SEF have shared an update regarding those UK Nationals who were living in Portugal before the end of the transition period (31st December 2020), but were unable to register due to Covid19 measures in place. Many people have sent their requests to SEF since March and are waiting a reply, so they can get a residency document.
SEF have told us that they will imminently start contacting those who have sent a request for residency under the Withdrawal Agreement through the dedicated Brexit email. The process is as follows:
For those living in Portugal on or before 31st December 2020, who have already submitted a request for residency and this is approved by SEF:
- They will receive an email from SEF with a personalised digital token that will give them access to the Brexit portal.
- They should register on the portal by following the instructions in this video (same process as for those who were already registered as residents and registered for exchange)
- At the end, they can download the certificate with the QR code. This is an official proof of residency in Portugal and is valid until the new card is issued.
- They will be notified in the near future to schedule an appointment at a Town Hall to provide biometric data for the new card.
SEF has also been notifying some UK nationals in this situation who did not send enough documentation. The email asks for additional documentation to be sent to SEF. Although the deadline to reply to this type of requests is 10 days, SEF is accepting all replies. Thus, if the deadline has passed, UK nationals should still send additional documentation proving they are under the Withdrawal Agreement.
We continue to urge UK nationals living in Portugal (since before 31 December 2020) who are still not registered for residency to please do so, by sending an email to brexit@sef.pt with a copy of their passport, proof of address and proof they were living in Portugal before the end of last year.
SEF’s Brexit line +351 21 711 50 45 (open on working days from 8am to 8pm) and dedicated email brexit@sef.pt continue to be available for any residency issues related to UK nationals under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Regarding the start of phase 2 of the exchange process for those who hold an EU residency document and have already registered on the portal, there is no action to take at this time.
The British Embassy in Portugal continue to engage with SEF on this issue, both parties are aware of the difficulties this is creating in the daily lives of many UK nationals in Portugal. We will update you once we know more.
