News from afpop

Nationality law
On 1 April 2026, the Portuguese Parliament approved a revised version of the Nationality Law, after the Constitutional Court had struck down parts of the earlier version. 

The Parliament approved the law, but it is not yet in force and the text must first:

1. be promulgated by the President (or vetoed / sent for further constitutional review)

2. be published in the Diário da República and

3. be specified when it enters into force (often 30–90 days after publication).

Until publication + entry‑into‑force date, the current law continues to apply.

We will keep our members informed after publication of the law and we will put together a factsheet FS45 with all the information.

Recall platform
Since 1 March 2026, if a vehicle goes to the mandatory periodic inspection (IPO) with an uncorrected active recall: 

• The recall is recorded in the inspection report

• The vehicle fails the inspection

This is why the IMT strongly recommends checking before inspection and has created a RECALL Platform (ACAP / IMT)

You can check instantly by:

• Entering the license plate (matrícula) or

• The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

More information available in our factsheet FS50.

The U.S. Embassy outreach trip Porto
The U.S. Embassy has announced that consular staff will be in Porto in April to provide the following consular services:

• U.S. Passport Services

• Notary Services

• Consular Reports of Birth Abroad

28 April – Afternoon and 29 April - Morning

By appointment only. Sign up via https://forms.gle/inS1STjFkSdcJiJQ7.

Biometric data collection (EES)
Biometric data collection at Portuguese airports is being temporarily suspended whenever passenger waiting times become too long, according to the PSP. The measure has been applied at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro to prevent travellers from missing flights. Authorities stress that border controls remain secure and are carried out using standard procedures, with biometric collection resuming once queues return to acceptable levels.

The European Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated system of the European Union that replaces the passport stamp with the digital registration of biometric data (photo and fingerprints) for non-EU citizens and has been implemented in the EU in phases since October 2025, becoming 100% operational as of Friday. 

Portal das Finanças – Apoio ao Contribuinte
Portal das Finanças – Apoio ao Contribuinte is the official online support area of the Portuguese Tax Authority. It features simple menus that make it easy to search for content and serves as a single point of access to information and services. It provides guidance on tax obligations, access to FAQs, forms, and digital services and allows taxpayers to submit queries or requests for assistance related to IRS, IMI, IVA and other tax matters. It is in Portuguese, but it can be translated by your online translator. On the afpop website you can download several information bulletins about taxes:

• T01F - Impôt sur le revenue des personnes physiques - IRS

• T02F - Impôt foncier - IMI

• T03F - Droits de succession

• T04F - Impôt sur les sociétés (IRC)

• T05F - IMT - Taxe sur les mutations immobilières

• T06F - IVA (T.V.A)

• T07F - Imposition des Plus-values mobilières

Also available in English, German, Dutch and Portuguese.

Planning your future in Portugal Seminars - reminder
Join our upcoming seminars designed to help you prepare for the future with confidence and clarity.

28 April – Boavista Resort, in Lagos.
This session is fully booked. If you would like to join the waiting list in case of any cancellations, please send a message to support@afpop.com 

21 May – Museu do Traje (Costume Museum), in São Brás de Alportel.
Places are still available. Register for this session HERE.

These events, conducted in English and open to the public, offer practical and easy-to-understand guidance on planning your future in Portugal under the theme You’re never too young to plan for older age.

A range of expert speakers will share valuable insights on key topics, including:

• Networking and Support - Guidance from the British Consulate on registering contacts and building a reliable support network.

• Health and Insurance Planning - Overview of health insurance options tailored to expatriates.

• Funeral and Ceremonial Arrangements - Clear information on available funeral plans and services.

• Legal Planning - Essential advice on wills, powers of attorney, and other key legal matters.

• Financial Planning - Practical guidance on asset organisation, international coordination, and tax considerations in Portugal.

• State Support Services - A social worker will explain the support available through the Portuguese public system.

• Community Safety - The PSP will present the “Idosos em Segurança” programme, offering advice on staying safe and outlining how the police support vulnerable members of the community.

Time: 10:00 – 12:30

Cost: Free to attend (advance booking with afpop required)

Living in the Algarve event
We will be joining the Open Media group once again at their ‘Living in the Algarve’ seminar on 30 April at Cascade Wellness Resort in Lagos. 

There is a morning and afternoon session, where you can hear the presentations and speak with experts in person if you have any questions. There will be Coffee breaks to chat with our event partners.  Save your FREE seats here: www.livinginthealgarve.pt 

Navigating your way in Portugal – Ericeira edition
Do you need help navigating your way in Portugal?

Join afpop on Wednesday, 6 May (10h30) at the Ericeira Business Center for an informative seminar on living and planning in Portugal.

Meet our CEO, Daisy Sampson, and our new local event organisers, Tim and Maria Kirkham. We will also host expert speakers Matthew Krystman (Blevins Franks) and João Pinheiro (Medal Insurance), followed by a dedicated Q&A.

• Cost: Free (Booking with afpop essential)

• Language: English

• Note: Places are limited-register early!

You can register here: https://afpop.com/en/navigating-portugal-ericeira-edition

AIMA Renewals Portal (non-EU): April, May and June 2026
The Renewals Portal is now also available for Residency Permit renewals expiring in April, May and June 2026. See further details on the renewal process in our previous briefings. The Portal is only available for non-EU residencies that have expired or are due to expire between July 2025 and June 2026. If your authorisation expires at a later date, you will need to wait for the Portal to open for that specific month.

The renewal of Residence Permits for Investment (ARI) that expired between 22 February 2020 and 30 June 2026, is now available on the Renewals Portal

Residency renewal for EU citizens and family members – reminder
AIMA has added an option on their contact form for Residency renewal applications for EU citizens and their family members’ Residency cards and Certificates (CRUE). This option is for cards and certificates that have already expired or are due to expire in the very near future. 

You can find the contact form here: https://contactenos.aima.gov.pt/contact-form 

 Choose: “Topic Type” Community Residence Card and then the “Subtopic Type” that suits your specific request. If the English version gives you issues, please try the Portuguese version.

Choose: “Tipo de Assunto” Cartão de Residência UE and then the “Subtipo de Assunto” that suits your specific request.

New benefits for members
We’re pleased to highlight a growing number of companies featured in the afpop ADvantage Directory. They offer exclusive benefits and services for afpop members. This week we have the following newcomers:

• Ana DG Consultora - Consultancy Urban planning, construction and regulatory compliance - 15% Discount

• Sampedro – Portuguese Bed, bath & table linens online shop – 5% Discount

• Saúde Acústica – Hearing exams, hearing aids and technical assistance Portimão – 35% Discount

For more detailed information, please click on the links that will guide you to the afpop CONNECT website.

Satellite offices
If you need advice or assistance, wish to introduce a new Member to the Association, need to renew your subscription, or just have a general query, please come and see us. We ask you to make an appointment and to inform us about your enquiry, so staff can come prepared to assist you. Please contact the afpop office to make an appointment on 282 458 509 or info@afpop.com.   

The next dates of the Satellites are: 

• Almancil – There will be no Satellite Office in Almancil in April, we will be back in May.

• Lagos – Wednesday, 29 April between 10h00 and 12h30 (premises of MediLagos on R. José Ferreira Canelas, which is behind the Câmara building)