Chapter IX · Criminal provisions

Article 188 Investigation

Artigo 188.º · Investigação

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. The Criminal Police (PJ) is responsible for investigating the crimes provided for in this Chapter and other crimes connected with them, in particular trafficking in human beings.

1 - Cabe à PJ investigar os crimes previstos no presente capítulo e outros que com ele estejam conexos, nomeadamente o tráfico de pessoas.

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2. Undercover operations carried out by the PJ in the prevention and investigation of crimes related to illegal immigration in which criminal associations are involved shall follow the terms laid down in Law No. 101/2001 of 25 August, as amended.

2 - As ações encobertas desenvolvidas pela PJ, no âmbito da prevenção e investigação de crimes relacionados com a imigração ilegal em que estejam envolvidas associações criminosas, seguem os termos previstos na Lei n.º 101/2001, de 25 de agosto, na sua redação atual.

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3. The PSP, the National Republican Guard (GNR) and the PJ must cooperate and share information on all matters relevant to preventing and combating illegal immigration and trafficking in human beings, with the aim of preventing and investigating the crimes provided for in this Chapter.

3 - A PSP, a GNR e a PJ devem cooperar e partilhar informações em todas as matérias relevantes para a prevenção e combate à imigração ilegal e ao tráfico de seres humanos, com o objetivo de prevenir e investigar os crimes previstos no presente capítulo.

What we checked in this article

Verify that the PJ investigates the crimes in this Chapter, the reference to Law No. 101/2001 of 25 August for undercover operations, and the cooperation duty of the PSP, GNR and PJ.

Moving to Portugal, or bringing a team or family? Article 188 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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