certain town)?Public transport in the country is very convenient and cheap. A metro ticket in Lisbon costs โฌ1.50, and a bus ticket is also less than โฌ2. Monthly pass โ โฌ40. More information at the official governmentโs website |
How can I travel to another (specific) country?
More information here |
How long can I stay?You can stay in Portugal without a visa for 90 days in any 180 days period. If you are granted temporary protection you can stay for 1 year. The residence permit can be extended for two periods of 6 months. |
Where can an unaccompanied minor get help?The Portuguese government has created an online platform to register minors |
Are there any Covid-related requirements and if yes, what are they?Today, COVID-19 vaccine certificates are not mandatory to enter Portugal. You don't need to present proof of vaccination or present a valid recovery certificate. But, if you are fully vaccinated as an EU Digital COVID Certificate holder, it's a good idea to carry it on a Eurotrip. Other European countries may still ask for a vaccination certificate. |
Where do I register for temporary protection?The request for the Temporary Protection Title is made online CNAIM opening hours
Temporary protection in Portugal can be obtained by:
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What are my rights while I wait to get temporary protection?Upon submitting their application, beneficiaries of temporary protection are granted access to:
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What documents will I receive once I get temporary protection?Once the request is made, the Borders and Immigration Service (SEF) checks the relevant databases and then shares the applicantโs data with the bodies charged with the automatic issue of a taxpayer, social security, and access to healthcare number. After this, proof of acceptance is given, and the temporary protection request is validated; the residence permit is issued for one year. |
May I temporarily return to Ukraine? What will happen to my protection status?Beneficiaries of international protection (asylum) cannot return to their country of origin while they are considered a refuge. |
Can I move around the country and the European Union freely while under temporary protection?Yes, you can move freely around the country and, also around the European Union for 90 days within a 180-day period. But you can benefit from the rights granted with the temporary protection only in the country that issued your residence permit. If you get to another Member State, you can contact the competent authorities there in order to benefit from these rights. |
Can I apply for asylum while under temporary protection? What is the difference?Yes, you can apply for asylum. The main differences from the temporary protection are the following: Temporary protection:
Asylum:
You can also apply for "family reunification" if a family member already resides legally in the EU. |
How and where can I apply for the residency?Once you request temporary protection, the Borders and Immigration Service (SEF) checks the relevant databases and then shares the applicantโs data with the bodies charged with the automatic issue of a taxpayer, social security, and access to healthcare number. After this, proof of acceptance is given, and the temporary protection request is validated; the residence permit is issued for one year. Once your biometric data are collected, you will be able to update your personal details (address, email, and telephone number) and pick the means in which the permit is to be delivered. It can be picked up at a Borders and Immigration Service counter (SEF) or delivered to an address indicated by you. Temporary Protection Title automatically includes:
Official information is at portugalforukraine.gov.pt |
How long I need to wait to get the residency?It is difficult to pinpoint how long this takes, however, even if the issuance of the temporary protection card takes a few days, you will get a document proving the submission of the application. |
What if I don't have the international passport?Crossing the border without a biometric passport is allowed in case of arrival by land or humanitarian flights. You can also request that a Single Trip Document to be issued (TVU in Portuguese), corresponding to a โsafe conductโ. This document is issued by a Portuguese Embassy in when the urgency is justified. To request this document, please get in touch with a Portuguese embassy in the country youโre at. To get more information you can contact:
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Where can I take a photo for my documents?There are many shops that offer such services. Look for printer shops and copy centers nearby your araes on Google Maps. |
Where can I translate my documents?You can translate your documents in any translation agency, for example smartidiom.pt You can contact the High Commission for Migration (ACM) Telephone Translation Service. Working hours: Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 7 pm; Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Telephone: +(351) 218 106ย 191 or 808ย 257 257 More information here |
How do I get Mobile phone/internet services? |
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