News from afpop

Nationality law update
The new nationality law was published in Diário da República on 18 May and came into force the day after. The new law makes nationality:

• Harder to obtain

• More dependent on: 

  • integration

  • time living in Portugal

  • clean legal record

  • knowledge of the country

You will find all the updated information in our Factsheet FS45 by the end of the week.

Border control Lisbon
Lisbon Airport will have additional manual border control lanes from 29 May to strengthen operational capacity and reduce waiting times.

There are also plans to increase the number of e-gates (automated border control) and, from July, to increase the number of PSP staff assigned to border control.

New online service for land registry certificates
The Portuguese Ministry of Justice has launched a new online service that enables the immediate issuance of land registry certificates following payment confirmation. 

Available via the digital registry platform, the service simplifies and speeds up the process of obtaining property certificates. Users can search for properties (urban, rural or mixed), request certificates, and receive a consultation code within minutes. 

The system supports multiple properties in a single request and offers payment options such as bank reference (Multibanco) and credit card. 

A land registry certificate provides official information about a property’s legal status, including ownership, mortgages, liens, or pending registration requests. It is commonly required for transactions such as buying or selling property or arranging mortgage finance. 

Users can access the service through secure authentication methods (Cartão Cidadão, Digital Mobile Key, or a professional’s digital certificate), with personal data automatically pre-filled. The platform also includes a user area to track requests and access certificates, which remain valid for six months.

The service is available on the new digital registration services portal, at conservatoria.justica.gov.pt

For a simple certificate request: use the new portal (faster, easier)

For anything more complex (registrations, document uploads, etc.): still use Predial Online .

APA clears up beach rules
The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) has clarified that beachgoers are allowed to use their own umbrellas and parasols on public beaches, including in areas near beach concessions, provided they are outside the officially designated concession zones.

The statement follows complaints about restrictions being imposed on some Algarve beaches, where visitors were reportedly told they could not place personal umbrellas in front of rented sunbed areas.

According to APA, only the clearly marked concession area is reserved for operators. The remaining beach space remains public and accessible to everyone, as guaranteed under Portuguese law.

This clarification is particularly important for residents and tourists, helping to ensure that Portugal’s beaches remain open and enjoyable for all during the summer season.

EU to ban cash payments over €10,000
The European Union (EU) has officially approved a new rule that will ban cash payments of €10,000 or more in commercial transactions across all Member States from 10 July 2027.

The measure forms part of the EU’s new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing package under Regulation (EU) 2024/1624. While cash itself is not being banned, large business transactions carried out in physical money without formal records will no longer be allowed.

Under the new rules, purchases of goods or services worth €10,000 or above cannot be paid in cash when at least one party is acting as a business or professional entity.

The regulation sets a common EU-wide limit, although individual countries may choose to impose even lower national thresholds. The law was published in the Official Journal of the European Union in June 2024 and will come into force next year only.

General strike 3 June
On Wednesday, 3 June 2026, Portugal will have a nationwide general strike (“greve geral”) called mainly by the CGTP (largest union federation) and sector unions are participating as well. The main reason is opposition to a new labour law reform. 

Transport (Trains - CP, metro, buses, ferries and air travel), schools, hospitals and public services will be disrupted. Check alerts and notices from your airline if you fly on that day (TAP Air Portugal 

Portugália and SATA are expected to be affected the most, others might be disrupted due to the knock-on effect).

Hospitals stay open, but: 

• Only emergency/minimum services guaranteed

• Routine appointments and surgeries may be postponed.

Corpus Christi Holiday in Portugal
Corpus Christi (“Corpo de Deus”) is an important religious holiday celebrated across Portugal on 4 June. The day is marked by Catholic traditions, community gatherings, and beautiful street decorations in many towns and villages throughout the country.

For residents and visitors in Portugal, Corpus Christi offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Portuguese culture, religious traditions, and community spirit firsthand.

The afpop office will be closed on that day.

Portugal Day
Portugal Day, officially ‘The Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities’ (Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas) is celebrated annually on 10 June. It is a public holiday in Portugal and is celebrated by Portuguese people throughout the world. The afpop office will be closed on that day.

Planning your Future in Portugal – seminar materials
Following the success of the seminar “Planning your Future in Portugal”, and in response to requests from participants, the presentations covering the various topics discussed during the event are now available for download and consultation at the following link: HERE.

These materials are also available for those who were unable to attend the seminar but would still like to benefit from the valuable information shared by our expert speakers.

Ageing Well in Portugal – June seminar - reminder
A new seminar dedicated to offering practical advice about physical and mental health as we age.

The afpop “Ageing Well in Portugal” seminar brings together a panel of expert speakers who will share valuable insights, practical strategies, and evidence-based advice to help you enjoy a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life as you age.

This year’s seminar will place an even greater focus on both mental and physical health, with specialists offering practical tips on how to maintain wellbeing, stay active, support cognitive health, and improve quality of life at every stage of ageing.

Learn how to care for both body and mind, discover positive lifestyle habits that can make a real difference, and take the opportunity to ask important questions in a relaxed and supportive environment.

To reach as many people as possible, we will be hosting the same seminar in two different locations in the Algarve.

Choose the venue that suits you best and join us for a seminar designed to help you age well and live well.

In Tavira

Date: 23 June (Tuesday)

Time: 10:00 – 12:00

Venue: Tavira Municipal Library

Book HERE

In Lagos

Date: 25 June (Thursday)

Time: 10:00 – 12:00

Venue: Lagos Town Hall Auditorium

Book HERE

Please note that both events are FREE and will be delivered in English. They are open to the general public; however, prior registration is required.

We look forward to seeing you there!

AIMA Renewals Portal (non-EU): until August 2026 - reminder
The Renewals Portal is now also available for Residency Permit renewals expiring in July and August 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 August 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 31 August 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.

Please note: We are aware that people who have a Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia (CRUE) that has already expired, are getting an error when trying to use the AIMA contact form to request an appointment for renewal (applying for a permanent Residency). AIMA are also aware of this but so far, the error has not been corrected. Please see below a picture of the error.

If you cannot submit the request due to this error, you can send your appointment request by 

email to geral@aima.gov.pt with the subject: “CR appointment on paper, unable to use the 

form”. Please remember to attach the same documents as needed on the AIMA contact form which is your CRUE and your passport. 

When we know that this error has been corrected by AIMA, we will inform members through our briefings.

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:

• Golden Leaves International - Fully Regulated Pre-Paid Expat Funeral Plans, based in Alicante - €115 or £100 discount

• Changed link for the Lusíadas 4US Portal.

The link to begin the registration process to obtain their virtual access card for the Lusíadas 4US protocol has changed Those who are already registered do not need to re-register, they can continue to log in as normal using their usual credentials. More information about the benefits you can find on the afpop CONNECT website.

Vilamoura boat show
Vilamoura will host the 29th edition of the Vilamoura Marina International Boat Show from June 6th to the 14th, 2026. Jointly organized by Vilamoura Marina and FIL -Lisbon Exhibition and Convention Center, Vilamoura Boat Show is the meeting point par excellence for the main players of the nautical sector. A unique opportunity to showcase the main launches and news in the sector. You can try and test equipment on land or at sea.

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: 

• Lagos – Wednesday, 24 June between 10h00 and 12h30 (premises of MediLagos on R. José Ferreira Canelas, which is behind the Câmara building) 

• Almancil – Tuesday, 30 June between 10h00 and 12h30 (premises of MEDAL Seguros).