Chapter VI · Residence in national territory · Section II · Residence permit · Subsection VIII · Residence permit in special situations

Article 123-A Special regime for the relocation of companies

Artigo 123.º-A · Regime especial para deslocalização de empresas

Lei n.º 23/2007, de 4 de julho (Lei de Estrangeiros) · consolidated text, as amended by Law No. 62/2026, checked 26 October 2026

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1. A residence permit is granted to the owners, directors or employees of companies having their registered office or a principal or secondary establishment in a State of the European Economic Area, or in a State designated by order (despacho) of the members of the Government responsible for foreign affairs and migration, which move their registered office or principal or secondary establishment to national territory, provided that they meet the following conditions:

1 - É concedida autorização de residência aos titulares, administradores ou trabalhadores de empresas sediadas ou com estabelecimento principal ou secundário num Estado do Espaço Económico Europeu ou num Estado definido por despacho dos membros do Governo responsáveis pelas áreas dos negócios estrangeiros e das migrações que fixem a sua sede ou estabelecimento principal ou secundário em território nacional desde que preencham as seguintes condições:

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a) They hold a valid residence permit or residence card in the State Party to the European Economic Area where the company’s registered office or principal or secondary establishment was located;

a) Terem autorização de residência ou título de residência válido no Estado Parte do Espaço Económico Europeu onde se situava a sede ou estabelecimento principal ou secundário da empresa;

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b) They do not pose a threat to public policy or public security;

b) Não constituírem ameaça à ordem pública ou à segurança pública;

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c) They meet the conditions laid down in points (g) to (j) of Article 77.

c) Preencham as condições estabelecidas nas alíneas g) a j) do artigo 77.º

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2. Provided that the conditions referred to in the preceding paragraph are met, the foreign residence card is recognised and a similar residence card valid in national territory is issued.

2 - Desde que preenchidas as condições referidas no número anterior, o título de residência estrangeiro é reconhecido, sendo emitido título de residência similar válido em território nacional.

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3. The same regime applies to the family members of the worker or collaborator who benefits from this Article.

3 - O mesmo regime é aplicável aos membros da família do trabalhador ou colaborador que beneficie do disposto no presente artigo.

What we checked in this article

Check the eligible persons (owners, directors, employees), the EEA or despacho-designated State condition, the cross-reference to points (g) to (j) of Article 77 and the extension to family members.

Moving to Portugal, or bringing a team or family? Article 123-A may decide what you can apply for.

We map the visa and residence route that fits your activity, prepare the company side (contracts, payroll, registrations) and coordinate with immigration lawyers for the application itself. A written answer and a fixed quote within one working day.

Unofficial English translation prepared by BCA Portugal for reference. Only the Portuguese text published in the Diário da República has legal force. Editorial notes are ours and are not part of the statute.

Applying the law

Visas and residence in Portugal, planned together with the company

The permit depends on what you will do here: employment, your own company, remote work for a foreign employer or investment. Tell us the plan, and we will set out which route the Act gives you and what the company needs to have in place.

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