Chapter IX · Criminal provisions

Article 184 Association for aiding illegal immigration

Artigo 184.º · Associação de auxílio à imigração ilegal

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. Anyone who promotes or founds a group, organisation or association whose purpose or activity is directed at committing the crimes provided for in the preceding Article shall be punished with imprisonment of one to six years.

1 - Quem promover ou fundar grupo, organização ou associação cuja finalidade ou atividade seja dirigida à prática dos crimes previstos no artigo anterior é punido com pena de prisão de um a seis anos.

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2. The same penalty applies to anyone who is a member of such groups, organisations or associations, as well as to anyone who supports them or provides assistance for the recruitment of new members.

2 - Incorre na mesma pena quem fizer parte de tais grupos, organizações ou associações, bem como quem os apoiar ou prestar auxílio para que se recrutem novos elementos.

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3. Anyone who leads or directs the groups, organisations or associations mentioned in the preceding paragraphs shall be punished with imprisonment of two to eight years.

3 - Quem chefiar ou dirigir os grupos, organizações ou associações mencionados nos números anteriores é punido com pena de prisão de dois a oito anos.

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4. Attempt is punishable.

4 - A tentativa é punível.

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5. The penalties applicable to the entities referred to in Article 182(1) are a fine, the minimum and maximum limits of which are doubled, or a ban on carrying on the activity for one to five years.

5 - As penas aplicáveis às entidades referidas no n.º 1 do artigo 182.º são as de multa, cujos limites mínimo e máximo são elevados ao dobro, ou de interdição do exercício da actividade de um a cinco anos.

What we checked in this article

Verify the penalty ranges (1 to 6 years for founders, members and supporters; 2 to 8 years for leaders) and the penalties for entities under Article 182(1).

Moving to Portugal, or bringing a team or family? Article 184 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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