The Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) and the United Kingdom Embassy today launched a campaign for British citizens living in Portugal, or those who intend to do so by the end of the year, to register as residents as part of the UK’s exit agreement from the European Union.
British citizens who already live in the country and intend to continue to do so after the end of the year, as well as those who, until 31 December, arrive in Portugal and intend to reside here, must apply for a Certificate of Registration from their local council.
In a statement the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) explained that registration as a resident must be done so that British citizens can demonstrate that they are covered by the Exit Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom, thus guaranteeing their rights, including the right to work, health, education and tax benefits after the end of the transition period on December 31, 2020.
In the same note, SEF also states that more information will soon be made available on the replacement of these documents by new residence documents that demonstrate that the person is protected by the Withdrawal Agreement.
According to the latest Immigration, Borders and Asylum Report published by SEF in June 2020 and related to 2019, UK nationals represent the third most representative foreign nationality in Portugal, with 34,358 residents.
The United Kingdom left the European Union on 31 January 2020. However, by mutual agreement, the EU and the United Kingdom have decided to establish a transitional period, which ends on 31 December 2020.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
