Manifestation of Interest (Art. 88)

What Was the Manifestation of Interest?

The Manifestation of Interest (MI) was a legal mechanism that allowed a non-EU citizen who had entered Portugal legally to regularize their status by demonstrating they had a work contract and were making social security contributions. It was a crucial pathway for many who found work after arriving in Portugal.

The End of the MI and What It Means Now

On June 4, 2024, the Portuguese government officially ended the possibility for new Manifestation of Interest submissions. This is a significant change to the immigration landscape.

• New Requirement: The standard procedure now requires non-EU citizens to obtain a relevant work visa from a Portuguese consulate in their country of origin or residence *before* coming to Portugal to work.
• Pending Applications: The government has stated that all MI applications submitted before the change will be processed under the old rules. However, expect significant delays.

Transitional Rule: A Possible Exception

The new law includes a transitional rule. It suggests that individuals who can prove they had already initiated a work relationship and had social security contributions *before* June 4, 2024, may still be able to submit a request. This is intended to protect those who were in the process of regularizing their situation when the law changed.

• Who it might apply to: People with a NIF, NISS, a work contract, and at least one social security payment made before the cut-off date.
• How to proceed: This process would likely be managed through the AIMA portal. It is crucial to consult with an immigration lawyer to verify eligibility and the correct procedure for this specific situation.